Import Your Kindle Highlights

PastReads offers two convenient methods to import your Kindle highlights and notes: directly from your Kindle e-reader device or from the Kindle mobile app. Choose the method that works best for you.

Import from Kindle Device

If you use a Kindle e-reader (like Paperwhite, Oasis, or basic Kindle), follow these steps to import your highlights:

Choose your preferred import method:

Use the web uploader

Use PastReads Sync for Desktop

Import from Kindle App

If you read using the Kindle app on your phone or tablet, you can import your highlights through the app's export feature:

---

What Gets Imported

PastReads automatically processes and organizes:

• 📚 Book titles and author information
• 🔍 All your highlights with original formatting
• 📝 Notes attached to your highlights
• 📅 Original highlight dates (when available)
• 📍 Kindle location markers
• 🔄 Multiple highlights from the same book

Duplicate Detection

PastReads includes advanced duplicate detection, so you don't need to worry about importing the same highlights or notes multiple times. The system automatically checks for existing highlights and safely skips duplicates without creating redundant entries.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues:

For Kindle Device Import:

1. File Not Found: Ensure your Kindle is properly connected and mounted as a drive. On Mac with a 2024 or newer Kindle, use Amazon's Send to Kindle for Mac → Tools → USB File Manager.*
2. Import Fails: Check that you're selecting the correct My Clippings.txt file
3. Invalid Format: Make sure you're using the original unmodified file from your Kindle

For Kindle App Import:

1. Email Not Received: Make sure that you sent the email from your PastReads email address or any of your associated accounts (under My Profile > Settings > Associated emails)
2. No Highlights: Verify that the book has highlights before exporting
3. Processing Error: Try exporting and sending the notebook again

If any highlights are missing, please ensure you have not exceeded Amazon's clipping limits. To safeguard book authors' copyrights, Amazon restricts highlighting to approximately 10% of a book's content. Once this limit is exceeded, Kindle replaces actual highlights with placeholder messages. PastReads is designed to automatically identify and remove these generic placeholders, along with any linked notes, to keep your library organized.

If problems persist, please contact our support team for assistance.