How to open an EPUB file
You need a reading app, and you may already have one. Apple devices open EPUB in Apple Books, Android phones and Chromebooks in Google Play Books, and on Windows the free apps Calibre and Thorium Reader do the job. Here is how to open an EPUB on every device, and what to do when it won't open.
Quick answer by device
| Device | Free app |
|---|---|
| Any device, nothing to install | Our online EPUB reader, right in the browser |
| Windows | Calibre, Thorium Reader or SumatraPDF |
| Mac | Apple Books (built in) |
| iPhone and iPad | Apple Books (built in) |
| Android | Google Play Books |
| Chromebook | Google Play Books on the web |
| Linux | Foliate or Calibre |
| Kindle | Send it with Send to Kindle |
| Kobo, PocketBook, Nook | Copy it over USB; EPUB is their native format |
On Windows
Windows 10 and 11 don't include an EPUB reader, so install a free one:
- Calibre is a complete ebook library manager. Add the EPUB to the library and double-click it to read.
- Thorium Reader is a simple, accessible reader made only for reading.
- SumatraPDF is a lightweight reader that opens EPUB as well as PDF.
After installing one, right-click the EPUB, choose Open with, and set the app as the default.
On a Mac
Double-click the EPUB and it opens in Apple Books, which comes with macOS. The book is added to your Books library.
On iPhone and iPad
- Find the EPUB in the Files app, in an email or in Safari's downloads.
- Tap the file, then the Share button.
- Choose Books. The book opens and stays in your Apple Books library.
On Android and Chromebook
Google Play Books can read your own EPUB files. On a Chromebook or any computer, go to play.google.com/books, choose Upload files and select the EPUB. On Android, open the EPUB from your file manager with Play Books, or install another free reader such as ReadEra.
On Linux
Foliate is a clean, modern ebook reader available on most distributions, and Calibre works on Linux too.
On e-readers
Kobo, PocketBook and Nook read EPUB natively: connect the e-reader to your computer with a USB cable and copy the file onto it. Kindle is the exception, because it doesn't open EPUB directly; see how to put EPUB books on a Kindle.
Why won't my EPUB open?
The book has DRM
Books from stores and libraries often use Adobe DRM. Those open only in apps that support it, such as Adobe Digital Editions. Ordinary readers show an error.
The file is .acsm, not .epub
An ACSM file is not the book; it is a small license file that tells Adobe Digital Editions where to download the real EPUB. Open it with Adobe Digital Editions to get the book.
It is really a MOBI or AZW3 file
Kindle formats won't open in most EPUB readers. Convert the MOBI to EPUB first; EPUB vs MOBI explains the difference.
The file is damaged or badly made
A download that stopped halfway, or an EPUB with structural errors, can fail to open. Download it again, or try another reader, since some are more forgiving than others.
Wrong title or missing cover?
If the book opens but shows the wrong title or no cover in your library, fix it in seconds, without uploading the file.
Edit metadata Change coverFrequently asked questions
What program opens EPUB files on Windows 11?
None comes with Windows. Install a free reader such as Calibre, Thorium Reader or SumatraPDF.
Can Adobe Acrobat Reader open EPUB?
No. Acrobat Reader is for PDF. Adobe's ebook app is Adobe Digital Editions.
Can I open an EPUB in Chrome?
Chrome can't open EPUB files on its own, but an online reader can. Open the book in our online EPUB reader, which works in Chrome and any modern browser without uploading the file. You can also upload it to Google Play Books on the web.
Can I change an EPUB after opening it?
Yes. See how to edit an EPUB to change its metadata, cover or text.
Related guides
EPUB vs PDF
Which format to use, and when.
How to edit an EPUB
Change metadata, cover or text safely.
Can Kindle read EPUB?
Three ways to put EPUB books on a Kindle.