Delete a book from Kindle in three steps
You remove a book from your Kindle library by finding it in your library, opening its menu, and selecting delete. The book disappears from all your Kindle devices and apps within seconds. You can do this from any device where you read Kindle books — your e-reader, phone, tablet, or computer — and the deletion syncs across all of them.
Deleting a book does not refund your money if you bought it, and Amazon keeps a record that you owned it. You can re-read the book later without paying again. If someone else in your household shares your Amazon account, they will also lose access to that book.
Key Takeaways
- You delete a Kindle book by opening your library, finding the title, and selecting remove from device or delete from library from its menu.
- Deleting a book removes it from your library on all Kindle devices and apps at once, but you can read it again later.
- The steps differ slightly depending on whether you are using a Kindle e-reader, a phone or tablet app, or a web browser.
- If you share an Amazon account with family members, deleting a book removes it for everyone on that account.
- Books you borrowed through Kindle Unlimited or your library card cannot be deleted the same way — you return them instead.
Delete a book from a Kindle e-reader
On a Kindle Paperwhite, Kindle Oasis, or standard Kindle device, go to your library by pressing the home button. Find the book you want to remove and hold your finger on its cover for two seconds until a menu appears. Tap Remove from Device.
The book vanishes from your home screen and library when ready. If you want to delete it permanently from your account so it does not show up in your library at all, select Delete instead of Remove from Device. Most people choose Remove from Device because it keeps the book in your account history but frees up storage space on the e-reader.
Delete a book from the Kindle app on your phone or tablet
Open the Kindle app on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device and tap the library icon at the bottom of the screen. Find the book you want to remove and swipe left across its cover (on iPhone or iPad) or long-press the cover (on Android). A menu will appear with options including Remove from Device and Delete.
Choose Remove from Device to clear it from your phone or tablet but keep it in your account, or Delete to remove it from your library entirely. The change takes effect when ready on that device and syncs to your other devices within a few seconds.
Delete a book using Amazon's website
Go to amazon.com and sign in to your account. Click on Account & Lists in the top right, then select Your Content and Devices. You will see a list of all your Kindle books.
Find the book you want to remove and click the three dots next to its title. Select Delete from the menu. A confirmation message will appear asking if you are sure — click Delete again. The book is now removed from your library and all your devices.
What happens when you delete a book
When you delete a book, it disappears from your library on every Kindle device and app you own. The book no longer takes up storage space on your e-reader. Amazon keeps a record in your account that you owned the book, so you can re-read it at any time without paying again — it will show in your purchase history.
If you only removed the book from one device instead of deleting it from your library, it stays in your account and you can read it to other devices. This is useful if you want to free up space on your phone but keep the book on your e-reader.
Returning borrowed books instead of deleting them
If you borrowed a book through Kindle Unlimited or your public library's digital collection, you cannot delete it the same way. Instead, you return it. Open the book in your Kindle app or e-reader, go to the menu, and look for Return This Book or Return. This makes the book available to other readers and removes it from your library when ready.
Borrowed books have an expiration date — Kindle Unlimited books usually expire after 10 days, and library books expire on their due date. You do not need to return them manually; they disappear from your library automatically when the time runs out. If you want to read the book again after returning it, you can borrow it once more.
Deleting books when you share an Amazon account
If you and another person share the same Amazon account, deleting a book removes it from the library for both of you. The person who did not delete it will see it disappear from their devices and will not be able to re-read it unless you undo the deletion.
If you want to keep some books private or let household members manage their own libraries, Amazon offers Household Library sharing, which lets each person have their own Kindle library while sharing purchases. You set this up in Account & Lists under Your Household. This way, one person can delete a book without affecting the other person's access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my money back if I delete a book I bought?
Deleting a book does not refund your purchase. If you want a refund, you need to contact Amazon customer service within seven days of purchase and explain why you want to return it. Deletion is permanent removal from your library, not a return for refund.
What if I delete a book by accident?
You can re-read any book you have purchased by going to your library on Amazon.com, finding the book in your purchase history, and clicking the read button. It will appear on your devices again within seconds. There is no undo button, but re-downloading is when ready and free.
Does deleting a book free up storage space on my Kindle?
Yes. Deleting a book removes the file from your e-reader's storage. If your Kindle is running slowly or you are running out of space, deleting books you have finished reading can help. You can always re-read them later.
Can I delete multiple books at once?
On the Amazon website, you can select multiple books by clicking the checkbox next to each title, then click Delete Items at the top. On Kindle devices and apps, you must delete books one at a time by opening each book's menu.
Will deleting a book remove it from my reading history?
No. Amazon keeps a record that you owned and read the book even after you delete it. Your reading history, bookmarks, and notes are separate from the book file itself and remain in your account.