1 Introduction: What is the E999 – Send to Kindle Internal Error?
The Kindle E999 – Send to Kindle Internal Error is a frustrating internal system failure that occurs when users attempt to send documents to their Kindle devices or apps using Amazon’s Send to Kindle service. This error typically manifests during file uploads and prevents documents from being successfully transferred to your device. Users often encounter this problem when sending files via email or through the dedicated Kindle app, resulting in failed deliveries and interrupted reading experiences.
This error is considered a general internal error, meaning it doesn’t point to one specific cause but rather indicates something has gone wrong in the document delivery process between your sending method and Amazon’s servers.
While the message can appear vague and technical, it’s actually one of the most common issues Kindle users face when trying to upload personal documents. The good news is that despite its frustrating nature, the E999 error is almost always resolvable through systematic troubleshooting steps, which we’ll explore comprehensively in this guide.
Understanding the root causes of the E999 error is essential for effective troubleshooting. Through research and user reports, several key factors have been identified as potential triggers for this frustrating issue.
2.1 File Format Incompatibility
EPUB limitations: While Amazon now supports EPUB files, many contain complex formatting, embedded fonts, or structural elements that Kindle’s conversion system cannot properly process. This remains one of the most common causes of E999 errors.
Unsupported formats: Although Kindle supports multiple file types (PDF, MOBI, AZW, TXT, etc.), some specific implementations within these formats may contain incompatible elements that trigger the error.
Metadata issues: Some users have reported that EPUB files lacking language metadata (particularly the absence of ‘English’ specification in the language tag) consistently cause E999 errors until manually corrected.
File corruption: Documents that were improperly downloaded, partially created, or damaged during storage may contain errors that prevent Amazon’s servers from processing them correctly.
Size issues: Excessively large files (typically over 200MB) may exceed Kindle’s processing capacity and trigger the E999 error.
Structural problems: Some PDFs and EPUBs may have internal structural issues that aren’t visible to the user but cause failures during Amazon’s conversion process.
2.3 Amazon Server Issues
Service disruptions: Temporary outages or maintenance periods affecting Amazon’s Send to Kindle infrastructure can result in E999 errors.
Synchronization problems: Occasionally, discrepancies between your device, Amazon’s cloud services, and their processing servers can create internal conflicts that manifest as E999 errors.
Security restrictions: Kindle strictly limits document transfers to only pre-authorized email addresses for security and spam prevention reasons.
Configuration oversights: Users often overlook the need to add their sending email address to the Approved Personal Document E-mail List in their Amazon account settings.
2.5 Outdated Kindle Software
Firmware issues: Older versions of the Kindle operating system may lack compatibility with current Send to Kindle processing requirements.
App deficiencies: Outdated Kindle applications on smartphones or tablets may contain bugs that have since been patched in newer versions, but still cause E999 errors on older installations.
Before diving into complex troubleshooting, always begin with these basic steps that often resolve the issue immediately.
Retry the upload: Server glitches are often temporary. Wait 5-10 minutes and attempt to send your document again. This simple step resolves many transient issues.
Check Amazon server status: Visit Amazon’s official status page or check their support forums for reported outages. If their systems are experiencing problems, you may need to wait until service is restored before successfully sending documents.
Restart your sending device: Whether you’re using a computer, phone, or tablet to send documents, restart it to clear any temporary software glitches that might be interfering with the Send to Kindle process.
Configuration issues within your Amazon account settings are among the most common causes of E999 errors.
Add your email to the approved senders list:
Log in to your Amazon account through a web browser
Navigate to Manage Your Content and Devices
Select the Preferences tab
Choose Personal Document Settings
Scroll to Approved Personal Document E-mail List
Verify your sending email is listed; if not, click Add a new approved email address
Save changes and attempt to send your document again
Verify account status: Ensure your Amazon account is in good standing with no payment method issues or restrictions that might limit service functionality.
Calibre is a powerful free tool that can both convert files to Kindle-friendly formats and repair problematic metadata that often causes E999 errors.
Conversion process:
Download and install Calibre from its official website
Add your problematic file to Calibre’s library
Select the book and choose Convert Books > Convert individually
For output format, select AZW3 or MOBI (both highly compatible with Kindle) (AZW3 vs EPUB)
Click OK to begin conversion
Send the newly converted file to your Kindle
Metadata correction:
In Calibre, select your book and click Edit metadata
Ensure the Language field is properly set (e.g., “English”)
Check that other metadata fields are complete and accurate
Save changes before converting
EPUB-specific fixes: For EPUB files, consider using Calibre’s EPUB Fix function or other specialized tools to repair structural issues before conversion.
3.4 Troubleshooting Your Kindle Device and App
Sometimes the issue lies with the receiving device rather than the sending process or file itself.
Update your Kindle firmware:
Connect your Kindle to Wi-Fi
Go to Settings > Device Options > Advanced Options > Update Your Kindle
If an update is available, install it and restart your device
Restart your Kindle device:
Press and hold the power button for 40 seconds (or until the screen goes blank)
Release the button and wait for the device to restart
This clears temporary glitches that might prevent document reception
Clear storage space:
From your Kindle’s home screen, go to Settings > Device Options > Storage Management
Delete unnecessary books, documents, or other files
Ensure at least 100MB of free space is available for new documents
Reinstall Kindle app (for mobile users):
Uninstall the Kindle app from your smartphone or tablet
Restart your device
Download and install the latest version from your app store
Log back into your Amazon account
3.5 Advanced Troubleshooting and Workarounds
If standard approaches fail, these advanced techniques often resolve persistent E999 errors.
