How to Transfer Files to Kindle With USB

Amazon's Kindle e-readers and Kindle Fire tablets enable you to take your reading and other entertainment with you on the go. Your Kindle is only as entertaining as the content on it, making it crucial to transfer purchases to your Kindle. While it's more convenient to transfer files via the Internet, when not available, you can also transfer content using the USB cable that came with your Kindle.

USB offers a reliable method of transferring your Kindle content.

Download the Files

Step

Visit Amazon's website on your PC and log in to your account. Click the "Your Account" drop-down menu and select the "Manage Your Content and Devices" option.

Step

Place a check mark next to the item you want to transfer via USB. Click the "Actions" button and select "Download and Transfer via USB."

Step

Select the Kindle device you want to transfer the content to, if asked, then click "Download." Make a mental note of where the file saves on your computer.

Kindle E-Readers

Step

Plug your Kindle's USB cable into an unused USB port on your computer. Plug the smaller end into your Kindle e-reader.

Step

Enter Desktop mode and click "File Explorer." Locate your Kindle under "Devices and Drives" and double-click the device. Double-click the "Documents" folder.

Step

Right-click "File Explorer" and select "File Explorer" from the context menu to open a new window. Navigate to the file you downloaded from Amazon, or the file you want to transfer to your Kindle. Drag the file into the Kindle's File Explorer window and let go.

Step

Right-click the "Safely Remove Devices and Hardware" icon in the notification area. Select the "Eject" option before unplugging your Kindle.

Kindle Fire Tablets

Step

Connect your Kindle Fire tablet to your computer using the device's included USB cable. If prompted, unlock the device from the tablet's lock screen.

Step

Open Desktop mode before clicking "File Explorer" and selecting "Kindle" from "Devices and Drives." Double-click the "Internal Storage" folder.

Step

Navigate to the file you wish to transfer in another File Explorer window. Drop the file in the appropriate folder. For example, place photos in the Pictures folder, or songs in the Music folder.

Step

Right-click "Safely Remove Devices and Hardware" in the notification area and click "Eject." Unplug your Kindle and computer from the USB cable.