FBReader 3.8 for Android
Today, we announce the major update of FBReader for Android: 3.8 (Release Candidate 1).
The series 3.8 brings two significant improvements:
📚 Visual Themes: Upon the first launch, you'll be prompted to choose from:
📘 Blue (default) – A fresh, modern theme with both day and night modes
📘 EInk – A black-and-white theme optimised for e-paper devices
📘 Classic – The familiar look of FBReader, unchanged for years
You can switch themes anytime in the Appearance section of the settings.
📚 Refined File Access on Android 11+: FBReader no longer requires access to all files. Instead, you'll be asked to select library folders, ensuring compliance with Google's latest requirements.
Additionally, this update includes:
📚 Custom substitution files for text-to-speech
📚 Next/Previous chapter buttons on the navigation panel
📚 Many other improvements and fixes
Though we will suggest 3.8 gradually to all users in the coming weeks, you can download and install it now.
Today, we announce the major update of FBReader for Android: 3.8 (Release Candidate 1).
The series 3.8 brings two significant improvements:
📚 Visual Themes: Upon the first launch, you'll be prompted to choose from:
📘 Blue (default) – A fresh, modern theme with both day and night modes
📘 EInk – A black-and-white theme optimised for e-paper devices
📘 Classic – The familiar look of FBReader, unchanged for years
You can switch themes anytime in the Appearance section of the settings.
📚 Refined File Access on Android 11+: FBReader no longer requires access to all files. Instead, you'll be asked to select library folders, ensuring compliance with Google's latest requirements.
Additionally, this update includes:
📚 Custom substitution files for text-to-speech
📚 Next/Previous chapter buttons on the navigation panel
📚 Many other improvements and fixes
Though we will suggest 3.8 gradually to all users in the coming weeks, you can download and install it now.
FBReader 3.8 rc 4 and 4.0 beta 99 for Android
The packages are published on our site.
These updates introduce support for another ePub3 feature: the XHTML navigation format for tables of contents in ePubs.
However, the main addition is enhanced logging to our server during the paths migration process. If you experience a freeze during app startup after recent updates, please install the new version. Hopefully, it will send us enough information to help resolve the issue.
Please note that data will only be sent if you have recently allowed statistics collection. If not, and you are still experiencing freezes, please leave a comment on this message.
The packages are published on our site.
These updates introduce support for another ePub3 feature: the XHTML navigation format for tables of contents in ePubs.
However, the main addition is enhanced logging to our server during the paths migration process. If you experience a freeze during app startup after recent updates, please install the new version. Hopefully, it will send us enough information to help resolve the issue.
Please note that data will only be sent if you have recently allowed statistics collection. If not, and you are still experiencing freezes, please leave a comment on this message.
FBReader 2.1.3 for Mac/Windows/Linux
This update does not introduce any major new features. Instead, we have focused on refining the app by improving stability and fixing minor issues:
📚 Cloud synchronisation: Improved stability
📚 Preferences window: Better look on Windows 11
📚 ePub3: Implemented support for table of contents in XHTML navigation format
📚 Interface language selection: New option available under Information → Language
📚 Keyboard shortcuts: PageUp and PageDown keys can now be used for page turning, alongside the arrow keys and Space
📚 OPDS catalogues: Fixed issue with URLs containing spaces
📚 Library: added tooltips for books
📚 Text settings: Increased maximum font size in preferences
📚 Page header settings: New macro: %authors%
The update is fully released for Mac and Linux, and is available on the Windows Store. Standalone installer package for Windows will be published later due to technical reasons.
This update does not introduce any major new features. Instead, we have focused on refining the app by improving stability and fixing minor issues:
📚 Cloud synchronisation: Improved stability
📚 Preferences window: Better look on Windows 11
📚 ePub3: Implemented support for table of contents in XHTML navigation format
📚 Interface language selection: New option available under Information → Language
📚 Keyboard shortcuts: PageUp and PageDown keys can now be used for page turning, alongside the arrow keys and Space
📚 OPDS catalogues: Fixed issue with URLs containing spaces
📚 Library: added tooltips for books
📚 Text settings: Increased maximum font size in preferences
📚 Page header settings: New macro: %authors%
The update is fully released for Mac and Linux, and is available on the Windows Store. Standalone installer package for Windows will be published later due to technical reasons.
