Where to download books depends on what device you own and whether you want free or paid titles
The most common places to download books are Amazon Kindle Store, Apple Books, Google Play Books, and Smashwords. Libraries also lend digital books through apps like Libby and OverDrive, at no cost. Each platform works with specific devices or apps — Kindle books go to Kindle devices and the Kindle app, while Apple Books work on iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers. The steps differ slightly between services, but the basic process is the same: create an account, find a book, and download it to your device or app.
Downloaded books stay on your device even without an internet connection, though some services require periodic online verification of your account. Most platforms keep your library synced across multiple devices, so a book you buy on your phone appears on your tablet automatically if you are signed into the same account.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, Google Play Books, and Smashwords are the four largest retailers where you can purchase and download books.
- Your local library offers free book downloads through Libby or OverDrive, and you only need a library card to use them.
- Each platform works best with certain devices — Kindle for Amazon devices and the Kindle app, Apple Books for Apple devices, Google Play Books for Android phones and tablets.
- Downloaded books stay on your device even without an internet connection, though some services require periodic online verification of your account.
Downloading from Amazon Kindle Store
To download a book from Kindle Store, go to amazon.com on a web browser or open the Kindle app on your phone or tablet. Search for the book title. When you find it, select the price or "Buy Now" button. You will be asked to confirm your purchase and payment method. After you complete the purchase, the book downloads automatically to your Kindle device or the Kindle app you have installed.
If you own a Kindle e-reader (Paperwhite, Oasis, or basic Kindle), the book appears in your library on the device within seconds. If you use the Kindle app on a phone or tablet, open the app and tap the Library tab to find your book. You can read it immediately without needing the internet, though Amazon recommends connecting online once a month so your device stays synced across all your Kindle apps and devices.
Downloading from Apple Books
Apple Books works only on iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers. Open the Books app (it comes pre-installed on newer Apple devices). Tap the search icon at the bottom and type the book title. When you find the book, tap the price or the cloud icon if the book is free. Confirm your purchase using Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password. The book downloads to your device and appears in your library automatically.
You can read Apple Books titles offline once they are downloaded. If you buy a book on your iPhone, it also appears in the Books app on your iPad and Mac if you are signed into the same Apple ID. To re-download a book you bought previously, tap the cloud icon next to the title instead of the price.
Downloading from Google Play Books
Google Play Books works on Android phones and tablets, as well as through a web browser on any computer. On an Android device, open Google Play Books (or download it from Google Play Store if you do not have it). Search for a book title. Tap the price or "Free" if the book costs nothing. Confirm your purchase using your Google account. The book downloads automatically and appears in your library.
To read offline, open the book and tap the three-line menu icon, then select "Download." This saves the full text to your device so you can read without internet. On a computer, you can read Google Play Books in a web browser at play.google.com/books, but you cannot download them to read offline on a computer — only on Android devices.
Getting free books from your library
Libby and OverDrive are apps that let you borrow digital books from your local library for free. Download the Libby or OverDrive app on your phone or tablet. Open the app and select your library by entering your zip code or library name. Sign in with your library card number and PIN (usually your last name or birth date — check your library's website if you are unsure). Search for a book title.
When you find a book, tap "Borrow" or "Place a Hold." If the book is available, it downloads immediately and you can read it for two to three weeks (the standard loan period). If all copies are checked out, you join a hold list and the app notifies you when it becomes available. Most libraries let you renew a book once if no one else is waiting for it. When the loan period ends, the book automatically disappears from your device — you do not have to return it manually.
Downloading from Smashwords
Smashwords is a platform where independent authors sell e-books directly. Go to smashwords.com in a web browser. Search for a book or browse by genre. Click the book title to open its page. Select your preferred file format — Smashwords offers EPUB, Mobi, PDF, and other formats. Click "Read" or the download button. You may be asked to create a free Smashwords account or sign in if you already have one.
After you download the file, you need to transfer it to your reading device or app manually. For EPUB files, you can open them in Apple Books, Google Play Books, or apps like Libby. For Mobi files, use the Kindle app or email the file to your Kindle device's email address (found in your Amazon account settings). PDF files open on any device with a PDF reader. Smashwords also offers many free books, so you can download without paying.
Transferring downloaded books to your device
Most modern e-reading platforms handle downloads automatically — you buy or borrow a book and it appears in your app or device library without extra steps. However, if you download a file directly (like from Smashwords or Project Gutenberg), you may need to move it yourself.
For Kindle devices, the easiest method is to email the file to your device's email address. Find this address in your Amazon account under "Manage Your Content and Devices," then "Devices." The email address looks like yourname@kindle.com. Attach the book file and send it. The book appears in your Kindle library within minutes. For Apple Books, simply open EPUB files on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac and tap "Open in Books." For Android devices, download a file manager app, locate the book file, and tap it to open it in your preferred reading app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I read a downloaded book without internet?
Yes. Once a book is fully downloaded to your device, you can read it offline. Some services like Kindle and Apple Books require you to connect online occasionally to verify your account, but you can read the actual book text without an active internet connection.
What is the difference between buying and borrowing a digital book?
When you buy a book, it stays in your library permanently and you can read it anytime. When you borrow through a library app like Libby, you have it for two to three weeks, then it automatically disappears. Borrowing is free; buying costs money but gives you permanent access.
Can I read a Kindle book on my iPad or phone?
Yes. Download the free Kindle app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, sign in with your Amazon account, and your Kindle books appear in the app. You can read them on any device that has the Kindle app installed.
What file format should I download if I am not sure?
EPUB is the most universal format and works with Apple Books, Google Play Books, Libby, and most other reading apps. If you own a Kindle device, download Mobi or send the file to your Kindle email address. PDF works on any device but does not adjust text size as easily as EPUB or Mobi.
Do I lose my downloaded books if I uninstall the app?
If you uninstall the app and reinstall it later, your books reappear in your library when you sign back in — they are stored on the company's servers, not just on your device. However, if you delete a book from your library through the app, you will need to download it again.