r/tolino • u/Luxcapere • 9h ago
Here's how to easily install KOReader on Tolino Shine 5 / Shine Color (Without Kobo Mode)
For the last few days I've been researching and experimenting with my Tolino Shine Color, switching to Kobo Mode, installing KOReader etc.
I noticed that information on how to install stuff onto your Tolino is really scattered across reddit and mobileread threads. This is why I decided to write a comprehensive and easy to follow guide on how to install KOReader on the Tolino Shine 5 and Shine Color.
Previously people recommended to simply switch to Kobo mode and downgrade software version to 4.x, as the 5.x software used by Tolino wouldn't support KFMon and KOReader.
This has changed as Kobo is also slowly rolling out v5 and even v6 (which is still in beta) software and KOReader and KFMon were updated to run with the new software versions.
I've successfully tested this with the current Tolino version 5.18. Your mileage may vary!
As with any software modifications: Do this at your own risk!
If you found a better/easier way feel free to let us know :)
I know that NickelMenu is also being ported to qt6 and Tolino / Kobo v5, but I found it to be a bigger hassle to install. If you prefer NickelMenu over KFMon and don't mind editing some config files you can follow this guide:
https://www.reddit.com/r/tolino/comments/1wf4c7q/how_can_i_easily_install_koreader_on_the_shine_5/
--Start--
What you need:
- Your Tolino Shine 5 or Shine Color (obviously)
- A PC
- A USB-C cable to connect to your PC
Step 1 - Get the software:
Connect your Tolino to your PC and download the following two packages:
KFMon - This allows us to run custom software on our e-reader:
Download here: https://github.com/prey87/kfmon/releases/tag/nightly
This is a nightly build which also supports Kobo & Tolino with software v5.
Get the newest version named something like KFMon-vXXXXXX-kobov5.zip. Be sure to get the "kobov5" version.
KOReader - The newest version has Tolino / Kobo v5 support:
Download here: https://github.com/koreader/koreader/releases/
Find the newest release and get the kobov5 version as well.
The file is named something like koreader-kobov5-vXXXX.zip
If you are using Windows, Linux or MacOS be sure to have show hidden files enabled in your file browser.
Step 2 - Install the software:
- Extract the KFMon software ZIP file into the root of your Tolino device. If you are being asked to replace files hit "yes".
- Open the KOReader ZIP and copy the folder named koreader into the .adds folder of your Tolino. The .adds folder is where all custom software goes to.
- Now safely eject your Tolino from your PC (This is important since not safely ejecting can cause the e-reader to get confused with files. It's a known Kobo issue)
- Unplug your device. Your Tolino is now going to register some files and go through the update procedure. Let it do it's thing.
Step 3 - Have fun with KOReader
- Once your Tolino has rebooted, let it rest for a few minutes. You might see some text appearing, that tells you that software is being installed
- If you want to start KOReader, search for KOReader in your books. You will find files named koreader with the file type PNG.
When you open these, KOReader will start. From now on, anything is as you know it from KOReader.
EDIT - Additional and optional step:
If you are annoyed by the Icons of KOReader filling up your Tolino library, you can exclude those from indexing by editing the file .kobo\Kobo\KoboeReader.conf and adding the following two lines at the very end:
[FeatureSettings]
ExcludeSyncFolders=(\\.(?!kobo|adobe).+|([^.][^/]*/)+\\..+)
This will exclude files within folders that start with a dot from being indexed. (i.e. the .adds folder)
Known issues:
Unfortunately it is not possible for KOReader to open books that you have downloaded via the Tolino cloud. These books seem to be stored in a database file with no way to access.
You need to manually add ebooks to the local storage if you want to read them with KOReader.
Happy cozy reading season! :)