Downloading Files
Download content directly from item detail pages:View available files
Scroll to see the list of available files for the item. Files are listed with their format, size, and name.
Tap download button
Each file has a download button (download icon). Tap it to start downloading that file.
Downloads continue in the background even if you close the app. You’ll receive a notification when downloads complete.
Download Manager
All downloads are managed through the Downloads tab in your Library:Viewing Downloads
Download Status
Each download shows its current status:Queued
Download is waiting to start. Files download in the order they were added.
Downloading
File is actively downloading. Shows progress percentage and download speed.
Paused
Download is paused. Tap to resume or cancel.
Completed
Download finished successfully. File is ready for offline use.
Failed
Download encountered an error. Tap to retry.
Managing Downloads
Control your downloads with these actions:Pause Downloads
Resume Downloads
- Tap a paused download to resume it
- Downloads resume from where they left off
- Paused downloads remain in the queue until resumed or canceled
Cancel Downloads
Retry Failed Downloads
- Tap a failed download to automatically retry it
- The download restarts from the beginning
- Check your internet connection if downloads repeatedly fail
Download Location
Choose where files are saved on your device:Setting Download Location
Find location button
At the top of the Downloads tab, you’ll see a button showing the current download path.
Select folder
Choose any folder on internal storage or SD card. Kafka needs write permission for the selected folder.
Location Options
- Internal storage - Fast and always available
- SD card - Expandable storage for large libraries
- Custom folders - Organize by category or type
- Shared folders - Use folders accessible by other apps
Changing location doesn’t move existing downloads. Only new downloads use the new location. You can manually move files using a file manager.
Offline Reading and Listening
Use downloaded content without internet:Accessing Downloaded Files
Benefits of Offline Access
No Internet Needed
Read or listen anywhere - on flights, in remote areas, or to save data.
Faster Loading
Downloaded files open instantly without streaming delays.
Better Performance
Local playback provides smoother experience for large audio files and PDFs.
Save Data
Avoid using mobile data by downloading on Wi-Fi and reading offline.
Sharing Downloaded Files
Share downloaded content with others:Share Options
Select share method
Choose how to share:
- Send file - Share the actual file via Bluetooth, email, or file sharing apps
- Share link - Share the Internet Archive URL so others can download it themselves
Share via Other Apps
Downloaded files can be accessed by other apps:- Open downloaded files in external PDF readers
- Play audio files in other music/podcast apps
- Import files to note-taking or annotation apps
- Back up files to cloud storage services
When sharing files, ensure you comply with the content’s license terms from the Internet Archive. Most content is public domain, but some may have restrictions.
Storage Management
Manage storage space used by downloads:Checking Storage Usage
- The Downloads tab shows total storage used by all downloads
- Individual files display their file size
- Storage warning appears when space is low
Freeing Up Space
Move to SD card
If using SD card storage, change download location and re-download important files there.
Storage Tips
Download Selectively
Only download files you plan to use soon. You can always download them again later.
Choose Formats Wisely
Audio files are typically much larger than text files. Consider format sizes.
Regular Cleanup
Periodically review and delete finished downloads to reclaim space.
Use SD Cards
If your device supports it, store downloads on SD card to expand capacity.
Download Notifications
Stay informed about download progress:Notification Types
- Download started - Confirms download has begun
- Download progress - Shows percentage complete (for large files)
- Download complete - Notifies when file is ready
- Download failed - Alerts you to errors with retry option
Managing Notifications
Control download notifications in your device settings:- Enable/disable download notifications
- Choose notification priority
- Set notification sound preferences
Online vs Offline Readers
Switch between online and offline reading:Auto-Detection
Kafka automatically uses the best reader:- If file is downloaded → Opens offline reader
- If file is not downloaded → Opens online reader (if supported)
- You can manually switch between modes
Switching to Offline
When reading online:EPUB files must be downloaded before reading - they don’t support online streaming. PDFs and audio can be streamed or downloaded.
Download Troubleshooting
If you encounter download issues:Common Issues
Download Fails
- Check internet connection
- Verify storage space available
- Retry the download
- Try a different network
Slow Downloads
- Check your internet speed
- Pause other downloads
- Switch to Wi-Fi if on cellular
- Download during off-peak hours
Missing Downloads
- Check Downloads tab for status
- Verify download location hasn’t changed
- Look for completed notifications
- Re-download if necessary
Storage Errors
- Free up device storage
- Change download location
- Check SD card is mounted
- Verify folder permissions