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How to send books to Kindle: 4 methods compared

Why you need this

Books from the Amazon store appear on your Kindle automatically. But if you downloaded a book elsewhere or converted it yourself, you need a different delivery method. There are four main options — here's what each one is good for.

Method 1 — Email via BooksTuner

The most convenient option for FB2 files: upload, convert, and send in one step.

  1. Go to BooksTuner and upload your file
  2. Edit metadata if needed — title, author, cover
  3. For FB2 files, make sure the "Convert to EPUB" checkbox is checked
  4. Enter your Kindle email address and click "Next"

The book arrives wirelessly — no cable, no apps to install.

Before the first send, add no-reply@tech.bookstuner.app to your approved senders list once: amazon.com → Content & Devices → Preferences → Approved Personal Document E-mail List → Add a new e-mail address.

Pros: works in the browser, FB2 converts automatically, you can fix the cover and metadata, no cable needed.

Cons: Amazon's 25 MB attachment limit applies, one-time approved sender setup required.

Method 2 — USB cable

Connect your Kindle to a computer via USB — it shows up as a flash drive. Copy your file into the documents folder.

Kindle supports EPUB, MOBI, PDF, and a few other formats natively. FB2 won't open without conversion first.

Pros: no internet needed, no file size limit, easy to transfer multiple books at once.

Cons: requires a cable, no automatic FB2 conversion.

Method 3 — Send to Kindle app

Amazon's official desktop app for Windows and Mac. Drag a file into the window or right-click and choose "Send to Kindle."

Download: amazon.com/sendtokindle

Pros: official Amazon app, simple interface, wireless delivery.

Cons: requires installation, Windows and Mac only, FB2 not supported.

Method 4 — Calibre

Calibre is a free desktop program for managing your ebook library. It converts formats, edits metadata, and sends books to your device via USB.

Pros: converts FB2 and dozens of other formats, full metadata editor, free and open source.

Cons: requires installation and setup, steeper learning curve than the other methods.

Comparison

Method Cable needed Converts FB2 File size limit Difficulty
BooksTuner No Yes 25 MB Easy
USB Yes No None Easy
Send to Kindle No No Easy
Calibre Yes Yes None Medium

If your book is in FB2 format, BooksTuner is the most straightforward option — conversion and delivery in one step, no software to install.

How to send books to Kindle: 4 methods compared