We are still working to identify the issue causing the app to freeze on startup. If you experience this problem with the latest betas or the 3.8 release candidate and would like to help us, please contact us at helpdesk@fbreader.org.
When reaching out, please let us know which version you are using (Premium/Free, 3.8/4.0 beta), and we will provide you with a special version and instructions on how to proceed.
Thank you in advance for your help!
===========================
Мы все еще пытаемся выявить проблему, которая приводит к зависанию приложения при запуске. Если она случается на вашем устройстве в последних бета-версиях или релиз-кандидате 3.8 и вы хотите помочь в решении, напишите нам по адресу helpdesk@fbreader.org.
В письме укажите, пожалуйста, какую версию вы используете (Premium/Free, 3.8/4.0 beta), и мы пришлём вам специальный пакет и инструкцию по дальнейшим шагам.
Заранее спасибо за помощь!
When reaching out, please let us know which version you are using (Premium/Free, 3.8/4.0 beta), and we will provide you with a special version and instructions on how to proceed.
Thank you in advance for your help!
===========================
Мы все еще пытаемся выявить проблему, которая приводит к зависанию приложения при запуске. Если она случается на вашем устройстве в последних бета-версиях или релиз-кандидате 3.8 и вы хотите помочь в решении, напишите нам по адресу helpdesk@fbreader.org.
В письме укажите, пожалуйста, какую версию вы используете (Premium/Free, 3.8/4.0 beta), и мы пришлём вам специальный пакет и инструкцию по дальнейшим шагам.
Заранее спасибо за помощь!
Another update for Android
Version 3.8 rc 8, along with its counterpart, 4.0 beta 103, has been released. This update is expected to resolve the app startup freeze. Please install it and let us know if you continue to experience the issue.
As always, we are very grateful to all users who test new versions.
Version 3.8 rc 8, along with its counterpart, 4.0 beta 103, has been released. This update is expected to resolve the app startup freeze. Please install it and let us know if you continue to experience the issue.
As always, we are very grateful to all users who test new versions.
FBReader 3.8.1 for Android
After a month of testing the 3.8 release, we’re rolling out the first update today, now available to all users on Google Play and Huawei AppGallery. The plugins are also released simultaneously.
This update improves network library performance and fixes an issue that occasionally caused the reading position to roll back unexpectedly.
Additionally, we’ve added an “Undo” button to the text search panel, making it possible to return to your original reading position while browsing search results.
After a month of testing the 3.8 release, we’re rolling out the first update today, now available to all users on Google Play and Huawei AppGallery. The plugins are also released simultaneously.
This update improves network library performance and fixes an issue that occasionally caused the reading position to roll back unexpectedly.
Additionally, we’ve added an “Undo” button to the text search panel, making it possible to return to your original reading position while browsing search results.
Another bugfix attempt—version 3.8.1.4 is out.
If you had issues opening files in 3.8.1, please install and try.
Note: Some ePub files may open slowly in this version.
===========================
Ещё одна попытка исправления, 3.8.1.4, уже на сайте.
Если у вас проблемы с открытием файлов в 3.8.1, попробуйте эту версию, пожалуйста.
Замечание: некоторые ePub файлы могут открываться медленно.
If you had issues opening files in 3.8.1, please install and try.
Note: Some ePub files may open slowly in this version.
===========================
Ещё одна попытка исправления, 3.8.1.4, уже на сайте.
Если у вас проблемы с открытием файлов в 3.8.1, попробуйте эту версию, пожалуйста.
Замечание: некоторые ePub файлы могут открываться медленно.
FBReader News
Another bugfix attempt—version 3.8.1.4 is out. If you had issues opening files in 3.8.1, please install and try. Note: Some ePub files may open slowly in this version. =========================== Ещё одна попытка исправления, 3.8.1.4, уже на сайте. Если…
3.8.2 is available on the site. We believe this update resolves all major issues from 3.8.1. If you still encounter problems accessing book files, please refer to the guide.
================================
Версию 3.8.2 можно скачать с нашего сайта. Мы уверены, что исправили все основные проблемы версии 3.8.1. Если у вас по-прежнему сложности с доступом к книгам, прочтите пожалуйста инструкцию.
================================
Версию 3.8.2 можно скачать с нашего сайта. Мы уверены, что исправили все основные проблемы версии 3.8.1. Если у вас по-прежнему сложности с доступом к книгам, прочтите пожалуйста инструкцию.
