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Add an offline dictionary to Play Books on Android

Want to look up words in Google Play Books when you're offline? Now you can by grabbing the offline dictionary. Read on to find out how.

Nicole Cozma
Nicole Cozma has an affinity for Android apps and devices, but loves technology in general. Based out of the Tampa Bay Area, she enjoys being a spectator to both sunsets and lightning storms.
Nicole Cozma

Nicole Cozma/CNET

Google Play Books has the awesome feature of storing books on your device so you can read them when you're offline. This is really useful when you're traveling -- especially on a plane -- because you may often lose signal. Unfortunately, when your signal is gone and you want to look up a word, you're out of luck. Until now.

For situations like these, Google has added an offline dictionary that you can download to use at your convenience. Here's how to get the offline dictionary:

Note: The dictionary is currently only available in English.


Nicole Cozma/CNET

Step 1: Highlight a word in your book by pressing and holding it. When the definition pops up at the bottom of the screen, slide it up to reveal the full definition and a download link.

Nicole Cozma/CNET

Step 2: Tap the download link on the additional information card to store the dictionary on your device..

Nicole Cozma/CNET

Step 3: Make sure the download was successful by going to Settings > Offline dictionary and you will see the word "English" under it. If it says None, repeat the steps when your connection is more stable.

Now when you're lacking a signal, you'll still be able to look up the definition of a word.