How to manually load e-books onto your reader/device

[Lucas Beechinor]

Most consumers purchase digital content that is automatically downloaded to their mobile device/tablet/e-reader from websites like Amazon.com, iTunes, and Barnesandnoble.com. While this is extremely convenient, it is still important to know how to manually load content to a device (sideload). Many websites that provide digital downloads (like this one) are not able to automatically send the content to your device. Knowing how to sideload content will help you become more familiar with how to use your device and enjoy your e-books.

Kindle readers with PC

1. After downloading your e-book (in MOBI format) from a website, put it somewhere on your computer where you can easily find it (like your desktop)
2. Plug your Kindle device into your computer with the USB charger that came with it.
3. Wait for a dialog box to open and click "Open Folder to View Files." Or, go to "Computer" and select the Kindle drive or removable device drive.
4. Click and drag the e-book on your computer into the folder that says "Documents" or "Books" depending on which Kindle device you are using.
5. Safely eject your device and enjoy!

Kindle readers with Mac

1. After downloading your e-book (in MOBI format) from a website, put it somewhere on your computer where you can easily find it (like your desktop)
2. Plug your Kindle device into your computer with the USB charger that came with it.
3. Wait for the Kindle drive icon to appear on your desktop. When it does, double click it to open it.
4. Click and drag the e-book on your computer into the folder on your Kindle drive that says "Documents" or "Books" depending on which Kindle device you are using.
5. Safely eject your device and enjoy!

Click here for more information on sideloading to Kindles.

Nook readers with PC

1. After downloading your e-book (in EPUB format) from a website, put it somewhere on your computer where you can easily find it (like your desktop)
2. Plug your Nook device into your computer with the USB charger that came with it.
3. Wait for a dialog box to open and click "Open Folder to View Files."
4. Click and drag the e-book on your computer into the folder that says "My documents."
5. Safely eject your device and enjoy!

Nook readers with Mac

1. After downloading your e-book (in EPUB format) from a website, put it somewhere on your computer where you can easily find it (like your desktop)
2. Plug your Nook device into your computer with the USB charger that came with it.
3. Wait for the Nook drive icon to appear on your desktop. When it does, double click it to open it.
4. Click and drag the e-book on your computer into the folder that says "My documents."
5. Safely eject your device and enjoy!

Click here for more information on sideloading to Nooks.

Sideload to iPad with Mac

1. After downloading your e-book (in EPUB format) from a website, put it somewhere on your computer where you can easily find it (like your desktop)
2. Connect the USB cord that came with your iPad to your computer.
3. Open iTunes
4. Click and drag EPUB files to the "Books" that appears on the left-hand menu under "Library."
5.  Sync your device
6. Safely eject your device and enjoy!

Click here for more information on sideloading to iPads.

Go through this process once, and you'll be an expert. Send an e-mail to [e-mail] with any other questions!