Did you know that more than 1.2 million books are published worldwide annually? And, guess what, more than 60% of them are published electronically in formats such as EPUB. EPUB is a very popular eBook file format. It is supported by most online bookstores, authors, and publishers. But the problem is, Kindle does not originally support EPUB files.

Yes, it is a fact. If you try to open an EPUB file on your Kindle, you will fail to do so. The process can be extremely tiring and frustrating, especially if you like reading or if you are doing it for your academic purposes. Undoubtedly, more than 90 million people are using Kindle devices or the app every month. That is a whole lot of readers. And of professionals, nearly 75% read online content at least weekly, for reports, case studies, research papers, or books.

So, what do you do when the book that you need is in EPUB format? Most of them are stuck. They don’t know how to open it. Some people spend hours on the internet looking for ways. Others use random apps or converters that don’t actually work. Some even give up reading that book.

But the positive news is, yes, you can very conveniently, judiciously read EPUB books on Kindle. And no, you don’t need to be some technical magician. Here in this blog, we’re going to show you how to do it in some easy steps. We’re also going to introduce you to the tools that Amazon creates, while others are free websites to be found on the web that can convert EPUB files quite easily and securely within seconds.

Don’t let a file format get in your way. With some help, you can read any EPUB book on your Kindle device or app, whether you’re a student, a working professional, or simply an interested reader. This book is for you. Your Kindle is capable of more than you realize.

Important Tip: To make sure your ePub file is accepted and functions smoothly on Kindle devices, it must be correctly formatted—this includes proper front matter setup and alignment with Amazon’s latest technical requirements. Using proper book formatting will ensure your book meets the necessary standards. However, using online converters or formatting programs that don’t comply with Amazon’s new requirements may lead to issues.

Understanding the EPUB-Kindle Compatibility Issue

EPUB is among the most popular eBook self publishing formats worldwide. It’s supported by almost all the major digital bookstores and self-publishing sites. Why is EPUB so common? Here we have mentioned some common reasons for the popularity of EPUB.

  • Open Standard

Developed by the International Digital Publishing Forum (IDPF)

  • Flexible Formatting

Adapts to different screen sizes and devices

  • Rich Content

Supports images, fonts, and even interactive elements

  • Lightweight

Usually smaller file sizes than PDFs or Kindle’s AZW format

  • Quick Stats
  1. 1.2 million+ books are published globally every year
  2. 60% of them are published electronically

EPUB is the format on platforms such as Apple Books, Google Play Books, Kobo, and Smash words. But Kindle devices natively don’t support EPUB files.

The Kindle Compatibility Problem

Attempting to open an EPUB on your Kindle will cause an error, or ignore the file. This is annoying if:

  • You’re a student accessing academic texts.
  • A professional reading whitepapers or manuals
  • An author reviewing a draft or proof

If you are confused about how to send EPUB to Kindle, Amazon has made it simple. You can opt for the send to kindle tool, which automatically converts your EPUB into Kindle-friendly format.

Common Kindle File Formats vs. EPUB

Feature EPUB Kindle Formats (MOBI, AZW, KFX)
Compatibility Universal (non-Kindle e-readers) Only Kindle devices and apps

 
Ownership Open-source Proprietary (Amazon-owned)
Flexibility High (responsive design) Moderate (fixed layout in many cases)
DRM (Protection) Optional Required for most Kindle books
Use in Self-Publishing Very common Required for Amazon Kindle Store

Why Kindle Doesn’t Support EPUB Natively

Let’s have a look at some important elements that will help us in understanding why Kindle does not support EPUB.

  1. Proprietary Formats

Amazon uses proprietary formats like MOBI, AZW, and KFX.

  1. Closed Ecosystem

Encourages purchase only through Amazon.

  1. Content control

Built-in DRM (Digital Rights Management) to protect copyrights.

Despite being user-friendly, this restriction limits flexibility.

Who is affected by This Limitation?

This issue impacts a wide range of readers and content creators.

