Change font size in three steps on any Kindle device

To change the font size on a Kindle e-reader or app, open a book you are reading, then tap the top of the screen (on devices) or the book itself (on apps). A menu will appear with a font icon — usually marked with an "A" next to a line. Tap that icon, then use the slider or buttons to make text larger or smaller. The change takes effect immediately and stays set for that book.

The exact steps differ slightly between Kindle devices (Paperwhite, Oasis, basic e-ink models) and Kindle reading apps (on phone, tablet, or computer), but the core action is the same: open the book, access the formatting menu, and adjust the font size slider.

Key Takeaways

  • Tap the top of the screen on a Kindle device or tap the book on a Kindle app to open the menu where font size lives.
  • The font size setting is stored per book, so changing it in one book does not change it in another.
  • Kindle devices let you choose from seven font sizes; apps may offer more granular control depending on which device you are using.
  • If you cannot see a font menu, make sure you are actively reading a book — the menu does not appear on the home screen or library view.

Font size steps on Kindle e-readers (Paperwhite, Oasis, basic models)

Open the book you want to read. Once text is on the screen, tap near the top of the page. A toolbar will appear with several icons across the top and bottom. Look for the "A" icon with a line underneath — this is the font and text menu.

Tap the font icon. A panel will open showing font size options. You will see a slider with a small "A" on the left and a large "A" on the right. Slide left to make text smaller, or right to make it larger. Most Kindle devices offer seven size steps. Tap outside the panel or press the back button when you are done — the setting saves automatically for that book.

If you want to change other text settings at the same time (line spacing, margins, font style), those options usually appear in the same panel. Experiment with the settings to find what works best for your eyes.

Font size steps on Kindle apps (phone, tablet, computer)

Open a book in your Kindle app. Tap anywhere on the page of text — not on the margins or edges. The reading toolbar will appear. Look for the font icon, usually marked with an "A" or sometimes labeled "Text" or "Aa". Tap it.

A menu will open with font size options. On most apps, you will see a slider or a row of size choices. Drag the slider to the right to increase size, or to the left to decrease it. Some apps show numbered sizes (1 through 7 or beyond); others show visual representations. Select the size you want and tap outside the menu to close it. The change takes effect right away.

Phone and tablet apps sometimes offer more font sizes than e-readers do. Computer apps (Kindle for Mac or Windows) may have additional text formatting options in a separate menu — check the app's settings if the font menu does not appear when you tap the page.

Font size is set per book, not across your whole library

When you change the font size in one book, that setting applies only to that book. If you open a different book, it will use whatever font size was last set for that book — which might be different. This means you can read one book at size 4 and another at size 6 without having to reset every time you switch.

If you want a consistent font size across all your books, you will need to change it in each book individually, or check your Kindle app's general settings. Some apps let you set a default font size that new books will use, though this does not change books you have already started reading.

What to do if the font menu does not appear

The font menu only appears when you are actively reading a book — not on the home screen, library, or store pages. Make sure you have opened a book and are looking at the actual text before tapping.

On e-readers, tap near the center or top of the page, not the very edge. On apps, tap the middle of the text area. If the toolbar still does not appear, try tapping again — sometimes a single tap opens the toolbar, and a second tap opens the font menu.

If you are using an older Kindle device or an outdated app version, the menu layout may look different, but the font icon should still be present. Check your device or app's help section if you cannot locate it, or update your app to the latest version.

Other text settings you can adjust alongside font size

Most Kindle devices and apps let you change more than just font size. In the same text menu, you can usually adjust line spacing (how much room appears between lines), margins (how much white space appears on the sides), and font style (serif, sans-serif, or other typefaces). Some devices also let you change text color or background color.

These settings work the same way as font size — they are stored per book and take effect immediately. If you find a combination of settings that feels comfortable to read, you can use those same settings across all your books by adjusting them in each one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does changing font size affect how many pages a book has?

Yes. When you increase font size, the same text spreads across more pages, so the book will show a higher page count. When you decrease font size, pages compress. This is normal and does not change the actual book — it is just how Kindle displays progress based on your reading settings.

Can I set a default font size so I do not have to change it in every book?

Some Kindle apps have a default text size setting in the app's preferences or settings menu. Check your app's settings to see if this option exists. On e-readers, there is usually no global default — you set the size in each book individually. However, the last size you used will carry over to the next new book you open.

What if the font size options are grayed out or not working?

This sometimes happens if the book is in a format that does not support text resizing, or if the app needs an update. Try closing and reopening the book, or restart your device. If the problem persists, update your Kindle app or device software to the latest version.

Can I make the font even larger than the largest option?

Kindle devices and apps have a maximum font size built in. If you need text larger than the largest Kindle option, some apps let you zoom in using your device's system zoom feature (pinch-to-zoom on tablets, or accessibility settings on phones). This is not the same as the font size slider, but it can make text larger.