How to Set Up a Kindle and Make Text Bigger: Step-by-Step Guide
A Kindle is a light, simple device that holds thousands of books, with a screen that’s easy on the eyes even in bright light. The real gift for many readers is the text: you can make it as large as you like, so small print is never a problem again.
Setting one up takes a few minutes the first time. After that it just works. Here’s the whole process, and how to get the text comfortable for your eyes. If you are choosing a new television too, our guide to the best smart TVs for seniors is a good place to start.
Quick answer
Turn the Kindle on, choose your language, and connect it to your home Wi-Fi. Sign in with an Amazon account, or create one, so you can get books. To make the text bigger, open a book, tap the top of the screen, choose the Aa button, and slide the text size up until it’s comfortable. That setting stays for every book you read.
Before you start
Have your home Wi-Fi password to hand, usually on a sticker on your router. You’ll also need an Amazon account, which is the shop the Kindle gets its books from. If you don’t have one, you can create it during setup with an email address and a password. Kindles are sold in Australia through retailers like JB Hi-Fi and Officeworks, as well as online.
Setting up your Kindle
1. Turn it on and choose your language
Press the power button along the bottom edge. The screen lights up and asks for your language. Tap English, then tap the arrow to continue.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi
A list of nearby networks appears. Tap your home network, the name from the router sticker, and type in the password using the on-screen keyboard. The Kindle needs this to download your books.
3. Sign in to Amazon
Enter your Amazon email and password, or choose to create a new account. This links the Kindle to the shop so you can buy or download books. Many Kindles arrive already linked to the account that bought them, which saves this step.
4. Get your first book
Tap the shop or store to browse, or search for a title you fancy. There are plenty of free classics as well as books to buy. Choose one and it downloads in seconds, ready to read.
Making the text bigger
This is the part that makes a Kindle so kind to the eyes. Open any book and tap once near the top of the screen. A row of options appears. Tap the button marked Aa, which controls how the text looks. You’ll see a slider for text size. Drag it up and the words grow larger straight away. You can also change the font to a bolder one and widen the spacing between lines. Set it once to suit you, and every book opens that way from then on.
If you’d like free books too, your library lends ebooks at no cost through the Libby app, which we explain in our guide to borrowing library ebooks with Libby. And if you’re still choosing a device, our guide to the best eReaders for seniors compares the options.
Before you finish
Download the free Family Tech Safety Checklist to help check phone safety, passwords, scam messages, emergency contacts and medical alarm details.
FAQ: setting up a Kindle
Do I need an Amazon account?
Yes. The Kindle gets its books from Amazon, so you sign in with an account or create one during setup. It’s free to make.
Can I really make the text as large as I want?
Yes. Tap the Aa button while reading and slide the size up. You can also choose a bolder font, which helps a great deal.
Do I need Wi-Fi all the time?
Only to download books. Once a book is on the Kindle, you can read it anywhere with no internet, even on a plane or away on holiday.
Are all the books paid for?
No. There are many free classics, and your library lends ebooks for nothing through the Libby app.
Where can I buy a Kindle in Australia?
Through retailers such as JB Hi-Fi and Officeworks, as well as online. It’s worth comparing prices before you buy.
