Kindle How-To: Transferring Files Via USB

Transferring Files Via USB

Both Macintosh and Windows users can download and transfer Kindle content, personal documents, and MP3 and Audible files from their computers to their Kindles through the USB connection. When your Kindle is plugged into your computer, your Kindle will appear as a removable mass-storage device.

System Requirements

• Windows-based: Windows 2000 or later.
• Macintosh: Mac OS X 10.2 or later.
• USB port: An available port or an attached USB hub with an available port.

Making the Connection

The illustration below shows a Kindle and a laptop computer connected through the USB cable.

To connect Kindle to your computer:

1. Plug the larger end of the USB cable into an available USB port or a powered USB hub connected to your computer.
2. Connect the other end of the USB cable to the micro-USB port on the bottom of your Kindle.

When connected to your PC, your Kindle will go into USB drive mode and its battery will be recharged by the computer. Your Whispernet service is temporarily shut off and you will not receive any of your subscriptions while in this mode. Also, your Kindle is not usable as a reading device while you are in USB drive mode, but will return right to where you were when you undock the device from your computer.

Tip: If you’d like to continue reading your Kindle while its battery is being charged by the computer, you will need to release it from USB drive mode by undocking or ejecting the Kindle from the computer. Note that it is always best to use your computer to undock or eject your Kindle before disconnecting the USB cable. Consult your computer manual for details on how to properly disconnect a USB storage device.

To move files to and from Kindle:

1. Connect your Kindle to your computer as described above. Your Kindle should appear on your computer in the same location you would normally find an external USB drive.
2. Use your computer’s file browser to drag and drop files to and from Kindle.
3. When finished, using your computer’s undock feature to remove your Kindle.

Remember, Kindle will only recognize transferred files if:

• File types are listed in the Files Kindle Recognizes section below.
• File are transferred to the correct folder for their type.
• Files are free of digital rights management software.