How to Read Kindle Unlimited Books on Any Device (Even If You Don’t Own a Kindle)
One of the questions I'm asked most often is:
“I want to read your ebooks, but I don’t own a Kindle. Can I still read them?”
The short answer is a very enthusiastic yes.
Whether you’re borrowing a book through Kindle Unlimited or purchasing the ebook outright on Amazon, you can read it on almost any device you already own.
Let me walk you through how it all works—without the tech overwhelm.
First, What Is Kindle Unlimited?
Kindle Unlimited (often shortened to KU) is Amazon’s ebook subscription service. Important note on ebook. Paperbacks and audiobooks are still available on retailers outside of Amazon.
Here’s the simple version:
- Readers pay a monthly subscription
- They can borrow up to 20 Kindle ebooks at a time
- There’s no due date—you return a book only when you’re ready to borrow another
- Think of it like a digital library you can access anytime
What Does “Exclusive to Kindle Unlimited” Mean?
You may see authors (including me) mention that a book is exclusive to Kindle Unlimited, and that wording can feel confusing.
Here's what it means:
When an ebook is enrolled in Kindle Unlimited, it must be sold exclusively on Amazon, not on other retailers (like Apple Books, Kobo, or Google Play).
Fortunately, that does not mean you need a Kindle device. The exclusivity applies to where the ebook is sold, not how or where you read it.
The Big Takeaway:
Even if a book is exclusive to Kindle Unlimited:
✔ You can still read it on your phone
✔ You can still read it on your tablet
✔ You can still read it on your laptop or desktop
✔ You just use the free Kindle app or Kindle for Web
Personal Note: Whether or not to include a book in Kindle Unlimited is one of the hardest decisions every author has to make. SO many factors go into the decision. Ultimately, I decided to have one series in KU and published one series "wide" on all the other retailers. This way, I can have at least some of my books available to every reader. It's not ideal, but it's how I've choses to handle the exclusivity issue.... for now.
A recent win for libraries: in 2025, Amazon updated their exclusivity policy to allow Kindle Unlimited books in libraries, which is a HUGE win. If you'd like to read any of my KU books through your local library, please don't hesitate to ask your librarian.
Now, onto the logistics of how to read a KU book on a non-Amazon device:
If You’re Reading Through Kindle Unlimited
Borrow the book through Kindle Unlimited, download the free Kindle app, sign in with your Amazon account, and your book will appear automatically.
If You Purchased the Ebook on Amazon (Not Through Kindle Unlimited)
This part is important, because it trips people up sometimes.
If you buy the ebook on Amazon instead of borrowing it through Kindle Unlimited you can still read it on non-Amazon devices using the Kindle app or Kindle for Web.
Here’s how it works:
Once you purchase the ebook on Amazon:
* Download the free Kindle app on your phone or tablet
* OR read using Kindle for Web on your computer
* Sign in with the same Amazon account you used to buy the book
Your purchased ebook will appear in your Kindle library automatically, just like a borrowed one.
What *Doesn’t* Work (and Why)
Amazon ebooks can’t be downloaded as files to read in other ebook apps (like Apple Books, Google Play Books, or Kobo).
That’s not an author choice—it’s an Amazon limitation.
So if you’re purchasing an ebook on Amazon, the key thing to remember is this:
You don’t need a Kindle—but you do need the Kindle app (or Kindle for Web).
You can also read purchased ebooks directly in your browser:
1. Go to Amazon.com
2. Log in to your account
3. Click Account & Lists → Content Library
4. Select your book and click Read now
Will My Place Save if I Switch Between Devices?
Yes—whether you borrowed the book or bought it.
Amazon’s Whispersync feature remembers where you left off across all devices. Start reading on your phone, switch to your laptop, and continue right where you stopped.
Final Thoughts:
I never want technology to be the reason someone doesn’t read a book they’re excited about. Whether you’re borrowing through Kindle Unlimited or purchasing the ebook outright, if you have a phone, tablet, or computer, you’re good to go.
I hope this helps!
Happy reading,
Rachael