Problem: Kindle App won't open .mobi file (Solved)

[Scott]

IMPORTANT: When replying to this topic for help, make sure you answer ALL five of the numbered questions.


I recently received the following error report:

The file is a mobi file and after I downloaded the file it will not open in the Kindle app on my my smartphone. Whenever I try I get an error message saying there isn't an application available to open the file. I even reinstalled the Kindle app.

The solution to this problem is to move the file into the books directory of your kindle app. Most devices download the file to a downloads directory first, so you need to move it from the download directory to the books directory.

How do you do that?

Option 1 - You can use a file manager on your device. Your device may already have one pre-installed even if you have never used it. You can also download a free one from the appropriate app store.

Option 2 - You can plug the phone into your computer and move the file from your phone's download folder to your the books folder for your Kindle app.

Option 3 - You can download the book to your computer, plug your phone into your computer and then move the file from your computer to your Kindle app.

If anyone knows any other ways to easily way to move and open a mobi file with the Kindle App on a smartphone or tablet, please post them.

If you have any additional questions about this, please post a reply letting me know!

Update Dec 4, 2015 ~ If this solution does not work for anyone, please post here to let us know. We can hopefully help. Please include the following details so we have the info we need to try to help:

1. Did you try the solution above? Which one(s)--Option 1, Option 2, or Option 3?
2. Do you get some kind of specific error message? What does it say exactly?
3. What device are you using?
4. Have you ever been able to open a mobi file in the Kindle App on that device?
5. What other details or information can you provide to help troubleshoot? Any other details are helpful.

[Kaitlyn12]

I have never tried to open a .mobi file before. I am using the Samsung Galaxy S6. The error message says cannot find an application to perform this action. I have found the file under "My Files" but I cannot get it to copy to the "Kindle" file.

[Scott]

@Kaitlyn12 Which option are you using from the OP to move the file--1, 2, or 3?

[Kaitlyn12]

I have tried to download in onto the computer, but it won't do that either. Says something about no application to open. I have tried to move it to my kindle folder using option 1 but that won't work either.

[Scott]

I have tried to download in onto the computer, but it won't do that either. Says something about no application to open. I have tried to move it to my kindle folder using option 1 but that won't work either.

You don't want to open it your computer. After downloading it, you would move it to the books directory.

The problem you are having is you are trying to open the file. You need to move the file, not open it.

I hope that helps.

[Kaitlyn12]

My problem is I don't know how to move it. I have tried to copy it every way I know and it isn't working.

[Scott]

You either need to download a file manager app OR you need to use the USB cable to plug the device into your computer in which case you can 'manage the files' using your computer. If it was me, I would do the latter.

[jstrem15]

How do I open a mobi file on my Kindle Cloud Reader or desktop?

[mnleona]

Thanks. I have trouble from one of the sites I use to do book reviews.

[mariapaton]

How do I open a mobi file on my Kindle Cloud Reader or desktop?

[JaydaMax]

I have a galaxy tab a and can't get the mobi to open in the Kindle app. I tried using a file manager and it still said there was no app to perform that action. I couldn't move the book and couldn't even find kindle in the directory. I've never used kindle before and don't have a pc. Does anyone have any other suggestions?

[Word_Lover]

I have been trying to open a mobi file for the past few days and have had zero success. I have tried on my laptop and iPad with the same results. After downloading the file, I have tried opening it in Dropbox and Chrome Drive but it isn't actually the book, just lines of what looks like computer code. I'm not sure what else to do ?

[Makht73]

Can i not down load my book on my actual kindle? When i down load this it looks so different.

[Scott]

For those who need help, please make sure your reply includes your answers to the 5 numbered questions in the original post. Thank you for your help with this!

[DaisyI]

I tried downloading the book: The Banned Book about Love but I still cannot open it even after downloading the Free Kindle App.
I will try using my tablet