How-To Guides

Beginner

3 min read 5 stepsMarch 24, 2026Verified March 2026

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.

At a Glance

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

~25s

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.

You Did It!

You've finished reading: How to Set Up a Kindle or E-Reader

How well did this guide stick with you?

Need more help? Book a TekSure tech

Rate this guide

How helpful was this guide?

kindle

ebook

reading

amazon

accessibility

beginner

Official Resources

GCFGlobal How-To Geek AARP Technology Tips

Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

← Previous

How to Scan QR Codes (and Spot Fake Ones)

How to Use Uber or a Taxi App for the First Time

Still stuck? Let a pro handle it.

A real person can walk you through this over the phone, anywhere in the US. If we can't fix it, you don't pay.

Book a Verified Tech How It Works

Learn more from official sources

Related Guides

How (and Why) to Keep Your Devices Updated

A plain-English guide to updating Windows, macOS, iPhone, Android, and your browser — and why skipping updates is risky.

3 min read

How to Set Up Netflix, YouTube, and Streaming Apps on Your TV

Step-by-step guide to watching Netflix, YouTube, BBC iPlayer, and more on your Smart TV, Apple TV, Fire Stick, or Chromecast.

3 min read

How to Record Your Screen

Capture what's happening on your screen — great for showing a tech problem, creating a tutorial, or saving a video call moment.

3 min read