Hey fellow bookworms and e-book enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into a predicament that has left many of us scratching our heads: Why on earth can't we buy books directly in the Kindle app?
As much as we adore our Kindle devices and the convenience they offer, this little conundrum has sparked some curiosity. Let's embark on a lighthearted quest to uncover the mystery behind this apparent book-buying blockade!
Disclosure: Some of the links in this blog are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.
To get our answer we first have to take a trip back in time
When the Kindle app was first introduced, users could make direct purchases within the app. Life was simple, straightforward, and oh-so-convenient. iPhone users were first to notice this change back in 2011 when this blissful era came to an abrupt end due to an unfortunate clash between Apple and Amazon. (Android users had a longer honeymoon period with using the Kindle app to purchase books, but that came to an end in 2022 as well!)
Basically, Apple and Google both insist on taking a nice cut from every in-app purchase made within third-party apps. Amazon, being the e-commerce giant that it is, isn't too keen on sharing its profits. As a result, they made the strategic decision to remove the in-app purchasing feature from the Kindle app. Sneaky, but can we really blame them?
What does this mean for you?
If you want to buy books for your Kindle app or even sign up for Kindle Unlimited, you'll have to first venture outside the app itself. Our friends at Amazon have made sure to make this really easy. All you need to do is hop onto your favorite web browser, head to the Amazon website, and make your purchase there. Once you've made your purchase, the book will magically appear on your Kindle app. So, while you can't buy books directly within the app itself, the synchronization between your Amazon account and the app ensures that your new acquisitions will be ready and waiting for you in your virtual library.
Wait.. are you serious?
Sure, it might require an extra step or two, but hey, we book lovers are no strangers to going the extra mile for our literary treasures, right? Think of it as a mini-adventure before embarking on the grand adventure within the pages of your new book.
While the inability to buy books directly in the Kindle app might seem like an inconvenience there is definitely a work around and now you know the reason why!
If you decide to go the Kindle Unlimited or Prime Reading route will not have this issue in the Kindle App once you first have signed up outside the app. You will have access to thousands of books right within the app. For the summer you might also consider trying Audible and enjoying audio books on your Hot Girl Summer walks.
Happy reading!
And remember, the best part of e-readers.. no one knows WHAT you are reading :)