File Extension Database

Open MOBI File

The MOBI file type is an eBook format created by a French eBook company called Mobipocket, which created a free software application for multiple devices including PDAs, smartphones, and tablets; The company was bought by Amazon in 2005 and support for the MOBI file extension was officially discontinued in 2011 with the AZW format replacing it.

Mobipocket e-books are stored in the MOBI format and in fact have the MOBI file extension. MOBI files are classified as digital electronic book content data files based on the Open eBook standard in XHTML format including JavaScript, text, images and tables.

Because the MOBI format is based on XHTML and therefore allows macros and JavaScript, the format supports and provides DRM protection, images and tables. It also allows interactive actions such as adding notes, corrections, annotations and the markup of pages. The MOBI format was designed to optimize certain elements such as images for low bandwidth mobile devices.

To open a MOBI Open file, one of the following software/devices is required:

On any of these, just click or double-click on the file and it will automatically launch the appropriate application.

If any problem occurs when trying to open the file, it may be that one of the following issues is occurring:

The extension is not properly associated with the software.
The file has an encoding error.
The extension is misspelled.
The file is corrupted by a virus.
There is something wrong with the software / device

In case you do not have the appropriate software installed, or you do not have the Kindle device, a viable option is to convert the MOBI file into a PDF so that you can read it, practically, on any device with any operating system, since PDF is a format universal. Multiple converters are available online.

Typical MOBI application file locations:

"C:\Program Files (x86)\Amazon\Kindle For PC\KindleForPC.exe" "%1"

Frequently used application names to open MOBI files:

Amazon

Frequently associated Windows objects:

Amazon.KindleForPC.content

How Can I Open MOBI File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open MOBI file is to find a MOBI file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a MOBI file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open MOBI file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as MOBI file opener then try to search online for "MOBI viewer", "application to open MOBI file" or "open MOBI file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open MOBI file

How Can I Open MOBI File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a MOBI file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a MOBI file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with MOBI file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as MOBI file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open MOBI file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open MOBI file then try to search for "MOBI viewer", "application to open MOBI file" or "read MOBI file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read MOBI file

How Can I Open MOBI File on Android

If you downloaded a MOBI file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded MOBI file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "MOBI".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "MOBI viewer", "MOBI file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open MOBI File on iPhone or iPad

To open MOBI File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the MOBI file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "MOBI". This way you can find apps which can open MOBI files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "MOBI viewer" or "MOBI file" online in your favorite search engine.