eBooks · .mobi
What Is a MOBI File?
A .mobi file is an older eBook format used by early Kindle devices.
- Extension
- .mobi
- Full name
- Mobipocket eBook
- Type
- eBook
- MIME type
- application/x-mobipocket-ebook
- Developed by
- Mobipocket, bought by Amazon in 2005
About MOBI Files
MOBI started as the format of Mobipocket Reader, and Amazon used it as the basis for the first Kindle books. Kindles still open MOBI files, but Amazon replaced it with AZW3 and KFX for store books and, since 2022, no longer accepts MOBI files through Send to Kindle. It supports only basic formatting compared with EPUB. If you have MOBI books without DRM, Calibre can convert them to EPUB.
How to Open a MOBI File
- Windows & Mac
- Open it in Calibre or the Kindle app.
- Kindle
- Copy the file to the documents folder over USB.
- iPhone & Android
- Use the Kindle app or an eBook reader such as KyBook or Moon+ Reader.
MOBI File Questions
Why can't I send MOBI files to my Kindle anymore?
Amazon stopped accepting MOBI through Send to Kindle in 2022. Convert it to EPUB with Calibre and send that instead, or copy the MOBI over USB.
Should I convert MOBI to EPUB?
Yes, if you use any reader other than Kindle. EPUB is supported far more widely.