How to Set Up a Kindle or E-Reader

Get started with a Kindle or reading app on your phone or tablet — including how to adjust text size for comfortable reading.

In this guide (5 steps):

1.Set up a Kindle device
2.Adjust text size and brightness for comfortable reading
3.Buy and download books
4.Use the Kindle app on your phone or tablet
5.Borrow ebooks for free from the library

Set up a Kindle device

~28s

Turn on your Kindle by holding the power button on the bottom edge for 3 seconds. Connect to your home WiFi (go through the on-screen setup). Sign in with your Amazon account — or create a free one at amazon.co.uk. Once connected, any Kindle books you've purchased will appear in "My Library" automatically.

Quick Tip

If you got this Kindle as a gift and it's already registered to the giver's account, go to SettingsMy AccountDeregister first, then register it to your own account.

Adjust text size and brightness for comfortable reading

~27s

While reading, tap the top of the screen to show the toolbar. Tap the "Aa" button to see display settings. Increase the font size using the slider — make it as large as you need. You can also change the font style, line spacing, and margin width. For the screen brightness, drag the sun icon left or right.

Quick Tip

Try "Warm Light" mode (on newer Kindles) in the evening — it reduces blue light which can help you sleep better after reading.

Buy and download books

~16s

On a Kindle device: tap the "Store" button to browse and buy books. On a phone/tablet with the Kindle app: buy books at amazon.co.uk (the "Kindle" category) — purchases appear automatically in your app. Many classics (Agatha Christie, Jane Austen, Dickens) are free in the Kindle Store.

Use the Kindle app on your phone or tablet

~26s

Don't have a Kindle device? The free Kindle app on your iPhone or Android gives you the same experience. Download it from the App Store or Google Play, sign in with your Amazon account, and all your books are there. The advantage: your phone is always with you, so you can read anywhere.

Quick Tip

You can read the same book on your Kindle device AND your phone — they sync automatically to the same page.

Borrow ebooks for free from the library

~19s

With a free library card, you can borrow ebooks using the Libby app (free, by OverDrive). Download Libby, add your library, sign in with your library card number, and borrow ebooks that can be sent directly to your Kindle or read in the Libby app. Most popular titles are available; some have waiting lists.

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