How to Use Your iPad or Tablet for Reading Books

Turn your iPad or Android tablet into a great reading device — download the Kindle or Apple Books app and start reading in minutes.

In this guide (5 steps):

1.Download a reading app
2.Sign in to the app
3.Buy or borrow a book
4.Adjust font size and background
5.Read offline

Download a reading app

~15s

On an iPad, open the App Store (blue icon with a white letter A) and search for "Kindle" or "Apple Books." On an Android tablet, open the Google Play Store and search for "Kindle." Tap "Get" or "Install" — both apps are free to download.

Sign in to the app

~15s

Open the Kindle app and sign in with your Amazon account. Open Apple Books and it uses your Apple ID automatically. If you do not have an Amazon account, you can create one free at amazon.com.

Buy or borrow a book

~15s

In the Kindle app, tap the shopping cart icon to browse or search for a title at amazon.com. In Apple Books, tap "Book Store" to browse. Many classic books (like Jane Austen novels) are available for free.

Adjust font size and background

~16s

Once inside a book, tap the middle of the screen to see the reading toolbar. Tap the "Aa" icon to change the font size, font style, and background color. A larger font size and a sepia (tan) background are popular choices for reducing eye strain.

Read offline

~15s

Books you have downloaded stay on your tablet even without Wi-Fi. In the Kindle app, downloaded books show a checkmark in your library. You can take your tablet on a plane or trip and read without any internet connection.

You Did It!

You've completed: How to Use Your iPad or Tablet for Reading Books

Need more help? Get Expert Help from a TekSure Tech

Tablets are excellent for reading books because you can make the text as large as you need, adjust the background brightness, and carry thousands of books in one lightweight device. The two most popular reading apps are Amazon Kindle (works on iPad and Android tablets) and Apple Books (iPad only). Both apps let you buy books, and many public libraries offer free ebook borrowing through an app called Libby.

You do not need to buy a separate Kindle device to read Kindle books — the free Kindle app on your existing tablet works the same way. Inside the app, you can change the font size, font style, background color (white, sepia/tan, or black), and line spacing to make reading as comfortable as possible.

Once you buy or borrow a book, it downloads to your tablet so you can read it without an internet connection — useful when you are traveling or somewhere without Wi-Fi.

Rate this guide

How helpful was this guide?

iPad

tablet

reading

ebooks

Kindle

Apple Books

Android