  1. Students & Academic Readers
  • Many open-source textbooks and research journals are available in EPUB
  • Universities often distribute EPUBs via digital libraries.
  • EPUB is preferred for mobile-friendly reading.
  1. Professionals
  • Business reports, strategy documents, and whitepapers often use EPUB for mobile compatibility.
  • According to LinkedIn (2023), 75% of professionals read digital content weekly.
  • Kindle is commonly used during travel or commute for business reading.
  1. Self-Published Authors & Publishers
  • Platforms like Reedsy, Leanpub, and Draft2Digital export in EPUB

Sharing review copies or testing the book layout on Kindle requires conversion.

Real-World Scenarios

Let’s consider some real-life examples of this issue:

User Issue Why It Happens
Maria (Marketer) Can’t read EPUB report on Kindle app File not supported
Jason (Student) Textbook download unreadable No EPUB support
Lena(Self-published author) Needs to test EPUB on Kindle Requires conversion first
  • Common Thread:

All three could resolve their issues using simple EPUB-to-Kindle solutions without any advanced technical knowledge required.

EPUB’s Dominance outside Amazon

Platforms that natively use or prefer EPUB:

  • Apple Books
  • Google Play Books
  • Kobo
  • Smash words
  • Project Gutenberg
  • Academic repositories (e.g., JSTOR, Open Library)

Amazon has allowed EPUB delivery through send to Kindle, making life simpler for non-Amazon content readers. The platform had its own file formats until recent changes made EPUB more easily accessible through its “Send to Kindle” feature.

If you are still wondering how to add EPUB to Kindle, then Amazon has made it simple than ever. With the send to kindle feature, you can now send your EPUB files to your Kindle application or device.

Why This Matters (Even if you’re Not a Techie)

No matter if you’re an occasional reader or a working professional, you’re likely to face this problem at some point:

  • Lost opportunities for reading because of unsupported formats
  • Wasted time looking for workarounds or converter apps
  • Inability to share EPUB content with Kindle-using colleagues or clients
  • More tech friction in your reading or publishing process

Step-by-Step Guide to Read EPUB Books on Kindle

So, here’s the good news. Amazon has now made it simpler to read EPUBs on Kindle. You do not have to convert all EPUBs manually anymore. With its “Send to Kindle” facility now accepting EPUB files since late 2022, users can send and read EPUBs with minimal fuss.

There are three primary ways to put EPUB books on your Kindle:

  • Send to Kindle (Official Amazon Method)

This is now the simplest and most trusted method for most users. Each Kindle account has its own Kindle email address, like yourname@kindle.com.

When you send an EPUB file to this, the platform will convert it into the appropriate Kindle format automatically.

Steps to Follow

  • Look for your Kindle email address.
  • To Amazon > Manage Your Content and Devices > Preferences > Personal Document Settings
  • Include your email on the approved list (for security)
  • Include the .epub file in an email (no body text)
  • Send it to your Kindle email address
  • Plug in your Kindle to Wi-Fi, and the book will soon show up

epub verify

Tip: Amazon has also converted formats like PDF and DOCX using the subject line “Convert”.

  • Opt For “Send to Kindle” Web/App Tool

If you prefer not to send it through email, use the send to kindle website or desktop application upload option. From there, you can add EPUB to your Kindle library easily by dragging and dropping the file into the application.

  • For web version visit: https://www.amazon.com/sendtokindle
  • Upload your EPUB file directly
  • Choose the device or application where you want to send it
  • For the desktop version, download and install from Amazon’s website.
  • Drag and drop your EPUB file into the software
  • It will sync to your Kindle via Wi-Fi

send to kindle

The desktop method is best for students and professionals who have to send numerous files on a regular basis.

  • EPUB to Kindle Format Using Calibre

Authors, self-publishers, and those looking for more control over the appearance of their eBooks will look for the strong resource accessible in Calibre.

What Is Calibre?

Calibre is an open-source and free management software for publishing an ebook that supports:

  • File format conversion (EPUB↔ MOBI, AZW3, PDF, etc.)
  • eBook metadata editing
  • Direct transfer to Kindle
  • Library management

Adding and Converting EPUB to Kindle with Calibre

Here is how you can convert an epub to kindle:

  1. Install Calibre: https://calibre-ebook.com/
  2. Add an EPUB book to the library
  3. Click Convert books → Select MOBI or AZW3 as output
  4. Kindles connect via USB and transfer directly from Calibre

calibre to kindle

This is best for authors who upload an ebook or desire to try out layout and formatting first, before publishing on Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).

