How to download EPUB files on your Kindle
3 minute readPublished: Friday, August 22, 2025 at 9:45 am
BNN Tech Brief: Uploading EPUB Files to Your Kindle
For avid readers looking to expand their digital libraries, the ability to transfer EPUB files to a Kindle e-reader is a significant advantage. Kindles now support EPUB files, opening up a wider range of reading material for users. This article outlines two straightforward methods for transferring these files: using Amazon's "Send to Kindle" feature and employing the free software Calibre.
The "Send to Kindle" feature, a built-in function of the Kindle, offers a simple and direct approach. Users must first register their Kindle to their Amazon account. Then, they can visit the Send to Kindle page on Amazon's website, where they can drag and drop or select their EPUB files for upload. The files are then sent directly to the Kindle device. However, this method may take approximately five minutes per file, making it less efficient for large-scale uploads.
For those seeking a faster and more versatile solution, Calibre provides an alternative. This free e-book management system allows users to upload, convert, and manage their e-book files. To use Calibre, users must download the software and then connect their e-reader to their computer. Within Calibre, users can convert EPUB files to a compatible format if needed. Once the e-reader is connected, users can drag and drop their EPUB files into the device library for immediate access. Calibre also offers an auto-convert feature if users forget to convert their files beforehand.
It is important to note that both methods are designed for unencrypted EPUB files. Calibre, while powerful, cannot remove Digital Rights Management (DRM) encryption. This means that books purchased from specific e-book stores that employ DRM may not be transferable to other devices.
BNN's Perspective:
The ability to easily transfer EPUB files to a Kindle is a welcome development for consumers. Both methods offer accessible options, catering to different user preferences and needs. While the "Send to Kindle" feature provides a simple, integrated solution, Calibre offers greater flexibility and control, especially for users with extensive digital libraries. The limitations regarding DRM-protected files highlight the ongoing challenges of digital rights management and its impact on consumer choice.
Keywords: Kindle, EPUB, Send to Kindle, Calibre, e-reader, digital library, Amazon, DRM, e-books, upload, convert, file transfer