FBReader 3.8.6 for Android
This update for the 3.8 series addresses several major issues:
📚 File opening from third-party file managers and other applications now works correctly.
📚 Access to FB2 files inside ZIP archives is restored, even for non-ASCII filenames.
📚 In PDF mode, zooming no longer conflicts with the navigation panel.
📚 Overall app performance has been improved.
Additionally, this version introduces the highly requested Dark Blue interface theme — a variation of the default Blue theme with consistently dark colours. This theme is available exclusively in the Premium edition.
The update is available on our website and in app stores, except for the Premium version on Google Play, which is still under review.
A beta update, FBReader 4.0 beta 108, featuring the same fixes, has also been released.
This update for the 3.8 series addresses several major issues:
📚 File opening from third-party file managers and other applications now works correctly.
📚 Access to FB2 files inside ZIP archives is restored, even for non-ASCII filenames.
📚 In PDF mode, zooming no longer conflicts with the navigation panel.
📚 Overall app performance has been improved.
Additionally, this version introduces the highly requested Dark Blue interface theme — a variation of the default Blue theme with consistently dark colours. This theme is available exclusively in the Premium edition.
The update is available on our website and in app stores, except for the Premium version on Google Play, which is still under review.
A beta update, FBReader 4.0 beta 108, featuring the same fixes, has also been released.
Regarding the FB2 issue in latest Android releases
We’ve identified the issue, but a complete solution is not found yet. We’ve published an article explaining the problem and suggesting possible workarounds.
We're continuing to work on a permanent fix and hope to have it ready soon. Thank you for your patience and understanding!
====================
О проблемах с файлами FB2 в последних версиях для Android
Мы знаем, в чём состоит проблема, но пока не сумели найти полного решения. Мы опубликовали текст, который объясняет, что происходит, и предлагает возможные обходные пути.
Мы ищем лучшее решение, и надеемся обнаружить его в ближайшем будущем. Спасибо за ваше понимание и терпение!
We’ve identified the issue, but a complete solution is not found yet. We’ve published an article explaining the problem and suggesting possible workarounds.
We're continuing to work on a permanent fix and hope to have it ready soon. Thank you for your patience and understanding!
====================
О проблемах с файлами FB2 в последних версиях для Android
Мы знаем, в чём состоит проблема, но пока не сумели найти полного решения. Мы опубликовали текст, который объясняет, что происходит, и предлагает возможные обходные пути.
Мы ищем лучшее решение, и надеемся обнаружить его в ближайшем будущем. Спасибо за ваше понимание и терпение!
FBReader 4.0 beta 112 is our first attempt to fix the issue with opening FB2 files. If you're using the beta and have encountered this problem, please install the update and let us know whether the issue is resolved. The packages are already available on our website and will appear on Google Play after review.
========================
FBReader 4.0 beta 112 — наша первая попытка исправить проблему с открытием файлов FB2. Если вы используете бета-версию и сталкивались с этой ошибкой, пожалуйста, установите обновление и сообщите нам, сохранилась ли проблема. Пакеты уже доступны на нашем сайте и появятся в Google Play после как только пройдут модерацию.
========================
FBReader 4.0 beta 112 — наша первая попытка исправить проблему с открытием файлов FB2. Если вы используете бета-версию и сталкивались с этой ошибкой, пожалуйста, установите обновление и сообщите нам, сохранилась ли проблема. Пакеты уже доступны на нашем сайте и появятся в Google Play после как только пройдут модерацию.
FBReader 3.8.8 for Android
This update addresses file access issues affecting some devices. If you continue experiencing difficulties, please consult our F.A.Q.
Additional improvements in this version:
📚 Notifications permission is no longer required
📚 Updated Chinese interface translations (both Simplified and Traditional)
📚 On Android 9 and earlier, the old file dialog is now used for folder selection
📚 Fixed crashes occurring specifically on Honor devices
This update addresses file access issues affecting some devices. If you continue experiencing difficulties, please consult our F.A.Q.
Additional improvements in this version:
📚 Notifications permission is no longer required
📚 Updated Chinese interface translations (both Simplified and Traditional)
📚 On Android 9 and earlier, the old file dialog is now used for folder selection
📚 Fixed crashes occurring specifically on Honor devices
FBReader 3.8.10 for Android
The May update addresses an internal issue that caused problems with books opening on some devices.
