How to Delete Books from Kindle on an iPad: Your Complete Guide

Deleting books from your Kindle app on your iPad is a straightforward process, but the method isn’t always immediately obvious. Here’s the lowdown: you cannot directly delete books from your Kindle library through the Kindle app on your iPad. Instead, you remove them from your device while still retaining them in your cloud library, or you can delete them permanently from your Amazon account through the Amazon website. Let’s break down both methods.

Removing Books from Your iPad Device

This method is the one you’ll likely use most often. It frees up space on your iPad without permanently removing the book from your Kindle library. Think of it as shelving the book rather than throwing it away.

Steps to Remove a Book from Your Device

1. Open the Kindle app on your iPad.
2. Navigate to your Library. This is usually at the bottom of the screen, indicated by a “Library” or “Books” icon.
3. Locate the book you want to remove.
4. Long press on the book cover. This action will bring up a menu with several options.
5. Select “Remove from Device.” You might see similar options like “Delete Download” or “Remove Download.” Select the one that specifically mentions removing it from the device.
6. Confirm the removal. A confirmation message may appear. Tap “OK” or “Remove” to confirm.

The book cover will then disappear from your device’s view. It is important to know that your book is not gone forever from your Kindle library. It’s just not taking up space on your iPad.

Deleting Books Permanently from Your Kindle Library

If you’re absolutely sure you want to permanently delete a book from your Amazon account and Kindle library, you’ll need to use a web browser. This action is irreversible, so proceed with caution!

Steps to Permanently Delete a Book

1. Open a web browser (Safari, Chrome, etc.) on your iPad or any other device.
2. Go to the Amazon website (amazon.com or your local Amazon domain).
3. Log in to your Amazon account. Use the same credentials you use for your Kindle app.
4. Navigate to “Manage Your Content and Devices.” You can find this option under “Account & Lists” in the top right corner of the homepage.
5. Select “Content.” This will display a list of all your Kindle books, documents, and other content.
6. Locate the book you want to delete.
7. Click the three dots (“…”) or “Actions” button next to the book title. This will open a drop-down menu.
8. Select “Delete.”
9. Confirm the deletion. A confirmation box will appear, warning you that this action is permanent. Click “Yes, delete permanently.”

Once you’ve confirmed the deletion, the book will be removed from your Amazon account and will no longer be available for download. It is also going to be removed from all your linked devices.

Important Considerations

• Whispersync: If you’ve read a book partially and then remove it from your device, your last read position will be saved thanks to Whispersync. When you download the book again, you can pick up where you left off.
• Amazon Prime Reading and Kindle Unlimited: Books borrowed through these services are only available as long as you’re a member and the book is part of the program. Removing them from your device simply ends the download, but you don’t “own” these books. If you cancel your subscription, those books will no longer be available.
• Personal Documents: The same steps apply to deleting personal documents you’ve sent to your Kindle. Be sure you have a backup of the original file before permanently deleting it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions related to deleting books from the Kindle app on an iPad:

1. Why can’t I delete books directly from the Kindle app on my iPad like I can on a Kindle e-reader?

The iPad app’s design prioritizes managing device storage rather than permanently altering your library. The primary action within the app is “Remove from Device” to free up space. Permanent deletion requires access to your Amazon account settings via a web browser.

2. What happens if I accidentally delete a book permanently? Can I recover it?

Unfortunately, permanently deleted books cannot be recovered if you didn’t purchase them, or unless you have backed them up elsewhere. It’s crucial to be certain before confirming permanent deletion. However, if you purchased the book from Amazon, you might be able to contact Amazon customer support to see if they can restore it in rare cases.

3. Will removing a book from my iPad also remove it from my other Kindle devices?

No, removing a book from your iPad using the “Remove from Device” option only affects that specific iPad. Your other Kindle devices and apps will still have the book available. If you permanently delete the book, it will be removed from all devices linked to that Amazon account.

4. How do I delete a sample book from my Kindle library?

The process for deleting a sample book is the same as deleting a full book. Use the steps outlined above for either removing it from your device or permanently deleting it from your library via the Amazon website.

5. I have a lot of books in my Kindle library. Is there an easier way to manage them, like creating folders?

While the Kindle app itself doesn’t directly support folders, you can create Collections to group books by genre, author, or any other category you choose. To create a Collection, go to your Library, tap the three dots menu, and select “Create New Collection.” You can then add books to that collection.

6. What’s the difference between “Remove from Device” and “Delete Download”?

The terms are often used interchangeably, but they essentially do the same thing: they remove the book file from your iPad. This frees up storage space. The book remains in your Kindle library in the cloud, ready to be downloaded again.

7. How do I know if a book has been removed from my device successfully?

After selecting “Remove from Device,” the book cover will disappear from your Library view on the iPad. It will still be listed in your cloud library.

8. Can I delete multiple books at once from the Amazon website?

Yes, you can delete multiple books at once from the “Manage Your Content and Devices” page on the Amazon website. Simply select the checkbox next to each book you want to delete, then click the “Delete” button.

9. Does deleting a book from my Kindle library affect my ability to read it if I borrowed it through Kindle Unlimited?

Deleting a Kindle Unlimited book simply ends the download and removes it from your device. It does not affect your account or future borrowing abilities as long as your Kindle Unlimited subscription is active. Once you return the book, you can borrow it again as long as it’s still available in Kindle Unlimited.

10. What happens to highlights and notes I made in a book if I delete it and then re-download it?

Your highlights and notes are typically saved through Whispersync. When you re-download the book, they should reappear. However, it’s always a good idea to back up important annotations just in case.

11. I have a book that won’t delete. What should I do?

First, try restarting the Kindle app and your iPad. If that doesn’t work, ensure you’re connected to the internet. Sometimes, a stalled download or syncing issue can prevent deletion. If the problem persists, try contacting Amazon customer support for assistance.

12. Is there a way to prevent books from automatically downloading to my iPad?

Yes. In your Kindle app settings on your iPad, you can disable automatic downloads. Go to “Settings,” then “Download Options,” and toggle off “Automatic Downloads.” This will prevent newly purchased or borrowed books from automatically appearing on your device, giving you more control over your storage space.

By understanding these methods and common questions, you can effectively manage your Kindle library and optimize your reading experience on your iPad. Happy reading!