Clara BW How to start sideload mode without a Kobo account? - Page 2

Aleron Ives · 10-24-2024, 07:25 PM

That method is obsolete now. The problem is getting the PC to recognise when the Kobo has been connected. Once you can see the Clara as a connected device, you can edit the configuration file to enable sideload mode. Database edits are no longer necessary.

JSWolf · 10-25-2024, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbm

This is what I did when received my Clara HD before side load mode was available.

Hacking the Kobo Clara HD – 2: Bypassing registration/sign in

You just have to get acsess from you PC to set side load mode, do not have to do the registration bypass.

bernie

DO NOT EVER DO THIS! If it works, at some point, it could fail and you'll lose everything. Fake registering failed twice before and you had to start over.

omentic · 06-21-2025, 08:05 PM

Since this thread comes up easily in Google results, I'll add some more detailed information to Aleron's response. As of at least 2022, Kobo has support for a sideloaded mode (https://blog.the-ebook-reader.com/20...deloaded-mode/).

This mode can be enabled by connecting the Kobo to a computer or other device, opening it in a file manager, and editing the file at ".kobo/Kobo eReader.conf" (this should already exist) to set SideloadedMode=true under the [ApplicationPreferences] heading. After connecting to a WiFi network the account login step should be skipped automatically.

JupitersIcyMoons · Yesterday, 04:06 PM

I just did this on the Clara BW and can confirm that if you plug the Kobo in at the screen that says “let’s get started” you get the PC link option that will allow you to access and edit the config file.

One further note: if you set up Sideloaded Mode on the Clara BW (I assume this is true for other Kobo models as well) you lose the options for Dropbox and Libby in the settings.

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10-24-2024, 07:25 PM	#16
Aleron Ives Wizard Posts: 1,706 Karma: 16308824 Join Date: Sep 2022 Device: Kobo Libra 2	That method is obsolete now. The problem is getting the PC to recognise when the Kobo has been connected. Once you can see the Clara as a connected device, you can edit the configuration file to enable sideload mode. Database edits are no longer necessary.

06-21-2025, 08:05 PM	#18
omentic Super Cool Member Posts: 6 Karma: 10 Join Date: Nov 2024 Device: Libra Colour	Since this thread comes up easily in Google results, I'll add some more detailed information to Aleron's response. As of at least 2022, Kobo has support for a sideloaded mode (https://blog.the-ebook-reader.com/20...deloaded-mode/). This mode can be enabled by connecting the Kobo to a computer or other device, opening it in a file manager, and editing the file at ".kobo/Kobo eReader.conf" (this should already exist) to set SideloadedMode=true under the [ApplicationPreferences] heading. After connecting to a WiFi network the account login step should be skipped automatically.

Yesterday, 04:06 PM	#19
JupitersIcyMoons Junior Member Posts: 2 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jul 2025 Device: Kobo Libra Colour, Pocketbook Era	I just did this on the Clara BW and can confirm that if you plug the Kobo in at the screen that says “let’s get started” you get the PC link option that will allow you to access and edit the config file. One further note: if you set up Sideloaded Mode on the Clara BW (I assume this is true for other Kobo models as well) you lose the options for Dropbox and Libby in the settings.