However, you can actually skip this step. If you just need a basic tablet for reading free ebooks or ebooks from other sites and services, you can still use a Kindle. After all, they are designed specifically for reading. Another benefit is you can easily give a kid a cheaper Kindle, or even an older device, to serve as a low-cost tablet for school or entertainment. Without an account, they’re not making purchases without your permission. This is also a great way to give a friend or family member your old Kindle for use. If this is a new Kindle or one that’s already been deregistered from another account (more on that later), this is a simple way to skip the account registration step. If you already connected to your Wi-Fi network before you read this section, don’t worry. Turn off your router temporarily, restart your Kindle, and repeat the above. This leaves the Kindle without an account.
Finding Ebooks for Your Kindle
Another great option is your local library. All you need is a library card to borrow ebooks. Your library has to be partnered with an online service first, though. OverDrive and Hoopla are the most common. They’re free to use. There’s also SimplyE, which goes through The New York Public Library. Check with your library to see if they have any free digital options available. Another option is to get free, discounted, or regular-priced ebooks from other bookstores, such as Barnes & Noble, Kobo, and eBooks.com. (Use the app only on Kindle Fire or download the non-DRM content.) You can sideload the store’s reading app, if compatible, to read purchased books from a different marketplace. Also, check directly with publishers and indie writers. Many of these offer free downloads or direct purchases. Typically, they’re in PDF, EPUB, or MOBI format. Wherever you download books from, make sure to do it legally. Don’t download copyrighted books from shady sites, or you could end up with malware on your device, corrupting all your books.
Kindle File Format Support
Natively, Kindle devices support the following file formats: As you may notice, the popular EPUB format isn’t compatible with Kindle devices, but don’t worry – you just have to convert the file first for it to work fine with your Kindle.
Converting Files for Kindle
You have several great options for converting files for Kindle devices. The most powerful and useful by far is Calibre. Not only does it help you convert files, but it’s an ebook library management software for desktops and mobile devices. You can use it keep track of your files and transfer items from your desktop to your Kindle. For the purposes of this post, I’ll be using Calibre for converting and transferring files to a Kindle. However, several other options you may prefer to try include:
Ebook Converter (Android-only): quick and easy way to convert free and DRM-free ebooks for Kindle.File Converter (iOS / Android): Great overall file converter. It’s not just for ebooks. It handles a variety of document formats, images, videos, CAD drawings, and more. It’ll also compress files. I’d recommend this if you need a converting tool that can handle most anything.Online-Convert: ideal if you want to convert ebooks online without downloading any software. Only DRM-free files are supported, of course. You only have to sign up (which is free) if you want to save your conversion settings for future use.
Setting Up Calibre to Work with Kindle
While the other tools I mentioned are great for converting ebooks, that’s all they do. They don’t offer the option to transfer to your Kindle or keep track of your files. If you’re like me and have an overflowing ebook library on your computer, you need a way to manage the chaos. It also lets you transfer ebooks to your Kindle device.
Convert and Transfer With Calibre Software
When you open Calibre the first time, you’ll need to add your books. I’m using the Windows desktop version, so your interface may look slightly different, but the steps should be similar.
Transfer Calibre Ebooks to Kindle
Now that your ebooks are in the correct format, it’s time to move them to Kindle. There are three main methods that don’t involve using email.
USB Cable
Content Server
By using the content server method, you don’t need a USB cable. You’ll just need to use the same Wi-Fi connection for both the device using Calibre and your Kindle. This lets you browse books in your Calibre library from your Kindle’s browser.
While you might not have a Kindle email address, you likely have an email address. You can send newly added books to your email address automatically or manually, then use your Kindle browser to sign in to your email account and download the book to your device. It’s the more time-consuming process but works well for transferring small amounts of books/documents.
1. Can I use Google Play Store on Kindle?
Yes, but you’ll first need to enable your device to install apps from unknown sources. (See the beginning of this article for the steps.) Older Kindle devices (over five to six years old) might not have this option. Then you’ll need to download the following:
Google Account ManagerGoogle Services FrameworkGoogle Play ServicesGoogle Play Store
Please note that not all apps in the Google Play Store will be compatible with your Kindle.
2. What if my Kindle doesn’t have Wi-Fi?
If your Kindle only has mobile data, or the Wi-Fi doesn’t work any more, you can still use it as an ebook reader. You’ll need to use Calibre’s USB cable transfer method to get books onto the device, though.
3. Can I format a Kindle if I don’t know the password?
Yes. If you want to start from scratch or someone gave you a device, and you don’t know their login in order to deregister it, you can format the device.
4. What if I don’t have a computer to transfer books with Calibre?
Since it is available for Android and iOS, you can use your mobile device instead. You can also choose to store your ebooks and documents on Google Drive, Dropbox, or another cloud-based service. Then, as you add books to your cloud drive, just visit the drive on your Kindle’s browser to download the books directly.
Wrapping Up
You can also use your Kindle to subscribe to and read books using a Kindle Unlimited alternative.
