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Kobo eReader Accessibility Features Support

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  3. Setup and Maintenance
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Kobo eReader Accessibility Features Support


A new feature update was released as an optional update on July 29, 2025, as part of our ongoing commitment, we're working hard to deliver an improved accessibility reading experience. 

How to update the following Kobo eReaders for new accessibility features once available: 

  • Kobo Clara BW
  • Kobo Clara Colour
  • Libra Colour 
  • Kobo Elipsa 2E

Note: This update will only be available for readers in European Union. 

An optional software update will be available for the Kobo eReaders, providing enhanced accessibility options. Read the information below carefully before proceeding.

Accessibility Features with the Software Update

Once you update your Kobo eReader the following accessibility features will be available: 
 

  • To set up both Bluetooth devices:

A Bluetooth audio device ( such as a speaker or headphones) and a Bluetooth keyboard are required to use the screen reader. 

  1.  
    1. On the eReader Home Page, Tap image-0.png menu icon at the bottom right.
    2. Go to Settings
    3. Select Bluetooth connection
    4. Turn On Bluetooth
    5. Put your Bluetooth audio device in pairing mode
    6. When your Audio device is detected by your eReader, tap it to begin pairing mode.
    7. When your Bluetooth keyboard is in pairing mode, tap its entry on the screen to begin pairing.
  • To turn on the Screen Reader: 
  1.  
    1. On the eReader Home Page, Tap image-0.png menu icon at the bottom right.
    2. Go to Settings
    3. Select Accessibility
    4. Toggle the Screen Reader on
  1.  
  • Read Aloud - for eBooks in Kobo EPUBS and EPUB format 
  1.  
    1. Tap the middle of the page to open the Reading menu
    2. Tap Three dots menu icon More Icon in the top right
    3. Select <Read Aloud>
  • To Stop Read aloud:
  1.  
    1. Tap the middle of the page to open the Reading menu
    2. Tap Three dots menu icon More Icon in the top right
    3. Select < Stop Read Aloud >
  • Check Accessibility Metadata Features for a eBook from our Kobo catalog: 
  1.  
    1. Select a eBook from the Kobo.com store
    2. Under the eBooks details, scroll down to view the accessibility description.  
  1.  

Please read below carefully before updating

Before you do a software update:

  • Updating your eReader will erase everything on it, like a factory reset.

  • Be sure to back up your content saved first. 

Note for the Kobo Elipsa 2E:

  • After updating, you can't sync or update your eReader using Kobo Desktop. you will need to use Wi-Fi instead.
  • Games and 'My Words"(under More>Beta Features) are not supported.

If you decide to update your eReader, you'll :

  •  
    • Remove all books from your eReader. Any books you purchased from Kobo can be re-downloaded after a factory reset.
    • Remove books you've added to your eReader using your computer. 
      For example, if you added non-protected PDF and ePub files using your computer, those files will be deleted.
    • Lose any bookmarks and annotations you've made in your books since you last synced your eReader.
    • Sign out of your account on your eReader.
    • Reset all of your settings and preferences.
    • Return your eReader to its original settings.
    • Any information will be lost that was previously synced to your kobo account, or any linked accounts such us OverDrive (Libby), Pocket, Google Drive, Dropbox.

       

Software Limitations (as of January 2026 - Version 5.13)

The following features are currently not available on Kobo eReaders. We are actively working on improvements, so stay tuned for future updates.

  • Instapaper 
  • Reading features
    • Page preview while scrubbing(hover preview)
    • Front size adjustments using pinch gesture
    • Page preview while scrubbing (hover preview)
    • 2 page spread in landscape mode
    • Fast page flip
    • Supplemental fonts
    • Asian language support
    • Ability to 'Revert settings' while previewing a markup
  • Retail Demo Mode
  • Developer Settings

 

How to update your eReader for accessibility features

  • Go to your Home screen.
  • Tap the Menu icon More icon at the bottom of the screen.
  • Tap Settings
  • Tap Accessibility
  • Tap Enable under SYSTEM UPDATE REQUIRED

After Updating, on your Kobo eReader

Restore Software to previous version

You may restore to the previous software version, your eReader will be reset again and you will lose access to the new accessibility features.

To restore software version:

  • Go to your Home screen.
  • Tap the Menu icon More icon at the bottom of the screen.
  • Tap Settings
  • Tap Device Information
  • Tap Revert under Revert to previous version

 

 

 







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