Kobo Clara BW · Guides
Set up a new Kobo Clara BW
Take a new Clara BW from the box to a working reader, with a clear explanation of what a Kobo account does and does not require.
Setting up a Clara BW is short, and the only decision that trips people up is the account step. Nothing about the account is mandatory for reading books you already own — it exists for the Kobo store, Kobo’s reading-stats sync, and borrowing from a public library through OverDrive. If none of those matter to you, set the device up without an account and move straight to adding your own books.
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Charge the Clara BW before the first setup
A new device often ships with a low battery, and setup includes a software update that should not be interrupted. Plug it in with the supplied USB-C cable and give it 30 minutes or more before you start.
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Turn it on and choose your language
Press the power button on the bottom edge for a couple of seconds. The first screen is a language list; this sets the menu language, not the language of your books.
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Connect to Wi-Fi
Pick your network and enter its password. The Clara BW needs this once to activate and download its current firmware. After setup you can leave Wi-Fi off to save battery and turn it on only when you want to sync or shop.
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Let the firmware update finish
The device downloads and installs the latest Kobo software, shows a progress bar, and restarts once. This can take five to ten minutes. Leave it plugged in and do not press anything until it returns to the setup screens.
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Decide whether to sign in with a Kobo account
A Kobo account is only needed to buy or borrow books through the Kobo store and the built-in OverDrive library feature. It is not required to read your own EPUB files. You can sign in with an existing Kobo, Google or Apple account, or look for the option to skip and set the device up without one.
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Set the front light and warm light to taste
Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the quick settings. The brightness slider controls the white front light; the second slider adds a warm amber tone, which most people raise in the evening. There is also a schedule that shifts it automatically after sunset.
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Add your books
Connect the Clara BW to a computer with the USB-C cable and copy EPUB files into any folder on the drive, or use Calibre for a tidier workflow. On the home screen, open "My Books" to see them.