Dedicated e-book readers like Kindles and Kobos provide the best reading experience but sometimes aren’t practical. For me, they’re something extra I need to carry, and I find that I never have them with me when I feel like reading on the go. They aren’t cheap either and are only worth the cash outlay for avid readers.
I carry my phone everywhere, and it doubles as an e-book reader with the right apps. The color display doesn’t match an e-ink tablet, but it’s not an issue if I make a few tweaks. There are five easy ways I optimize my phone for reading e-books.
Choose a good reading app
There are many to choose from
This will often depend on whether you’re already locked into an ecosystem. It makes sense for people with existing Kindle, Kobo, or Google Books accounts to use the companion apps to access their libraries. These platforms have some of the largest stores, and you’ll be able to find books in every genre.
I prefer downloading e-book files and using third-party readers. These readers have different features and customization levels, and it’s up to you to choose what you prefer. Key features to look out for are audiobook capability, e-book format compatibility, and links to free or paid bookstores.
These readers have different features and customization levels, and it’s up to you to choose what you prefer.
Some of these apps, like Readera and Moon+ have a free version, and you’ll need to pay to access certain features or remove ads. Others, like PocketBook, are 100% free and don’t require a once-off payment or a subscription.
Change the app settings
Get the best reading experience
After choosing your preferred app, it’s time to customize the settings to your liking. On Kindle, this means adjusting the font size and type. I change the background color and reduce the overall brightness. Then I decrease the margin size to fit more text on the page. Kindle includes quick-access themes, which can be easier to implement if you don’t want to change individual settings.
On third-party apps, I usually like to enable e-ink mode if possible to remove animations and other distracting graphics. I also set them to automatically detect any new e-books on my phone. If possible, I set the app to horizontal navigation because it mimics a real book and feels better to me than vertical doom-scrolling.
Turn off notifications
No distractions
It’s worth turning off notifications when you’re reading so you can concentrate without interruptions. However, this isn’t always possible. For me, it’s impossible to turn off notifications while I’m reading during working hours, and I only do it at night when I’m relaxing.
I could use the down button on the side of my phone to reduce its volume or activate vibration only. I prefer to use the Do Not Disturb feature and choose a one or two-hour duration.
Using the Modes and Routines Android app is another convenient way to do this.
Using the Modes and Routines Android app is another convenient way to do this. I create a custom mode called Reading. Then I set it to automatically activate Do Not Disturb when I open a reading app, like Pocketbook.
Get a stand
Read in comfort
Reading on a smartphone can be uncomfortable, and many readers give up after a while due to hand fatigue. Getting a case with a soft, rubbery feel and extra texturing can make it more comfortable to hold for longer periods. Serious readers can try a product called the Astropad Bookcase that extends your phone’s surface area to make it feel like a physical book.
A dedicated phone stand can also be a good idea, although they’re somewhat bulky and need space to work.
I prefer a phone case with an integrated stand on the back. It doesn’t take up much space and I can fold out whenever I want to read books or watch YouTube videos. A dedicated phone stand can also be a good idea, although they’re somewhat bulky and need space to work.
Change the phone’s display settings
No need for fatigue
Your phone’s display settings can impact your eye comfort when you’re reading e-books. This is another area where everyone has different preferences, and it’s up to you to choose what you prefer. I always keep my brightness settings low and turn night mode on because I’m more comfortable reading white text on a black background.
You can also try activating grey scale mode, as it’s the closest your display can get to an e-ink screen. Changing your phone’s display settings can be a chore every time you open and close a reading app. That’s why you can add them to your reading profile in the Modes and Routines app. Then your phone’s display settings will change automatically when you open an e-book reader.
