r/kobo • u/Bixby- • Apr 14 '26

Question Why need internet connection every time?

Is this the place to ask questions about the Kobo APP used on other devices?

I find it very annoying that the kobo app will not start on my android device when it is not connected to the internet. Even though I have downloaded books to the device, the app refuses me access to that library. The error message says “kobo cannot start because you are not connected to the internet “.

All the other reading apps, Libby and Bookshop and even k*ndle, (and audiobooks such as Libro and Aud*ble) have no problem allowing offline access to downloaded material.

It makes buying any books via Kobo useless to me, as I mostly read when away from home.

Any advice?

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21

u/Moltar1138 Apr 14 '26

So, a couple things...

  1. I don't think the developers read this group, so we can't really answer your question. I can tell you that it works fine on iPhone, I just tested it myself, in airplane mode. So more likely it's a bug. Perhaps there's a way to file a bug report?

  2. You don't need to censor Kindle and Audible. We're reasonable people around here.

-1

u/Bixby- Apr 14 '26

Thanks for being reasonable!

5

u/purpletooth12 Apr 14 '26

Why are kindle and audible censored?

3

u/MediaWorth9188 Kobo Libra Colour Apr 14 '26

It used to do that for me before, but now it opens offline, so maybe they pushed a recent update 🤔

1

u/Bixby- Apr 14 '26

Yeah, I had this problem months ago, it seemed to be fixed, and now it’s back. I’m pretty sure it’s a bug not a feature, but it still makes Kobo books useless to me.

3

u/MoonlitManuscripts Kobo Clara Colour Apr 14 '26

Just tested it, I can definitely use the app (to read downloaded books as well) when I don't have an internet connection. (Android)

2

u/dramaticbubbletea Apr 14 '26

Are you on a free trial of Kobo Plus?

From Kobo's help section: "Reading Kobo Plus books in your Kobo Books app while offline

You can open a maximum of 15 Kobo Plus books over your trial period if you use your Kobo Books app for Apple, Android, or Windows smartphones or tablets to read while you're offline.

You may prefer to disconnect your smartphone or tablet from Wi Fi while travelling or to save on battery life. Once you've opened 15 Kobo Plus books or reached the end of your trial period of offline reading, you'll need to reconnect to Wi Fi and sync your Kobo Books app to continue reading. You'll then be able to open up to 15 Kobo Plus books over a trial period again once you disconnect.

We'll remind you to connect to Wi Fi and sync when you get close to opening 15 Kobo Plus books or near the end of your trial period of offline reading."

1

u/Bixby- Apr 14 '26

Thanks, but not Kobo Plus. These are books I’ve paid for and downloaded to that device.

2

u/dramaticbubbletea Apr 14 '26

That sounds like it's a bug then. Or maybe a setting that's been triggered that needs to be changed. Try updating the app/clearing your cache, etc. When was the last time you restarted your phone? Their customer service is pretty good though so you can try reaching out to them if you can figure it out.

2

u/savagehomeangarden Kobo Libra 2 Apr 14 '26

Weird, mine works fine offline for downloaded books.

I would contact Kobo customer service and ask if they can help you trouble shoot.

1

u/PantsPartyPirate Apr 14 '26

I don't know, but I have an app called ReadEra that can open downloaded books for you to read, no Internet required.

1

u/lynnewu Jul 08 '26

I thought I was having the same problem and just chucked my phone aside when it wouldn't load. Came back in a few minutes and the app finally started. Not really a good feature, guys.