How do I import highlights from Kobo?

You can import your Kobo highlights to Readwise by choosing the Kobo option on the Import Highlights page accessible from your Readwise Dashboard.

Automatic Syncing of Books Purchased from Kobo

Please note that, just like Kindle, Kobo only syncs to the cloud highlights on books purchased from Kobo. If you're sideloading documents to the Kobo device, those can't be synced automatically using the method described below. Instead, you'll need to plug your Kobo device into your computer and follow the steps below.

If you do read and highlight books purchased directly from Kobo keep reading.

On your first import, you will be prompted to provide your Kobo username and password. Please note that Kobo supports quite a few login options. The Readwise integration only supports the Rakuten Kobo option as shown below. If you log into your Kobo account using a different method, the integration won't work for you.

Once connected, any highlights you take in Kobo should automatically sync with Readwise periodically throughout the day.

Manual Syncing of Books Sideloaded to Kobo

If you send documents to your Kobo device rather than purchasing them from the Kobo store, you'll need to manually extract those highlights from a database file your Kobo device. Fortunately, a Readwise user has built a helpful tool called October that works on almost all desktop operating systems (including Windows and MacOS) to automate this process. Once installed, all you have to do is plugin your Kobo device and October will do the rest including pulling the database file and uploading to Readwise.

Beta Feedback

The Kobo import feature is still in beta so please let us know if you encounter any bugs!