Kindle Paperwhite cable, is it a regular mini USB cable?

bounce · 12-29-2017, 05:10 PM

I've tried three cables so far and none of them are getting the Paperwhite to mount in OSX. Can't see the Kindle in disc utility either. Is there any special tech in the Paperwhite cable? Also, any special markings on the cable because I have about 50 mini USB cables in storage...

rcentros · 12-29-2017, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bounce

I've tried three cables so far and none of them are getting the Paperwhite to mount in OSX. Can't see the Kindle in disc utility either. Is there any special tech in the Paperwhite cable? Also, any special markings on the cable because I have about 50 mini USB cables in storage...

I'm pretty sure the Paperwhite uses a micro USB cable. I think mini USBs were the older (squarish) cables, like the older Sony eReaders used.

Cinisajoy · 12-29-2017, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bounce

I've tried three cables so far and none of them are getting the Paperwhite to mount in OSX. Can't see the Kindle in disc utility either. Is there any special tech in the Paperwhite cable? Also, any special markings on the cable because I have about 50 mini USB cables in storage...

Keep trying. Make sure it is a data not just a charge cable. Make sure it is a micro not a mini. Unless by mini you just meant small on one end in which case make sure the ends match the input on the paperwhite.

Deskisamess · 12-29-2017, 06:29 PM

Make sure the device is awake.

patrickt · 12-29-2017, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cinisajoy

Keep trying. Make sure it is a data not just a charge cable. Make sure it is a micro not a mini. Unless by mini you just meant small on one end in which case make sure the ends match the input on the paperwhite.

https://www.amazon.com/Xcords-Androi...B+micro+cables

Ad for a charging cable. Now, here's an ad for a charging and data sync cable.

https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Braid...B+micro+cables

The Kindle is a charging and data sync cable and the connector is USB micro. All I have that uses USB mini, darn it, are my Bluetooth earphones.

DuckieTigger · 12-29-2017, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deskisamess

Make sure the device is awake.

That is not necessary. Connecting is enough to wake it up. Similiar to being able to plug it into a charger while asleep.

JSWolf · 12-29-2017, 06:56 PM

The PW3 uses a box standard micro-USB cable.

Deskisamess · 12-29-2017, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DuckieTigger

That is not necessary. Connecting is enough to wake it up. Similiar to being able to plug it into a charger while asleep.

I mentioned it because it was a common practice for low tech users on the Amazon forums to leave their device off with the cover closed, and not understand why their computer would not mount the device.

DuckieTigger · 12-29-2017, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deskisamess

I mentioned it because it was a common practice for low tech users on the Amazon forums to leave their device off with the cover closed, and not understand why their computer would not mount the device.

But I just tried it on a PW1 and a PW3 with the cover closed and it did connect fine. Maybe it is entirely different on a Windumb10 machine (mine) vs a Mac. Unless for some reason the usb port is set to charge only on OPs computer.

rcentros · 12-29-2017, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DuckieTigger

But I just tried it on a PW1 and a PW3 with the cover closed and it did connect fine. Maybe it is entirely different on a Windumb10 machine (mine) vs a Mac. Unless for some reason the usb port is set to charge only on OPs computer.

Same with my Kindle Basic 8, but maybe by "off" they mean "all the way off" – not in sleep mode. I use Linux, so (I'm guessing) it has nothing to do with the computer.

DuckieTigger · 12-29-2017, 08:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcentros

Same with my Kindle Basic 8, but maybe by "off" they mean "all the way off" – not in sleep mode. I use Linux, so (I'm guessing) it has nothing to do with the computer.

The only way it is OFF is in either dead battery mode or in shipping mode.

Cinisajoy · 12-29-2017, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

https://www.amazon.com/Xcords-Androi...B+micro+cables

Ad for a charging cable. Now, here's an ad for a charging and data sync cable.

https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Braid...B+micro+cables

The Kindle is a charging and data sync cable and the connector is USB micro. All I have that uses USB mini, darn it, are my Bluetooth earphones.

Thanks . My Garmin and old kobo use minis. Oh and my new dash cam.

GlenBarrington · 12-30-2017, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cinisajoy

Thanks . My Garmin and old kobo use minis. Oh and my new dash cam.

Get ready for the new USB "C" cable which my Motorola Phone uses! Switching is going to be a PITA, but charging is significantly faster. Now that i've had to face this issue, and have gotten the bellyaching out of my system, I rather like the "C" cable. I hope all my replacement devices will use it.

bounce · 12-30-2017, 04:22 PM

Thanks for chiming in. I went through about 15 cables before I turned the password option off and it was recognized. Strange since I had already entered the password and had the Kindle on the main screen before I plugged it in previously.

patrickt · 12-30-2017, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GlenBarrington

Get ready for the new USB "C" cable which my Motorola Phone uses! Switching is going to be a PITA, but charging is significantly faster. Now that i've had to face this issue, and have gotten the bellyaching out of my system, I rather like the "C" cable. I hope all my replacement devices will use it.

I wish a Kindle Paperwhite with a USB C connector would come out.

12-29-2017, 05:10 PM	#1
bounce Zealot Posts: 137 Karma: 13892 Join Date: Mar 2010 Device: Ipad, Kindle Paperwhite 11	Kindle Paperwhite cable, is it a regular mini USB cable? I've tried three cables so far and none of them are getting the Paperwhite to mount in OSX. Can't see the Kindle in disc utility either. Is there any special tech in the Paperwhite cable? Also, any special markings on the cable because I have about 50 mini USB cables in storage...

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12-29-2017, 06:29 PM	#4
Deskisamess Wizard Posts: 2,777 Karma: 45827761 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Ohio Device: iPhone 13 Pro, iPad mini, iPad Pro 12.9",Paperwhite 6.8", Scribe 2022	Make sure the device is awake.

12-29-2017, 06:56 PM	#7
JSWolf Resident Curmudgeon Posts: 80,782 Karma: 150249619 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Roslindale, Massachusetts Device: Kobo Libra 2, Kobo Aura H2O, PRS-650, PRS-T1, nook STR, PW3	The PW3 uses a box standard micro-USB cable.

12-30-2017, 04:22 PM	#14
bounce Zealot Posts: 137 Karma: 13892 Join Date: Mar 2010 Device: Ipad, Kindle Paperwhite 11	Thanks for chiming in. I went through about 15 cables before I turned the password option off and it was recognized. Strange since I had already entered the password and had the Kindle on the main screen before I plugged it in previously.