KFX eBooks on iOS

Related: KFX eBooks on Kindle devices

To ensure the best reading experience on the Kindle app for iOS, I recommend using the KFX format. Unfortunately, Amazon's approach, which heavily favors its own formats and marketplace, makes it quite difficult for third-party publishers to add custom files to Kindle. This includes KFX files, which offer superior formatting capabilities over other formats.


When using EPUB files, it's important to note that Kindle's built-in converter automatically changes these into MOBI format. This conversion often results in a loss of much of the original formatting, significantly degrading the reading experience, especially on the iOS Kindle app.

To circumvent these limitations and enjoy enhanced formatting, you can sideload KFX files using a USB cable (because "Send to Kindle" doesn't support KFX files for reasons only known to Jeff Bezos).


Here’s how to do it, assuming that you downloaded the ebook in KFX file from your account:

For Mac Users:

  1. Connect your iOS device to your Mac using a USB cable.
  2. Open Finder. You should see your iOS device appear in the left sidebar. Click on it.
  3. Look for the "Files" tab in the top bar of the Finder window and select it.
  4. If the Kindle app is installed on your iOS device, it should appear in the list of apps. Drag and drop your KFX book file into the Kindle app.
  5. Your book should now be available in the Kindle app on your iOS device.

For PC/Windows Users:

  1. Download and install the Apple Devices app (or iTunes) from Apple's support site.
  2. Connect your iOS device to your computer using a USB cable.
  3. Open the Apple Devices app. Your iOS device should appear in the left sidebar. Select it.
  4. Navigate to the "Files" tab in the top bar.
  5. Locate the Kindle app in the list of apps on your iOS device, then drag and drop your KFX book file into the Kindle app.
  6. The book should now appear in the Kindle app on your iOS device.

Following these steps helps navigate Amazon’s restrictive practices and enhances your reading experience on the Kindle iOS app.