Learn what the Kobo eReader software beta 6.0+ is, its benefits including Kobo Stack, the risks, which eReaders get it and how to update.
Early access to the Kobo eReader software beta 6.0+
Kobo eReader software beta 6.0+ provides early access to the latest features and improvements before the official release. While the full feature set is available, the software is still undergoing testing and refinement based on user feedback.
The Beta is optional. Customers who opt in get an early look at the new features, and Kobo gathers their feedback to find any issues before a wider release.
Benefits of the Kobo eReader software beta 6.0+
The Kobo eReader software beta 6.0+ brings Kobo Stack, new library and DRM features, and updates to accessibility, reading, Wi-Fi, the browser and notebooks.
Features in the Kobo eReader software beta 6.0+
- Libby: borrow, place holds, renew and return on multiple library cards. (6.0+ required)
- Adobe DRM: sign in on the eReader; no Adobe Digital Editions needed.
- LCP DRM EPUBs: add them by USB or the browser.
- Accessibility: Large Print Mode up to 200% and other accessibility features.
- Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS): join a network without a password.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: turn each off separately.
- Reading and notebooks: a clock while reading, quick notebook and folder creation, lower stylus latency.
Kobo Stack access with the Kobo eReader software beta 6.0+
Opting in to the Kobo eReader software beta 6.0+ gives you access to Kobo Stack. Kobo Stack is not available without the 6.0+ software. You can subscribe to Kobo Stack. For more information, see About Kobo Stack.
The following Kobo Stack features are available only in Kobo eReader Software Beta 6.0 and later
- Upload to Kobo Cloud: Drag and Drop or Send by Email
- How to add and troubleshoot Kobo Stack workbooks
- Kobo Stack Extended Warranty: eligibility and coverage
Kobo Stack is available in select countries.
Risks of the Kobo eReader software beta 6.0+
As a Beta release, users may encounter known issues as we continue to optimize performance and stability.
Known issue: after updating to some 6.0+ Beta versions, some customers reported missing books, highlights, notes and other content. Read Missing books or notes after a Kobo Beta software update before you update.
What to expect after updating to the Kobo eReader software beta 6.0+
- A larger first update: the first update to the Kobo eReader software beta 6.0+ is a one-time platform overhaul, so the download is larger and takes longer. Later updates are smaller and faster.
- More storage used: the software has a larger footprint and reserves additional storage to cache books for faster access.
- Slower first opening of a book: the first time the Kobo eReader opens a book, the new reading engine prepares it, which takes longer. Later page turns and book openings are quicker.
- Handwritten markups made before the update: they appear as thumbnail previews in the margins. Select a thumbnail to open the original markup in a new window. New markups display as before.
- Libby by OverDrive: sign in to Libby again after updating to see the books borrowed with Libby.
- Sideloaded file types: RTF and HTML files are no longer supported, and MOBI files may have issues. Convert these files to EPUB.
Features removed in the Kobo eReader software beta 6.0+
Kobo removed some lesser used features from the Kobo eReader software beta 6.0+:
- Pinch-to-zoom for the font size. Change the font size in the reading menu settings instead.
- Fast page turning by holding a page-turn button or a screen corner.
- Some earlier Beta Features, such as Sketchpad and games.
- Reading awards and activity tracking in the Activity section. Track your reading with the StoryGraph integration instead.
Kobo is exploring bringing back features like pinch-to-zoom and fast page turning once performance on the new platform allows it.
Availability of the Kobo eReader software beta 6.0+
The Kobo eReader software beta 6.0+ is available on selected Kobo eReaders, and Kobo is rolling it out country by country in phases.
Eligible models for the Kobo eReader software beta 6.0+
- Kobo Libra Colour
- Kobo Clara Colour
- Kobo Clara BW
To see which software version a Kobo eReader runs, see Find your eReader's software version.
How to update to the Kobo eReader software beta 6.0+
A prompt appears on the Kobo eReader to update to the latest software version. The update can also be checked manually:
- On the Kobo eReader, go to More > Settings > Device Information.
- Tap Check for updates.
- If an update is available, the eReader offers the option to update.
Kobo eReader software beta 6.0+ is still an optional Beta release, and Kobo is rolling it out in phases, so it reaches all eligible devices over the coming days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Kobo eReader software beta 6.0+ optional?
Yes. The Kobo eReader software beta 6.0+ is an optional release. Customers who choose to update get an early look at the new features, and Kobo gathers their feedback before a wider release.
Do I need the Kobo eReader software beta 6.0+ to use Kobo Stack?
Yes. Kobo Stack is not available without the Kobo eReader software 6.0+. Opting in to the Kobo eReader software beta 6.0+ gives you access to Kobo Stack.
How do I get the Kobo eReader software beta 6.0+?
A prompt appears on the Kobo eReader to update to the latest software version. To check for the update yourself, go to More > Settings > Device Information and tap Check for updates.
Why do I not see the Kobo eReader software beta 6.0+ update yet?
Kobo is rolling out the latest Kobo eReader software beta 6.0+ in limited, staged releases to gather feedback and ensure a strong user experience before a wider rollout.
This staggered approach allows Kobo to pause, address any issues and continue with confidence. If the update does not appear on a Kobo eReader yet, the rollout is still expanding to more users.
Why is the Kobo eReader software beta 6.0+ not available on my older Kobo eReader?
The difference comes down to which specifications can support the new operating software without disrupting the reading experience on the device. Kobo is evaluating whether further optimization can bring support to previous generation eReader models.
What happens if I roll back to the previous software version?
Rolling back deletes data that is stored only on the Kobo eReader, including sideloaded content, annotations, highlights and reading stats. Kobo has no backup to restore it, so do not roll back.