You don’t need an Amazon Kindle device to enjoy Kindle books. Learn how to read Kindle e-books on your phone, tablet, computer, or web browser — all completely free and easy to set up.
Actually, I do have an Amazon Kindle — a very old one which once belonged to my mother. After she passed away, it was given to me in a box of old technology. I recall it was full of old mobile phones, calculators, various other devices, and a Kindle. I just thought it was a tablet, until I saw the name.
Once I figured out how to turn it on, I noticed that she had an extensive collection of mostly crime fiction books. She liked a good detective story. I did read a few chapters of my own book on the Kindle!
Having written a book, an e-book that is available on Amazon (The picture, top right of page), I sometimes get asked.“But I don’t even own a Kindle… How do I read it?”
It was a good question, one that, at the time, I didn’t have an answer to.
So, I looked it up.
The good news? I discovered that you don’t actually need a Kindle device to read Kindle e-books.
Amazon has made it easy to access Kindle books from almost any device — smartphone, tablet, laptop, or even straight from your web browser. These are the main alternative to Kindle device options.
1. Use the Free Kindle App on Any Device
Surprise, surprise, there is an app for it. The easiest way to read Kindle books without a Kindle is to download the free Kindle app. It’s available for iPhone and iPad (App Store), Android phones and tablets (Google Play) and Windows PCs and Macs.
Once installed, sign in with your Amazon account, and your Kindle library, showing the books you have bought or downloaded for free, will then appear.
2. Try Kindle Cloud Reader — Read in Your Browser
Don’t want yet another app? Prefer to read in your browser? Then use Kindle Cloud Reader. Again, you have to log in with your Amazon account. But once you are in, you’ll see your full library right there in your browser. It is available to use on Edge, Chrome, Firefox, etc.
3. Formats and Kindle Converters
It is also possible to read Kindle books on other e-readers, but it will involve converting files from the formats used by Amazon to a format like ePub. Amazon e-books are protected with Amazon Kindle DRM, which restricts their use to approved devices and applications. E-books purchased from Amazon Kindle are in exclusive formats, like AZW, KFX, AZW3, MOBI, and PRC.
There is Kindle converter software available, but I think most readers would prefer not to have to go through such hoops.
It’s fair to say that Amazon like to protect their market territory, and they are the biggest bookseller in the world.
So, Do You Really Need a Kindle Device?
No, but the easy option is to use the Kindle app or cloud reader for browsers.
For the writer, as Amazon has around 70% of the book market, it is a big decision not to use them. But I know not everyone likes Amazon or has a Kindle, but it is possible to read Kindle e-books if you don’t have a Kindle device.
Happy reading!
Image by Tablet Helpline from Pixabay
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