Most sync problems come down to one device not being set up the same way as the others, or a network that gets in the way. Work through the checklist first.
Checklist
On each device:
- Pro is active. iCloud Sync needs BookShelves Pro. After buying on one device, use Restore Purchases on the others if Pro doesn’t show up.
- iCloud Sync is on. It’s a setting per device, in Settings > Storage.
- BookShelves was restarted after turning iCloud Sync on. If Sync Status says Sync disabled (restart required), quit and reopen the app.
- Same Apple Account, signed in to iCloud, with iCloud Drive turned on.
- iCloud storage isn’t full. Check in the iCloud section of System Settings (Mac) or Settings (iPhone and iPad).
Then open Settings > Storage, look at Sync Status, and tap Sync Now.
What Sync Status tells you
| Status | What to do |
|---|---|
| Up to date | This device has everything iCloud has sent it. If another device’s change is missing, check that device. |
| Syncing… | Work is in progress. Large libraries can take a while the first time. |
| Sync error: followed by a message | Tap Sync Now. If the error stays, note the message and tell us. |
| iCloud account unavailable | Sign in to iCloud on this device. |
| iCloud restricted by your organization | A work or school profile blocks iCloud Drive. Ask whoever manages the device. |
| Sync disabled (restart required) | Quit and reopen BookShelves. |
“iCloud sync appears blocked”
This banner at the top of the library means iCloud has books this device hasn’t received, and downloads have stalled for several minutes. The usual cause is the network: some Wi-Fi routers and firewalls drop the large downloads iCloud uses while letting small requests through, so everything looks connected but nothing arrives.
Try another network for a few minutes: switch to mobile data, a phone hotspot, or a different Wi-Fi. When the downloads finish there, the problem is the original network.
A book says “Book Not Available”
The library knows about the book, but its file isn’t on this device yet.
- If iCloud Sync is on, the file may still be uploading from the device you imported it on. Open BookShelves on that device and leave it in front for a minute, then tap Try Again.
- If iCloud Sync is off on this device, it can’t download book files. Turn it on in Settings > Storage, or remove the book with Remove from Library.
Reading position or highlights are missing
- Open the book on the device where you read it last, and leave BookShelves in front for a moment so the change is sent.
- On the other device, bring BookShelves to the front or tap Sync Now.
- Text size, margins and other layout settings are kept per device on purpose; they don’t sync.
Duplicate books
When the same book was imported on two devices before they synced, BookShelves merges the copies by itself, keeping your reading progress, highlights, bookmarks, shelves and tags. Tap Sync Now if duplicates don’t disappear within a few minutes.
Still not syncing?
Tell us on the feedback portal: which devices, what’s missing, and the Sync Status text on each.