It also includes a few minor improvements, such as enhanced detection of book language for better hyphenation.
The update is available now on our website and will roll out via app stores once it passes their reviews.
The May update addresses an internal issue that caused problems with books opening on some devices.
It also includes a few minor improvements, such as enhanced detection of book language for better hyphenation.
The update is available now on our website and will roll out via app stores once it passes their reviews.
FBReader 2.2β0 for Mac/Windows/Linux
The key new feature in the 2.2 series is support for OPDS 2.0 catalogues. OPDS 2.0 offers richer capabilities compared to the older OPDS 1.x format. FBReader fully supports all OPDS 2.0 features, including groups, facets, and authentication.
OPDS 2.0 is already widely adopted by public library services and will serve as the main API for the upcoming Readino bookshop.
As always, we invite all users to try the beta and report any issues they encounter. The final release of FBReader 2.2 is planned for September 2025.
This release also reduces integration with the Russian-language ЛитРес store. Due to the ongoing degradation of their API, FBReader will now only provide access to books already purchased by users. We will maintain this limited access for as long as it remains technically feasible.
We have also released a long-awaited standalone installer for FBReader 2.1.3 for Windows. Please read the note on the packages page before installing.
The key new feature in the 2.2 series is support for OPDS 2.0 catalogues. OPDS 2.0 offers richer capabilities compared to the older OPDS 1.x format. FBReader fully supports all OPDS 2.0 features, including groups, facets, and authentication.
OPDS 2.0 is already widely adopted by public library services and will serve as the main API for the upcoming Readino bookshop.
As always, we invite all users to try the beta and report any issues they encounter. The final release of FBReader 2.2 is planned for September 2025.
This release also reduces integration with the Russian-language ЛитРес store. Due to the ongoing degradation of their API, FBReader will now only provide access to books already purchased by users. We will maintain this limited access for as long as it remains technically feasible.
We have also released a long-awaited standalone installer for FBReader 2.1.3 for Windows. Please read the note on the packages page before installing.
Today we reveal details about our next project, Readino
After years of developing FBReader, we’re now working on Readino — a new ebook store built around openness, flexibility, and user control.
Readino is based on open standards: OPDS 2.0 for catalogue access and Readium LCP for DRM protection. These technologies let us offer commercial ebooks without locking readers into a single app or platform. You can buy a book from Readino and open it in any compatible reader, including FBReader and Thorium.
Readino is also open to developers: third-party reading apps can integrate with the store using OPDS 2.0 and receive a share of revenue from purchases.
We plan to launch early access in the UK in September 2025, and expand to other EU countries afterwards.
👉 Read the full story
After years of developing FBReader, we’re now working on Readino — a new ebook store built around openness, flexibility, and user control.
Readino is based on open standards: OPDS 2.0 for catalogue access and Readium LCP for DRM protection. These technologies let us offer commercial ebooks without locking readers into a single app or platform. You can buy a book from Readino and open it in any compatible reader, including FBReader and Thorium.
Readino is also open to developers: third-party reading apps can integrate with the store using OPDS 2.0 and receive a share of revenue from purchases.
We plan to launch early access in the UK in September 2025, and expand to other EU countries afterwards.
👉 Read the full story
September Updates for iOS and Android
FBReader 3.8.18 for Android and 1.2.4 for iOS are now available. These releases include minor bug fixes and an important update to the DeepL translation API.
DeepL has deprecated the old API, and online translation will stop working in earlier FBReader versions after 1st November 2025. We strongly recommend updating to the latest version or switching the online translation feature to Google Translate.
The new iOS release is fully compatible with iOS 26 and the iPhone 17 series.
FBReader 3.8.18 for Android and 1.2.4 for iOS are now available. These releases include minor bug fixes and an important update to the DeepL translation API.
DeepL has deprecated the old API, and online translation will stop working in earlier FBReader versions after 1st November 2025. We strongly recommend updating to the latest version or switching the online translation feature to Google Translate.
The new iOS release is fully compatible with iOS 26 and the iPhone 17 series.
FBReader 3.8.20 for Android
This release focuses on improvements for ePub books:
📚 Updated parsing engine for better standards compliance.
📚 Relaxed requirements so more “incorrect” ePub files can now be opened.
📚 Cosmetic changes in LCP-protected ePub support, making book acquisition and library display smoother.