Using Kindle Previewer:
Download Amazon’s free Kindle Previewer tool
Open your problematic file in the application
The tool will often provide more specific error messages than the generic E999 code
Use this information to identify exactly what needs fixing in your file
Side-loading books via USB:
Connect your Kindle to a computer using a USB cable
Locate your Kindle’s Documents folder
Copy compatible files (MOBI, AZW3, PDF) directly to this folder
Safely eject your Kindle and disconnect the cable
The documents should now appear in your library
Contact Amazon Customer Service:
If all else fails, contact Amazon support directly
Have your device information, Amazon account details, and troubleshooting steps ready
They can often identify account-specific issues or provide information about ongoing service problems
Table: Troubleshooting Steps Based on Symptoms
Symptom
Likely Cause
Recommended Solution
Error with specific files
File format/issues
Convert with Calibre or use Kindle Previewer
Error with all files
Email approval/server issues
Restart the device & retry later
Intermittent errors
Temporary glitches
Restart device & retry later
Persistent errors
Software/firmware issues
Update Kindle app/firmware
4 How to Prevent the E999 Error in the Future
Implementing these preventive measures can significantly reduce how often you encounter the E999 error, creating a smoother reading experience.
Always pre-check file formats: Before sending documents, ensure they’re in Kindle-friendly formats. Consider pre-converting problematic EPUB files to MOBI or AZW3 using Calibre even before attempting to send them through Amazon’s service.
Maintain updated software: Regularly check for and install updates for both your Kindle device firmware and Kindle mobile applications. These updates often contain fixes for known issues that cause errors like E999.
Regular storage management: Periodically review and remove unused content from your Kindle device. A clutter-free device with ample free space is less prone to encountering internal errors during document processing.
Verify metadata before sending: When creating or modifying documents intended for Kindle, ensure that all metadata fields (especially language specification) are properly completed before attempting to send them.
Maintain approved sender list: Whenever you begin using a new email address for sending documents, immediately add it to your Approved Personal Document E-mail List in your Amazon account settings before attempting to use it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the Kindle E999 Internal Error?
A: It’s a generic internal system error that occurs when Amazon’s servers fail to process a document you’re trying to send to your Kindle device or app via the “Send to Kindle” service.
Q: What causes the E999 Send to Kindle error?
A: Common causes include incompatible or corrupt file formats (especially EPUB), your email not being on Amazon’s approved sender list, temporary Amazon server issues, or outdated Kindle firmware/app software.
Q: How do I fix the E999 error with an EPUB file?
A: Convert the EPUB file to a more compatible format like MOBI or AZW3 using a free tool like Calibre, as the EPUB might have complex formatting or missing metadata that causes the error.
Q: What is Calibre, and how can it fix the E999 error?
A: Calibre is a free, powerful ebook management tool that can convert file formats and repair faulty metadata in eBooks, which often resolves the underlying issue causing the E999 error during Amazon’s processing.
Q: How do I add my email to Amazon’s approved sender list?
A: Log into your Amazon account, go to “Manage Your Content and Devices,” select the “Preferences” tab, find “Personal Document Settings,” and add your sending email address to the “Approved Personal Document E-mail List.”
Q: What is Kindle Previewer, and how can it help?
A: Kindle Previewer is Amazon’s free official software that simulates how a book will look on a Kindle; it can often provide a more specific error message than the generic E999 code, helping you identify the exact problem with your file.
Q: Should I contact Amazon Customer Service for this error?
A: Yes, but only after you have tried basic troubleshooting like checking your approved sender list, converting the file, and ensuring your app is updated, as they will ask you to perform these steps first.
Q: How can I prevent the E999 error in the future?
A: Always convert files to MOBI/AZW3 with Calibre before sending, ensure your sending email is approved, and regularly update your Kindle device’s firmware and your Kindle app to the latest versions.
5 Conclusion
The Kindle E999 Error may seem daunting when first encountered, but as this guide demonstrates, it is typically resolvable through methodical troubleshooting. The error most commonly stems from file format incompatibilities, unapproved sender emails, or temporary system glitches rather than serious hardware failures. By following the step-by-step solutions outlined—from simple retries and email verification to file conversion with Calibre and device maintenance—most users can successfully overcome this frustrating obstacle.
Remember that prevention is often the best solution. Regularly updating your Kindle software, managing your device storage, pre-converting problematic file formats, and maintaining your approved sender list can significantly reduce the frequency of E999 errors. When all else fails, Amazon Customer Support remains available to help with persistent issues, especially those potentially related to account-specific problems or ongoing service disruptions.
Despite its inconvenient nature, the E999 error shouldn’t diminish your overall Kindle experience. With the knowledge contained in this guide, you’re now equipped to efficiently troubleshoot and resolve this issue whenever it appears, returning you to your reading with minimal disruption.
Is a freelance tech writer based in the East Continent, is quite fascinated by modern-day gadgets, smartphones, and all the hype and buzz about modern technology on the Internet. Besides this a part-time photographer and love to travel and explore. Follow me on. Twitter, Facebook Or Simply Contact Here. Or Email: info@axeetech.com
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