iBooks Not Syncing? 7 Quick Fixes Here

Are your iBooks not syncing between devices, causing frustration in your reading routine? This guide is all about the reasons behind iBooks syncing issues. Also it contains seven effective fixes to get your digital library back in sync. Discover the best alternative method, ensuring seamless iBooks syncing between your Apple devices.

Author Avatar Joy Taylor Last Updated: Nov. 01, 2023

You’re engrossed in a captivating novel on your iPhone. Eagerly anticipating continuing the adventure on your iPad during your daily commute. However, there’s a snag! Your iBooks library refuses to synchronize between your devices. That leaves you stranded on two different pages within the same storyline.

Fret not! We’re here to assist you. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll journey through iBooks predicaments and offer effective solutions to restore harmony to your digital library. Whether it’s a network glitch or a settings hiccup. We’ll help you navigate the solution across your Apple devices. Let’s get your reading adventure back on track!

Bonus Tip: Here are some other tips about syncing problems.

Why Is iBooks Not Syncing Between Devices?

Before we delve into the remedies, it’s crucial to comprehend why iBooks might not be synchronized as anticipated. Numerous factors could be contributing to this issue. Let’s examine them:

  • Synchronization Disabled: Sometimes, iBooks syncing can stop if the synchronization option is turned off accidentally. It’s like having a roadblock on your path to seamless reading.
  • User Interface Glitches: Glitches in the iBooks user interface can be the culprit behind syncing issues. Imagine your library’s index being out of order. It can confuse and disrupt syncing.
  • Corrupt Application: It’s like having a scratched CD when your iBooks app is corrupted. It won’t play smoothly, and syncing might stumble over these rough patches.
  • Full iCloud Storage: Think of iCloud as a bookshelf, and each book represents your data. Adding new books (or syncing) becomes challenging when the shelf is full. Managing your iCloud space is crucial.
  • Different iCloud Accounts: Having multiple iCloud accounts on your devices is like having different keys for the same lock. Syncing won’t work unless you use the right key (iCloud account) for all your devices.

Now that we’ve uncovered the possible culprits behind iBooks not syncing, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and explore the practical fixes. So, let’s dive into “fixes”, where we’ll equip you with the knowledge and steps to tackle these syncing challenges head-on.

7 Fixes for iBooks Not Syncing

We’re diving headfirst into practical solutions to tackle those pesky iBooks syncing issues. From network hiccups to settings tweaks, we’ve got you covered. These fixes are like the keys to unlocking seamless syncing, ensuring your digital library flows effortlessly across your devices. Let’s jump into these fixes and reconnect your digital library!

Fix 1: Check Network Connection

Alright, let’s start with the basics. A stable network connection is the backbone of successful syncing. As a shaky bridge can lead to a bumpy ride, any network hiccup can disrupt iBooks syncing. If you’re facing issues, ensuring your network is rock-solid is wise. Here’s how:

  1. Go to the “Settings” app.
  2. Tap “General.”
  3. Scroll down and tap “Transfer or Reset iPhone.”
  4. Opt for the “Reset” option and subsequently choose “Reset Network Settings.”
  5. You’ll be prompted to input your on-screen password to confirm the reset.
Select Reset Network Settings

Select Reset Network Settings

Once your network is in top shape, your iBooks syncing should be smoother. Let’s move on to the next fix!

Fix 2: Turn Off and On Books Syncing Settings

Here’s a neat trick for a common scenario where your book collections seem to be there, but they play hide-and-seek within empty folders. You can try this method to coax those books back into view. Don’t hesitate to give it a few shots if needed.

  1. Commence by opening the iBooks app on your device. Tap the iBooks icon to get started.
  2. This might sound unusual, but trust us. Tap the “Featured” or “My Books” button ten times respectively.
Tap Featured or My Books Button

Tap Featured or My Books Button

This is resetting the user interface of iBooks, like shaking an old bookshelf to make the hidden books reappear. Give it a shot, and you may find your missing books right where they belong in your collection icons.

Fix 3: Use the Same Apple ID and Sign In Again

Still, encountering issues with iBooks not syncing PDFs to your iPhone? Sometimes, a simple sign-in refresh can work wonders. Here’s the step-by-step process:

Step 1. Navigate to Settings: Open your device’s “Settings” app.

Step 2. Access iTunes & App Store: Scroll down and tap “iTunes & App Store.”

Step 3. Sign Out: Under your Apple ID, tap “Sign Out” to log out of your account.

Step 4. Log Back In: After signing out, log back in with the same Apple ID credentials.

Sign Out the Apple ID

Sign Out the Apple ID

This quick sign-in dance can kickstart the syncing process, ensuring your PDFs and books are back in sync across your devices. Give it a try, and let’s keep those digital pages turning!

Fix 4: Unhide Books

An important tidbit, hidden books or PDF files in the iBooks app won’t sync across your devices. This could be why iBooks on your iPhone refuse to sync with your iPad. Let’s uncover those hidden gems:

Step 1. Launch the Books app on your device.

Step 2. Tap “Reading Now” to explore your digital bookshelf.

Step 3. Look for and tap on your profile icon, often in the top right corner.

Step 4. Select “Manage Hidden Purchases” from the menu.

Step 5. Tap “Unhide” next to the books you want to sync between your iPhone and iPad.