The update is already available on our site and will roll out gradually in the app stores. The same changes for iOS and Desktop platforms are coming soon.
This release focuses on improvements for ePub books:
📚 Updated parsing engine for better standards compliance.
📚 Relaxed requirements so more “incorrect” ePub files can now be opened.
📚 Cosmetic changes in LCP-protected ePub support, making book acquisition and library display smoother.
The update is already available on our site and will roll out gradually in the app stores. The same changes for iOS and Desktop platforms are coming soon.
Reading Dinos is now online!
Our new ebook shop has launched with over 1.5M English-language titles. All books are delivered as LCP-protected ePub, fully compatible with FBReader and many other readers.
Available now:
📚 Browse worldwide, purchase with a UK billing address
📚 Pay by card, Google Pay, or Apple Pay (payments securely powered by Stripe)
📚 Clean, fast, privacy-friendly interface
📚 Simple download + read workflow
Coming soon:
📚 FBReader integration: browse, buy, and read directly in the app
📚 OPDS access for other readers (e.g., Thorium)
📚 Age-restricted categories after verification
Mid-term:
📚 Purchases from more countries
📚 PDF support
📚 Book samples, better search, improved recommendations
The dinos are waiting for you!
Our new ebook shop has launched with over 1.5M English-language titles. All books are delivered as LCP-protected ePub, fully compatible with FBReader and many other readers.
Available now:
📚 Browse worldwide, purchase with a UK billing address
📚 Pay by card, Google Pay, or Apple Pay (payments securely powered by Stripe)
📚 Clean, fast, privacy-friendly interface
📚 Simple download + read workflow
Coming soon:
📚 FBReader integration: browse, buy, and read directly in the app
📚 OPDS access for other readers (e.g., Thorium)
📚 Age-restricted categories after verification
Mid-term:
📚 Purchases from more countries
📚 PDF support
📚 Book samples, better search, improved recommendations
The dinos are waiting for you!
Final update of 2025
We’ve released the last FBReader update of 2025, with important improvements for both desktop and Android.
Desktop (Linux, macOS, Windows): stable 2.1.4 and beta 2.2β2 are now available. Both versions fix bookmark sync issues, significantly improve ePub support, and add a new Esperanto interface translation.
The beta version also introduces OPDS 2.0 support and integration with the Readino ebook store. We plan to bring Readino integration to the stable release in the beginning of 2026.
Android: FBReader 3.8.22 is out. The update is optimised for Viwoods e-ink devices, includes the same ePub improvements as the desktop versions, and fixes several long-standing issues — including a crash when editing bookmarks.
We are still investigating connection issues with the FBReader Book Network. New versions send additional debug information, so if you experience problems and want to help us, please enable data collection in the app settings.
Thank you for using FBReader — see you in 2026!
We’ve released the last FBReader update of 2025, with important improvements for both desktop and Android.
Desktop (Linux, macOS, Windows): stable 2.1.4 and beta 2.2β2 are now available. Both versions fix bookmark sync issues, significantly improve ePub support, and add a new Esperanto interface translation.
The beta version also introduces OPDS 2.0 support and integration with the Readino ebook store. We plan to bring Readino integration to the stable release in the beginning of 2026.
Android: FBReader 3.8.22 is out. The update is optimised for Viwoods e-ink devices, includes the same ePub improvements as the desktop versions, and fixes several long-standing issues — including a crash when editing bookmarks.
We are still investigating connection issues with the FBReader Book Network. New versions send additional debug information, so if you experience problems and want to help us, please enable data collection in the app settings.
Thank you for using FBReader — see you in 2026!
New Year 2026 Sale
FBReader Premium for Android and the Full Edition for iOS are available at a reduced price until the evening of 10th January. The discount is up to 50% off the regular price (the exact amount depends on your country and the app store), and applies on Google Play, Huawei AppGallery, and the Apple App Store.
We wish you a peaceful and joyful 2026, with plenty of time for relaxed and enjoyable reading.
FBReader Premium for Android and the Full Edition for iOS are available at a reduced price until the evening of 10th January. The discount is up to 50% off the regular price (the exact amount depends on your country and the app store), and applies on Google Play, Huawei AppGallery, and the Apple App Store.
We wish you a peaceful and joyful 2026, with plenty of time for relaxed and enjoyable reading.