Does Kindle sync furthest read reliably with Android Kindle app?

[itm]

I'm looking for an eReader for my wife, who currently reads mainly DRM-free ePubs on her Pixel phone (using Play Books). She would like to have a dedicated eReader for "planned" reading, but would like one that remembers her place in the book when she switches between devices - both from phone to eReader and eReader to phone. So she can use the phone for ad hoc reading when she doesn't have the eReader with her, and can switch back to the eReader when it's available - without losing her place in the book.
The obvious solution is a Kindle (which I guess would require converting each ePub to Mobi format), but my question is: do Kindle eReaders reliably sync reading posiition (furthest read?) in both directions with the Kindle app on Android phones?
If not, can anyone recommend a better solution for this problem?

[Scoob]

I am fairly certain however sideloaded content does sync when you use the send to kindle service. There are two ways to use that service one is to simply email the epub to the kindle app and kindle. The email address can be found in the settings menu. The other method is to use the website send to kindle. Whichever you choose will automatically convert your epub to a kindle friendly format.

Make sure whispersync and wifi (or data on phone) is turned on both the kindle and on the kindle app and it will sync the bookmarks, notes, highlights, and last page read.

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by Scoob

New Kindles do have the ability to read DRM free Epubs without needing to convert to MOBI.

No, they don't. If you send your epub via Send to Kindle, Amazon will convert it to a Kindle format. If you sideload that epub via USB, your Kindle will be unable to read it.

That said, MOBI is an old and outdated format. For USB transfer, AZW3 is best, but it won't sync between different devices. For this you'll need to send your epubs via Send to Kindle service.

[Martinoptic]

You cannot sideload epubs to kindle.
You can send to kindle which converts them to a file type kindle app/reader can read.
@Scoob, I agree with the rest of your post (FWIW).

[itm]

Thanks for the feedback. Does the Kindle sync "furthest read" automatically while reading, or does the user need to trigger it manually - either by closing the ebook or selecting sync from a menu?

[Scoob]

Originally Posted by itm

Thanks for the feedback. Does the Kindle sync "furthest read" automatically while reading, or does the user need to trigger it manually - either by closing the ebook or selecting sync from a menu?

It will be automatic if your wife has wifi turned on the entire time your wife is reading on either the kindle or the app. If she doesn't she will need to turn it on for a quick manual sync before she switches devices. Then whichever device she switches to continue reading will need its wifi turned on too so the location can be updated.

[Frogm4n]

https://www.amazon.com/sendtokindle

There are many methods to use Send to Kindle, but most people think about email because it was the first method that was available and that people learned to use. You can use computer and phone apps, browser plugins, email, etc., to upload with. Documents uploaded with Send to Kindle will sync across devices and apps signed into the same Amazon account.

[tomsem]

Originally Posted by itm

I'm looking for an eReader for my wife, who currently reads mainly DRM-free ePubs on her Pixel phone (using Play Books). She would like to have a dedicated eReader for "planned" reading, but would like one that remembers her place in the book when she switches between devices - both from phone to eReader and eReader to phone. So she can use the phone for ad hoc reading when she doesn't have the eReader with her, and can switch back to the eReader when it's available - without losing her place in the book.
The obvious solution is a Kindle (which I guess would require converting each ePub to Mobi format), but my question is: do Kindle eReaders reliably sync reading posiition (furthest read?) in both directions with the Kindle app on Android phones?
If not, can anyone recommend a better solution for this problem?

Consider getting a PocketBook eReader and not a Kindle. PocketBook cloud will store I think 5GB of content for free and it will sync between device and the PocketBook app. It will even do AZW3 (with DRM removed) as well as ePub, PDF, and a bunch of others. However you get the content (download, side load over USB) it will upload to PB Cloud and be available to apps and devices registered to the PB account.

The apps can access calibre OPDS endpoint, the reader can access calibre web (if you use calibre, which you should be along with the DRM removal plugin).

The only issue is getting one in the USA. I got mine from Amazon, but the seller there does not generally have the full lineup available and sells some models that have been superseded by newer ones.

[AdrianJ]

Originally Posted by Scoob

It will be automatic if your wife has wifi turned on the entire time your wife is reading on either the kindle or the app. If she doesn't she will need to turn it on for a quick manual sync before she switches devices. Then whichever device she switches to continue reading will need its wifi turned on too so the location can be updated.

I tried using email send-to-kindle to send the same epub book to both a Kindle Paperwhite, and my phone running Kindle for Android.
The books arrived on both devices, but I still cant get the reading positions to sync. Setting a location somewhere in the book on either device, and then opening the other never seems to sync.

Any suggestions welcome.

[AdrianJ]

Replying to my own query,

I tried sending the book from my PC to the Amazon web server. That worked, book appeared in the library on both devices, and the sync reading position between them seems to work both ways.

I am happy with that, since I normally use my PC as source of books anyway.

[Scoob]

Originally Posted by AdrianJ

I still cant get the reading positions to sync. Setting a location somewhere in the book on either device, and then opening the other never seems to sync.

Any suggestions welcome.

Its been a long time since I've used a wifi connected kindle and android app to read the same book so bear with me. 1) Is whispersync turned on on both devices? 2) Are you using the bookmark option or just closing the book? 3) before you switch devices can you manually sync on that device before closing it and checking for updates on the other.

[AdrianJ]

Thanks for the reply.
Whispersync definitely on on both devices
I was just closing the book, will try using a bookmark
will check manual sync.
I think in the long run I will go back to using a Boox reader with Moonreader PRO. Was just thinking about using Kindle as well, but decided the extra messing around was not worth it.
I do really like the Kindle Paperwhite screen though, is still better than the Boox for my old eyes :-)

[Scoob]

I'm positive there is an easy solution to your sync issue and hopefully it's something as simple as using a bookmark or manual sync. Unfortunately I read on a Kindle and only use the kindle app to purchase, browse or return books not to read books.

You should try asking in the Kindle forum too I'm sure someone there will have better more up to date help.