What changed: Kindle Android app adds handwriting and stylus support
The Kindle app for Android now lets you make handwritten notes directly in your eBooks, similar to the experience on Kindle Scribe and select e-readers. With a compatible stylus, users can write annotations, highlight passages, underline sections, circle text, and choose from multiple pen styles and colors. The update is available on Android devices with native stylus support, including leading models like the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and certain Android ereaders.
Supported devices and practical use
This handwriting feature is only available on Android devices with built-in stylus support. Phones such as Samsung's Galaxy Ultra series and Android-powered e-readers from brands like Boox are among the likely candidates. Regular smartphones or tablets without stylus functionality won't support this update. This tool is especially useful for students or professionals who need to annotate study materials, writers who like to jot notes in fiction and nonfiction, or anyone who prefers hand notes over virtual highlight tools.
Features for digital note-takers
- Handwritten annotations saved in the cloud with your book notes
- Ability to highlight, circle, and underline for fast referencing
- Different pen types and colors for organization
How does it compare to Kindle Scribe and alternatives?
Previously, handwritten notes in Kindle books were exclusive to the Kindle Scribe—a dedicated e-ink device with a premium price. With the Android app update, existing phone and tablet users with a stylus can access similar features without extra hardware investment. However, the Scribe still offers a larger, paper-like screen for extended reading and writing sessions. Competing apps like OneNote, Samsung Notes, or other e-book readers may offer broader handwriting tools, but Kindle's direct book annotation and cloud syncing remain strong advantages for Amazon's ecosystem.
Who should upgrade or try this feature?
If you already own an Android device with stylus support, this is a valuable addition—especially for frequent note-takers, students, researchers, or active readers who prefer the Kindle ecosystem. Those using older phones or tablets, or devices without built-in stylus support, won't benefit. If you're considering a Kindle Scribe mainly for handwriting, try this app update on your existing hardware first.
Core takeaway: More Kindle flexibility for Android readers
The Kindle app's handwriting support on Android brings a premium annotation experience to more users—without needing Amazon's dedicated devices. The caveat: you'll need compatible hardware. iOS users may see a similar update soon, but for now, Android users with stylus-equipped devices have the edge in digital note-taking inside Kindle eBooks.