How To Fix Missing Book Cover On Kindle Paperwhite?

I had this issue with my Kindle Paperwhite recently, and it was frustrating because half my library showed up as blank tiles. After some trial and error, I found that the simplest fix was to manually update the metadata. I connected my Kindle to my computer via USB, opened Calibre, and selected the books with missing covers. Then I clicked 'Edit Metadata' and manually added the cover image by dragging it into the cover section. After ejecting the Kindle properly, the covers reappeared. Sometimes, sideloaded books don’t retain covers due to format issues, so converting them to AZW3 or KFX in Calibre before transferring can help. Also, ensuring the cover image isn’t too large (under 2MB) prevents loading errors.

Dealing with missing book covers on Kindle Paperwhite can be a hassle, but there are a few methods to resolve it. The first thing I tried was refreshing my library by tapping the three-dot menu and selecting 'Download All'—this often works for purchased books. For sideloaded books, I noticed covers disappear if the metadata isn’t embedded correctly. Using Calibre, I fixed this by selecting the book, clicking 'Edit Metadata,' and embedding the cover directly into the file. Converting EPUBs to AZW3 format in Calibre before transferring also improved compatibility.

Another trick is to check the book’s file name. If it has special characters or spaces, the Kindle might struggle to display the cover. Renaming the file to something simple, like 'Title_Author,' can sometimes magically bring the cover back. If all else fails, deleting the book from the Kindle and re-sending it via ‘Send to Kindle’ email or the desktop app often forces the system to reprocess the cover. Patience is key here—sometimes the Kindle’s indexing takes a while to catch up.

Missing covers on Kindle Paperwhite are a common annoyance, but I’ve found a mix of solutions that usually work. For books bought from Amazon, a quick restart or sync often fixes it. For sideloaded books, the issue usually lies in the metadata. I use Calibre to edit the metadata and ensure the cover is embedded properly. If the cover still won’t show, I convert the book to AZW3 format, which seems more reliable than MOBI for retaining covers.

Sometimes, the problem is the Kindle’s cache. A hard reset (holding the power button for 40 seconds) forces the device to rebuild its database, and covers reappear. Another tip: avoid dragging books directly into the Kindle’s documents folder. Instead, use Calibre’s ‘Send to Device’ feature, which handles metadata better. If you’re tech-savvy, checking the book’s internal files with tools like KindleUnpack can reveal if the cover is missing from the source file itself.