Tailscale adds proxy and tun modes for jailbroken Kindle devices

Tailscale has announced a new feature that lets users turn a jailbroken Kindle into a lightweight VPN gateway. The update, detailed in the company’s latest blog post, adds support for both proxy and TUN modes on the device, enabling it to route network traffic from other devices through the Kindle’s Internet connection. The post, which has already attracted attention on Hacker News with 96 up‑votes and 17 comments, explains how the feature expands Tailscale’s reach into unconventional hardware.

To use the feature, the Kindle must be rooted and running a compatible Linux environment. The setup process involves installing the Tailscale client, configuring the device to run in proxy mode for simple port forwarding or in TUN mode for full VPN tunneling, and then authorizing the device in the Tailscale admin console. Once configured, other devices on the same Tailscale network can send traffic to the Kindle, which will forward it to the Internet or to a private network. The blog notes that the feature is ideal for users who need a low‑power, always‑on gateway in environments where traditional routers are unavailable or impractical.

By extending support to jailbroken Kindles, Tailscale broadens its ecosystem to include inexpensive, battery‑powered devices that can serve as cost‑effective VPN endpoints. The community’s response on Hacker News suggests that the feature will be useful for hobbyists and small‑business users looking to leverage existing hardware for secure networking. As Tailscale continues to support a wider array of devices, the company’s strategy of turning everyday hardware into secure network nodes gains further traction.