Unhide iBooks

Unhide iBooks

By unearthing your hidden books, you ensure they’re ready to sync seamlessly across all your devices. Your digital library is now back in harmony!

Fix 5: Reinstall Books App

Sometimes, even your trusty iBooks app can go haywire, acting like a mischievous bookshelf that won’t stay organized. When this happens, it’s worth considering a clean slate.. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1. Find the iBooks application on your device. Give it a long tap (about 2 seconds) to summon the options.

Step 2. Look for the tiny ‘x’ symbol on the iBooks icon, indicating that you can remove the application. Tap it and wait for the app to uninstall completely.

Step 3. Head over to the App Store on your device.

Step 4. In the App Store’s search bar, type “iBooks.”

Step 5. Locate the iBooks app, download it, and install it anew. Once it’s back on your device, check if the problem has been resolved.

Uninstalling iBooks

Uninstalling iBooks

Reinstalling the iBooks app can clear up any internal hiccups and get your digital library back on the syncing track. Give it a go, and let’s keep those pages turning!

Fix 6: Reset Privacy and Location Services

If you’re facing PDFs not syncing in iBooks on your iPhone or iPad, it might be time to give your device’s privacy and location services a little shake-up. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Start by navigating to “Settings” on your device.
  2. Scroll down and tap “General.”
  3. Look for “Reset” and select “Reset Location & Privacy.”
  4. You might be prompted to key in your passcode. This step tells all your apps to pause using your location until you grant each one permission.
Reset iPhone’s Location and Privacy

Reset iPhone’s Location and Privacy

By resetting these privacy and location settings, you’re allowing your device to refresh its permissions, potentially resolving any syncing issues with those elusive PDFs in iBooks. Give it a try, and let’s get those digital pages turning smoothly again!

Fix 7: Factory Reset iPhone

Okay, we’ve reached the last resort, ‘the factory reset.’ Please proceed cautiously. This step will erase all your data and settings. Consider this if none of the previous fixes have worked, and you’re ready for a fresh start. Here’s how to factory reset your iPhone:

  1. Before you do anything else, back up all your important data, including books and PDFs, to iCloud or your computer. This step is crucial because a factory reset will wipe everything clean.
  2. Open the “Settings” app on your iPhone.
  3. Scroll down and tap on “General.”
  4. Scroll to the last and tap “Reset.”
  5. Select “Erase All Content and Settings.” You may need to enter your passcode.
  6. Confirm your decision to erase all content and settings. Your iPhone will now begin the reset process.
Choose Erase All Content and Settings

Choose Erase All Content and Settings

Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your iPhone as a new device once the reset is complete.

This drastic step should only be taken when all else fails, as it wipes your device clean. However, it can often resolve persistent syncing issues by giving you a fresh start. After the factory reset, you can revive your data from your backup to regain your digital library.

Now, let’s venture into the next section, introducing you to an alternative method that guarantees seamless iBooks syncing between your Apple devices. So, if you’re seeking a foolproof solution, keep reading. We’ve got an ace up our sleeve!

Best Alternative Way to Sync iBooks Between Devices

If you’ve exhausted all the previous methods with no success, it’s time to introduce you to an exceptional solution, AnyTrans! AnyTrans is a versatile iOS data transfer tool that simplifies transferring iBooks between your computer and iPhone or two iPhones. It’s your go-to option for resolving iBooks, not downloading issues. Let’s delve into why AnyTrans is your ultimate choice:

Free Download

Free Download

* 100% Clean & Safe

Free Download * 100% Clean & Safe

  • Transfer as you wish – You can view and select the data you want to move. What to transfer is entirely up to you.
  • Easy operation, lightning speed – Transfer thousands of data in 3 minutes with 1 click. There is no difficulty at all.
  • Smart transfer – Unlike iCloud or iTunes, AnyTrans will not erase or overwrite the original data on your device. And it can also automatically detect and skip duplicate files.
  • Not just iBooks – AnyTrans can also help you transfer messages, contacts, WhatsApp, photos, videos, music and more.

Now, free download AnyTrans and let’s dive into how to use AnyTrans to transfer iBooks effortlessly:

Step 1. Open AnyTrans on your computer and connect your iPhone or iPad. Click the More tab in the upper-right corner to access the category management page.

Click More Option

Click More Option

Step 2. AnyTrans will display all your iBooks on your iPhone. Select the iBooks you want to transfer and click the corresponding button.

Transfer iBooks from iPhone to iPhone via AnyTrans

Choose iBooks to Transfer

Step 3. Click To PC or To Device button to transfer your iBooks. Wait for a while until it’s completed.

Sync Notes from iPhone to Mac Complete

Data Transfer Complete

With AnyTrans as your ally, syncing iBooks becomes a breeze. Say goodbye to disappointment and hello to seamless iBooks enjoyment!

The Bottom Line

iBooks should be a seamless reading experience, and with the right knowledge and tools, you can ensure your digital library is always in sync. Whether you follow our quick fixes or opt for the ultimate syncing solution with AnyTrans, you can now enjoy uninterrupted reading across all your Apple devices. Say goodbye to the frustration of iBooks not syncing and hello to a world of synchronized reading pleasure. Happy reading!

Free Download

Free Download

* 100% Clean & Safe

Free Download * 100% Clean & Safe

Author Avatar
Joy Taylor Twitter Share Facebook Share

Senior writer of the iMobie team as well as an Apple fan, love to help more users solve various types of iOS & Android-related issues.

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