📋 Verified Walkthrough
Computers • Everyday Basics

How do I read eBooks and listen to audiobooks on my phone, tablet, or computer?

Direct Answer

Download a free reading app like Kindle, Apple Books, or Libby (for free public library books). Open the app, search for a book, and tap the screen or scroll to turn pages. You can adjust the font size, brightness, and line spacing to make reading comfortable on any screen.

Why You Might Want to Do This

  • Enjoy novels, magazines, and non-fiction books anywhere without carrying heavy paper books.
  • Instantly make book text as large and bold as you need so you can read without eye strain or reading glasses.
  • Borrow free digital books and audiobooks from your local public library without leaving your home.
  • Listen to audiobooks narrated by voice actors while cooking, walking, or resting your eyes.

Before You Start

  • A smartphone (iPhone or Android), tablet (iPad or Fire tablet), or computer (Windows or Mac).
  • A free reading app installed (Amazon Kindle app, Apple Books, Google Play Books, or Libby).
  • An internet connection (Wi-Fi) to download books to your device for offline reading.

eBooks stay saved in your account library forever so you can read them on any phone, tablet, or computer.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. 1

    Choose and install a free reading app on your device

    On iPhone/iPad, open the App Store. On Android, open Google Play Store. On Windows/Mac, open your web browser or app store. Search for "Kindle" or "Libby" and tap Download/Get.

    👀 Search bar with Kindle or Libby app icon and a blue or green Download button.

  2. 2

    Sign in and find a book or borrow one from your library

    Open the app and sign in with your Amazon account, Apple ID, or local public library card. Browse the catalog or search for your favorite author, then tap "Get," "Buy," or "Borrow."

    👀 Book cover image with a prominent "Read Now" or "Borrow" button.

    3. ✅ Success Checkpoint: You're Doing Great

    If your screen matches the description above, you have followed the steps correctly. Continue to the next step.

  3. 3

    Make the text larger and easier to read

    While reading any book, tap the center of your screen once to show reading controls. Tap the "Aa" icon at the top or bottom, then tap the plus (+) button to enlarge the font size.

    👀 Font menu showing "Aa" controls, screen brightness slider, and page background colors (White, Sepia, Dark).

  4. 4

    Turn pages by tapping or swiping the screen

    Tap the right edge of your screen or swipe from right to left to turn to the next page. Tap the left edge to go back to the previous page.

    👀 Clean book page with subtle page-turning animation.

  5. 5

    Listen to audiobooks if you prefer voice narration

    In apps like Audible, Apple Books, or Libby, tap the Play button on an audiobook title to listen to professional voice narration through your phone speaker or Bluetooth headphones.

    👀 Audio player screen with Play/Pause circle, 15-second rewind button, and sleep timer.

If You Don't See It / Troubleshooting

If the text is still too small or hard to read

In the "Aa" menu, choose a bolder font like "Atkinson Hyperlegible" or "Georgia," and switch the page color to "Sepia" (soft warm cream) or "Dark" (white text on dark background).

If you want to read books without spending money

Install the free "Libby" app and enter your local public library card number to borrow thousands of eBooks and audiobooks for free.

Good to Know

  • Your reading position, bookmarks, and font size automatically sync across all your devices when signed into the same account.
  • Once a book is downloaded to your app, you can read it anywhere on airplanes or outdoors without needing Wi-Fi.