Best Method to Read EPUB on Kindle

Method Requires Conversion Ease of Use Best For Cost
 Send to Kindle (Email) Automatic Casual use General readers Free
Send to Kindle Web/App Automatic Frequent use Professionals Free
Calibre Software Manual Technical use Authors, publishers Free

 Bonus Tips to Read EPUB on Kindle App

If you’re reading the Kindle app on your phone, tablet, or desktop, you can also:

  • Open the EPUB in a third-party reader app (such as Lithium or Moon+ Reader)
  • Or convert the file once, then send it to your Kindle app library using Send to Kindle

This technique is particularly effective for:

  • Business professionals examining EPUB-based reports
  • Students reading EPUB textbooks on any device

If you’re self-publishing eBooks, keep in mind:

  • Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) won’t take EPUB directly. It converts using tools such as Kindle Previewer or Calibre
  • Format your manuscript in eBook templates within Word or HTML and then export to MOBI or KPF
  • Utilize Kindle Create for a WYSIWYG interface to structure your eBook to perfection

Amazon KDP figures indicate more than 20% of books published independently are now structured outside Amazon’s system and converted afterwards. Indie authors need to know these tools.

Publishing EPUB Files on Kindle Simplified

Amazon is now making it possible for authors to upload EPUB files directly to its Kindle Direct Publishing platform. How to get an EPUB on Kindle is no longer a complex task. Authors can easily upload their EPUB files directly to the KDP platform. This simplifies publishing for independent authors and content creators.

epub files on kindle

Common EPUB Sources

Here is a quick table for common EPUB sources.

Tool/Platform Exports to EPUB Best For
Reedsy yes Professional formatting
Draft2Digital Yes Simple distribution
Scrivener Yes Long-form writing projects

What Happens After Upload?

Amazon automatically converts to Kindle’s format.

Your eBook can be easily read on every Kindle application and device.

  • Tip: A little formatting will shift ever so slightly in this conversion.

Quick Formatting Checklist

Before going live, be sure to:

  • Ensure clean headings and spacing
  • Avoid fussy layouts or fonts
  • Try the file out with Kindle Previewer

Kindle publishing from an EPUB file is easy, efficient, and flexible. In a matter of minutes with some quick checks, your book will be available to readers.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I directly open an EPUB file on my Kindle?

Simply no. You can’t directly open an EPUB file on Kindle. Kindle does not support the EPUB format. However, you can use Amazon’s send to kindle service. Just simply send the EPUB through email to your Kindle email address or upload it through the Send to kindle web tool. Amazon will automatically convert it into a Kindle format and will be accessible on your device.

  • What is an easy way to convert an EPUB file for Kindle?

The easiest way is to use Amazon’s send to kindle feature. It automatically converts your EPUB file without the help of any additional software. If you like having more control, specifically on formatting, then you can use a free software like Calibre. It will convert EPUB files to MOBI or AZW3. Later, it will transfer them to your Kindle with the help of a USB or email.

  • Can I sell my EPUB book on Amazon Kindle?

Yes, you can directly upload your EPUB file to Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). Amazon will automatically convert it into the right format. Just make sure that your formatting is clean. You can use Kindle Previewer or Kindle Create to see how your eBook will appear before you publish.

Final Notes

EPUB is one commonly used eBook formats worldwide. However, if you are using a Kindle, you must have noticed that it does not support EPUB files directly. The good news is that there are now easy ways to work around this.

With Send to Kindle from Amazon, you can email or upload EPUBs and have them converted automatically. For greater control, you can use tools such as Calibre to convert and manage your eBooks manually. And as an author, services such as Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) let you upload EPUBs for publication, and Amazon does the rest.

Whether you are a student, a professional, or an author, you don’t need to forgo reading or the distribution of EPUB books. Just do some basic steps, and your Kindle can support nearly everything.

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