News: Android

We’ve identified an issue affecting FBReader version 3.8.* on some Android devices, where FB2 files fail to open, even though other formats continue to work as expected. Unfortunately, there is no definitive fix at this time.

However, we’ve published an article outlining the issue and suggesting possible workarounds. We're actively working on a more reliable solution and hope to resolve this soon.

Thank you for your patience and understanding!

This update for the 3.8 series addresses several major issues:

• File opening from third-party file managers and other applications now works correctly.
• Access to FB2 files inside ZIP archives is restored, even for non-ASCII filenames.
• In PDF mode, zooming no longer conflicts with the navigation panel.
• Overall app performance has been improved.

Additionally, this version introduces the highly requested Dark Blue interface theme — a variation of the default Blue theme with consistently dark colours. This theme is available exclusively in the Premium edition.

This update addresses most major issues found in versions 3.8 and 3.8.1. The startup freeze has been resolved, and FBReader on Android 10 now adopts the same file access scheme as on newer Android versions.

File access issues have been fixed. However, in rare cases, you may need to adjust your device settings as described in our guide.

The first minor update in the 3.8 series improves performance and stability. It addresses a network library performance issue and fixes an occasional reading position rollback.

We've also added an “Undo” button to the text search panel, allowing you to return to your current reading position while browsing search results.

This update is now available to all users on Google Play and Huawei AppGallery, with plugin updates released simultaneously.

Today, we announce the major update of FBReader for Android: 3.8 (Release Candidate 1).

The series 3.8 introduces two major improvements:

• New Themes: Upon first launch, you'll be prompted to choose from three themes:
  • Blue (default) – A fresh, modern theme with both day and night modes
  • EInk – A black-and-white theme optimised for e-paper devices
  • Classic – The familiar look of FBReader, unchanged for years

  You can switch themes anytime in the Appearance section of the settings

• Refined File Access on Android 11+: FBReader no longer requires full access to all files. Instead, you'll be asked to select specific library folders, ensuring compliance with Google's latest requirements.

Additionally, this update includes several minor enhancements:

• Custom substitution files for text-to-speech (Premium version)
• Next/Previous chapter buttons on the navigation panel
• Various UI improvements for a smoother reading experience

We will release 3.8 gradually to all users in the coming weeks.

Download the update and enjoy a better reading experience with FBReader 3.8!