Buying a used e-reader: 7 checks before you pay
A used e-reader can be a practical choice for darker autumn evenings. Before buying, look beyond the screen size and asking price. Will it open the books you use, does the battery behave sensibly, and can the seller remove their account? Bring this checklist to the meeting and allow enough time for a proper demonstration.
1. Get the exact model and software version
Ask for a photo of the device information screen, rather than just its box. Different generations within one product family can look similar. Note the model number and check the manufacturer's official support pages for setup and update options. For example, Kobo lists devices whose support has ended. A low price is little help if you cannot set up the reader for your intended use.
2. Open a book and inspect the whole screen
Do not judge it only while switched off or showing the home screen. Open a book, turn pages in both directions and change the text size. Look at a light background and a page of text: does one area remain unchanged, or are there persistent lines? Ask to see any suspicious mark after a normal page refresh. If its cause is unclear, do not price it as merely cosmetic wear.
3. Try touch controls, buttons and lighting
Open a menu, type a few letters into search and touch different parts of the screen. Test page-turn buttons if the model has them. If it has a built-in light, try both lower and higher brightness settings. Only expect adjustable warm lighting if that model supports it. Also check whether the reader feels comfortable in your usual reading position.
4. Check charging, not just the battery percentage
Ask the seller to charge the device beforehand. Connect an appropriate cable, check the charging indicator and inspect the socket without levering it. Then read for a while unplugged. A brief test cannot establish weeks of battery life: ask when it was last charged and how it was used. Kobo's battery guidance recommends lower brightness and switching off Wi-Fi to extend runtime. Compare the seller's experience with your own likely settings and habits.
5. Check compatibility with your books
List where you buy or borrow books and which files you already use. Kobo's format guide distinguishes file types from copy protection; a matching extension alone does not prove your book will open. Ask your bookseller or lending service about the particular model and software. If possible, try a sample file you are entitled to use. For PDFs, also check whether text size and moving around the page are comfortable.
6. Let the seller remove their account
Agree the handover sequence: test the reader first, then let the seller back up their data and prepare it for its new owner. Do not ask for the seller's password or take over their account. A Kobo factory reset removes books from the device and signs the account out. Amazon recommends resetting a Kindle before sale; the reset also deregisters it. The seller should follow their model's instructions and preserve any personal files they need first. Together, check that new-user setup can begin.
7. Calculate the cost of the complete package
Add any missing cable, suitable cover and a verified repair estimate if applicable. Get written confirmation of included accessories and known faults. Do not pay extra for a vague promise that books on the seller's account will remain yours. Compare offers for the same model in similar condition, rather than chasing the lowest number.
Before agreeing to buy
- You know the precise model and how it can be set up.
- You have tested the screen, controls, lighting and charging.
- You have checked compatibility with your books.
- Account removal and the contents of the package are clearly agreed.