How to open EPUB files
An .epub file is an ebook. Figuring out how to open EPUB files is mostly a matter of knowing which reader your device already has.
This guide covers every common platform, shows a way to open an EPUB in any browser with nothing to install, and explains what to do when the file refuses to open.
What an EPUB file actually is
EPUB (electronic publication) is the open ebook standard used by almost every store and library except Amazon. Under the hood an EPUB is a ZIP archive containing web pages, images and a table of contents.
Because it is built from web technology, text reflows to fit any screen. That is why EPUB books read well on everything from phones to desktop monitors. The format is maintained by the W3C and is free to use.
Open an EPUB in your browser (no install)
The fastest way on any device is a web reader. EPUB Reader Online opens the file directly in Chrome, Safari, Firefox or Edge.
- Go to epubreaderonline.com.
- Drag the
.epubfile onto the page, or click Upload EPUB and choose it. - The book opens with a clickable table of contents. The file is unpacked locally in the browser and is never uploaded.
This is also a handy way to check whether a file is a valid EPUB before importing it into a library app.
Windows
Windows has no built-in EPUB reader since Microsoft removed the feature from Edge. Free options include Calibre (a full library manager with a built-in viewer), Thorium Reader (lightweight, accessible, open source) and Freda from the Microsoft Store.
After installing one, double-click the .epub file. If Windows asks which app to use, pick the reader and tick Always use this app.
Mac
Apple Books comes with macOS and opens EPUB files by default. Double-click the file, or drag it onto the Books icon in the Dock. The book is added to your library and syncs to your iPhone and iPad.
Linux
Calibre is in every major distribution's package manager and includes a viewer. Foliate is a lighter GNOME app with a clean reading view. Both open EPUB files from the file manager once installed.
Chromebook
ChromeOS does not read EPUB out of the box. The simplest route is the browser reader above, which needs no installation. Alternatively, install the Google Play Books Android app and import the file.
Phones and tablets
On iPhone, tap the file to open it in Apple Books. On Android, tap it in the Files app and choose Google Play Books or another reader.
See how to read EPUB on mobile for the detailed steps on each platform.
Kindle
Kindle devices and apps do not open EPUB files directly. Amazon's free Send to Kindle service converts EPUBs on upload. Send the file by email or through the Send to Kindle website and it appears in your Kindle library.
When an EPUB will not open
- It is DRM-protected. Books bought from most stores are locked to that store's app and no other reader can open them.
- The file is actually an .acsm. That is an Adobe licence ticket, not a book. Open it in Adobe Digital Editions to download the real EPUB.
- The download was incomplete. Try opening it in the browser reader above; if it reports that the file is not a valid EPUB, download it again.
- The file is misnamed. Some sites serve EPUBs as
.zip. Rename the extension to.epuband try again.
Frequently asked questions
What program opens EPUB files?
Any ebook reader: Apple Books on Mac and iPhone, Google Play Books on Android, Calibre or Thorium Reader on Windows and Linux. You can also open an EPUB in any browser with EPUB Reader Online without installing anything.
Can I open an EPUB file without downloading software?
Yes. Go to epubreaderonline.com and drag the file onto the page. The book opens in the browser and is never uploaded to a server.
Can I convert an EPUB to PDF?
Yes, with Calibre's Convert books tool, but you lose the reflowable layout. For reading on screen it is usually better to open the EPUB directly.