How do I listen to audiobooks on Android?
Audiobooks are recordings of books or other publications that can be listened to on a variety of devices. With the rise of smartphones, audiobooks have become increasingly popular as a convenient way to enjoy books on the go. Many Android users take advantage of apps that provide access to extensive audiobook libraries and playback features. Audiobooks allow busy people to fit reading into small pockets of time during their day by listening while driving, exercising, doing chores, etc. The narration and dramatic performances also bring books to life in a unique way. Android users in particular enjoy the flexibility of playing audiobooks on smartphones and tablets using various apps optimized for the platform.
Compatibility
Most Android devices running Android 6.0 Marshmallow or later support audiobook playback through various audiobook apps. This includes phones and tablets from manufacturers like Samsung, LG, Motorola, Google Pixel, OnePlus, and more. Some notable compatible Android versions include Android 6.0 Marshmallow, Android 7.0 Nougat, Android 8.0 Oreo, Android 9 Pie, Android 10, Android 11, and Android 12.
Popular audiobook apps like Audible, Kobo, Libby, and Google Play Books have official Android apps optimized for playback on Android devices. As long as your Android phone or tablet is relatively modern and up-to-date, running at least Android 6.0, you should be able to download audiobook apps from the Google Play Store and listen to audiobooks without issue.
According to Audible’s compatibility guide, their Android app works on any device running Android 6 or higher. Meanwhile, Kobo specifies that their Android app requires Android 6.0 or newer. So focus on having a modern Android OS version when choosing a device for audiobook listening.
Install Audiobook Apps
There are several excellent audiobook apps available for Android devices. Some of the most popular options include:
Audible – The leading audiobook app, with the largest selection of titles. Download the app from the Google Play Store. Audible offers a 30-day free trial for new users.
Google Play Books – Google’s audiobook app with over 100,000 titles. Comes pre-installed on many Android devices or downloadable from the Play Store. Provides discounts for purchasing the ebook version.
Libby – Created by OverDrive, Libby connects to local libraries for free audiobook borrowing. Search for and download titles using a valid library card. Libby has an intuitive, user-friendly interface.
Hoopla – Another app for borrowing free audiobooks from local libraries. Create an account and enter your library card details to get access. Hoopla offers movies, music, comics, and ebooks as well.
Scribd – Subscription service with over 100,000 audiobooks, ebooks, magazines, and more. Scribd offers a 30-day free trial for new users. Download the app from the Play Store.
Most audiobook apps follow a similar installation process. Search for the app on the Google Play Store, tap Install, and accept any required permissions. The app will download and install directly onto your Android device. You can then create an account, login, and start accessing audiobooks.
Download Audiobooks
Once you have installed an audiobook app, it’s easy to find and download audiobooks. Popular apps like Google Play Books and Audible have large catalogs of audiobooks available for purchase or with an Audible subscription. You can browse by genre, author, best sellers, or search for a specific title or author.
To purchase an audiobook, simply tap on the book you want and select to buy it. Most apps accept payment through your Google Play or app store account. Once purchased, the audiobook will automatically download to your device and be available in your library within the app. Some apps like Audible allow you to pre-order upcoming releases too.
If you have an existing audiobook collection, you may be able to transfer the files to your Android device as well. This allows you to listen to audiobooks purchased from other sources. Check your audiobook app’s help section for instructions on transferring files.
Purchasing and downloading audiobooks directly within the app is the easiest way to quickly build your listening library on an Android device.
Transfer Files
If your audiobook files are on your computer, you’ll need to transfer them to your Android device before you can listen to them. Here are a few ways to transfer audiobook files:
- Connect your Android device to your computer using a USB cable. Make sure USB file transfer or USB mass storage mode is enabled on your Android device. Your computer should detect the device as an external hard drive. You can then drag and drop audiobook files directly onto your Android device.
- Use a file sharing app like Dropbox or Google Drive. Upload the audiobook files from your computer to cloud storage, then download them to your Android device using the app.
- Send the files to yourself via email. Attach audiobook files to an email, then open that email on your Android device and download the attachments.
- Use wireless transfer. Apps like AirDroid allow you to transfer files over Wi-Fi between devices.
Once your audiobook files are on your Android device, you can import them into your preferred audiobook app to start listening.
Listen and Playback
Most audiobook apps have a similar playback interface and controls. You can play, pause, rewind, and fast forward using on-screen buttons. Some apps also allow you to skip forward or back by chapter.
To adjust playback speed, look for a button or slider to increase or decrease speed. Many apps support speeds up to 3x faster. This is useful if you want to get through an audiobook quickly.
For continuous playback, turn on the sleep timer which will stop playback after a set time. This prevents the audiobook from playing all night if you fall asleep!
Some apps like Smart AudioBook Player [1] and Listen Audiobook Player [2] allow you to bookmark your position so you can easily resume from where you left off.
Bookmarking
Bookmarking allows you to easily resume listening to an audiobook later from the exact spot you left off. There are a couple ways to bookmark your place in an audiobook on an Android device:
Many audiobook apps like Smart AudioBook Player and Ab Player have built-in bookmarking features. When you stop playback, the app will automatically save your spot. When you resume the book later, it will start from that saved position. Some apps allow you to manually add bookmarks as well.
If your audiobook app does not have bookmarking, you can also bookmark manually by noting the time or chapter. When you want to resume later, fast forward to the approximate spot you left off. Some users on Reddit recommend using MP3 players that support bookmarking instead of basic music apps for audiobooks.
Overall, bookmarking makes it easy to pick up where you left off, even if you are switching between different audiobooks. Look for apps with robust bookmarking features to avoid losing your place.
Subscriptions
There are a few paid subscription options that provide unlimited access to thousands of audiobooks:
Audible offers an unlimited listening membership for $14.95 per month, which includes one credit per month for any audiobook and unlimited access to their Plus catalog of select audiobooks and podcasts.
Audiobooks.com also has an unlimited listening plan for $14.95 per month after a free trial period. This grants unlimited listening access to from their entire premium catalog of over 100,000 audiobook titles.
There are also other services like Scribd and Kobo Plus that offer unlimited listening subscriptions at competitive price points, typically around $10-15 per month.
Overall, a paid subscription can provide a cost-effective way to enjoy unlimited audiobook listening across a vast library of titles on your Android device.
Troubleshooting
Audiobooks stopping unexpectedly is a common issue on Android devices. This can be caused by battery optimization features interfering with playback. To fix this, exclude the audiobook app from battery optimization in your Android device’s settings (source: Why does my audiobook keep stopping? (Android)).
Another potential cause is a poor internet connection interrupting playback of streamed audiobooks. Make sure you have a stable WiFi or mobile data connection when listening to minimize disruptions (source: Fix problems using Google Play Books – Android).
Checking for app updates and restarting your device can also help resolve technical issues. If problems persist, try re-downloading the audiobook files. As a last resort, uninstall and reinstall the audiobook app to refresh its data and settings.
Conclusion
Listening to audiobooks on your Android device allows you to enjoy books anywhere conveniently. With just a few easy steps to install audiobook apps, download titles, and transfer files, you can access a world of literature and knowledge. Audiobooks open up opportunities to “read” while commuting, exercising, doing chores, or relaxing. Features like bookmarks and subscriptions further optimize the experience.
While you may encounter occasional hiccups with compatibility or playback, solutions are readily available. Overall, Android devices offer a versatile, user-friendly way to make audiobooks a part of your daily life. Immerse yourself in bestsellers, educate yourself through nonfiction, or be entertained by stories through audiobooks on your Android. Turn otherwise idle time into an opportunity for learning and imagination.