How to open a .mobi file
Quick, free ways to open MOBI on any system.
A .mobi file is a Mobipocket eBook. If double-clicking does nothing, your computer simply does not have an app that reads MOBI yet. Here is how to fix that on each operating system, using free software wherever possible.
Open a .mobi file step by step
- Confirm the file really is a .mobi. Drop it into the WhatFileType file identifier, which reads its signature without uploading anything.
- On Windows, open it with Calibre or Kindle app.
- On Mac, use Calibre or Kindle app.
- On Linux, try Calibre or Foliate.
- Still stuck? Convert the .mobi to EPUB, which opens more widely.
Best apps to open .mobi files
Windows
- Calibre
- Kindle app
macOS
- Calibre
- Kindle app
Linux
- Calibre
- Foliate
Web
- Not common; convert first
!
Before you open it: Safe. MOBI is an eBook document.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I open my .mobi file?
Almost always because no installed app understands MOBI. Install one of the apps above, or convert the file to a format your existing software already reads.
Is MOBI still supported?
Barely. Amazon has phased out MOBI in favour of EPUB and AZW3. Convert old MOBI files to EPUB with Calibre for future-proofing.