Tutorial: Wireless eBook Transfers to KOReader via Calibre

I get a lot of questions and comments about wireless transfers from the book library software called Calibre, to an e-Reader that runs KOReader. So below you see a tutorial on how to do that. 

KOReader is a versatile reading interface that supports wireless transfers, allowing you to bypass USB cables entirely. This guide covers the two primary methods: the Direct Wireless Connection (sending from Calibre to the device) and the OPDS Catalog (browsing and downloading from the device itself).

1. Prepare Your Books in Calibre

Before transferring, ensure your books are optimized for KOReader:

• Format: KOReader uses the EPUB format. It does not use Kobo’s KEPUB format, so keep your files as standard EPUBs.

• Essential Plugins: It is recommended to install and run two plugins from the Calibre plugin library:

◦ Count Pages: To ensure accurate page counts.

◦ Modify EPUB: This corrects formatting and table of contents. In the plugin settings, ensure “encode HTML in utf-8” is the only option selected to make the files highly compatible with your reader.

2. Set Up Calibre as a Server

You must activate Calibre’s sharing features on your computer:

• Go to the “Connect/share” menu at the top of Calibre.

• Start Wireless device connection: This allows Calibre to see your e-reader as a connected device over Wi-Fi.

• Start Content Server: Necessary if you plan to use the OPDS method to browse your library from the e-reader.

• Note your IP address: Click “Connect/share” again to see your IP address and port (e.g., 192.168.1.5, port 8080 or 9090).

3. Method A: Direct Wireless Transfer (Recommended)

This method treats your e-reader like it is plugged in via USB, but works over Wi-Fi.

On Your E-Reader (KOReader):

  1. Open the File Manager (Library view).

  2. Tap the top menu and navigate to Customizations -> Calibre.

  3. Go to Wireless settings and select “Enable wireless client”.

  4. Set “Server address” to Automatic (KOReader will usually find Calibre automatically on your local network).

  5. Set an “Inbox folder”: Long-press the folder where you want books to be saved (e.g., a “Books” folder) and choose it.

  6. Return to the Calibre menu and tap “Connect”.

In Calibre (On PC):

  1. Once KOReader says “Connected,” a “Device” icon will appear in Calibre.

  2. Select the book(s) you want to send.

  3. Click “Send to device”. The transfer is typically very fast.

  4. Disconnect from the KOReader menu when finished.

4. Method B: Using OPDS Catalog

This allows you to browse your entire Calibre library directly from your e-reader.

On Your E-Reader (KOReader):

  1. Ensure the Content Server is running in Calibre.

  2. Tap the Search icon (magnifying glass) in the top menu and select “OPDS catalog”.

  3. Tap the “+” button to add a new catalog.

  4. Enter a name (e.g., “My Calibre”) and the URL: http://[YOUR-IP]:[PORT]/opds (Example: http://192.168.1.5:8080/opds).

  5. Important: You must add /opds to the end of the address for it to work.

  6. Save and tap the new catalog to browse your library by author, title, or newest books, then tap a book to Download.

Here is two videos:


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