Downloading books on your iPhone gives you a portable library that fits in your pocket. With the right apps and settings, you can start reading offline in just a few minutes.
Use this quick reference to compare the most common ways to get books onto your device and understand how much space and data each option uses.
| Method | Best For | Storage Use | Offline Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Books app | iBooks purchases and sample downloads | Variable, depends on titles | Yes, after download |
| Kindle app | Amazon purchases and Kindle Unlimited | Higher for full books | Yes, with Prime or subscription |
| Kobo app | Kobo store purchases | Medium to high | Yes, after download |
| Library app (Libby, Hoopla) | Free library loans with card | Low to medium | Yes while loan active |
How to Download Books on iPhone Using Apple Books
The Apple Books app comes pre-installed on every iPhone and is often the easiest place to start. You can buy new titles, download free samples, and sync your progress across devices.
Search and Buy
Open the Books app, tap the Search tab, and enter a title or topic. When you find a book, tap the price or Get button, confirm with Face ID or Touch ID, and the download begins automatically.
Downloading Free Samples
If you want to try before you buy, tap a free sample, then Get Sample. The sample downloads quickly and appears on your shelf so you can browse pages before committing to a purchase.
Downloading Books on iPhone with the Kindle App
If you already have an Amazon account or Kindle Unlimited, the Kindle app provides the largest selection of current bestsellers and originals on your iPhone.
Sign In and Sync
Download the Kindle app from the App Store, sign in with your Amazon credentials, and all your purchased books appear automatically. You can choose which titles to keep available offline.
Offline Reading
Toggle Airplane Mode or disable Wi-Fi to confirm that your downloaded books load without internet. This is useful on long flights, in rural areas, or when you want to avoid data charges.
Using Library Apps to Borrow Books on iPhone
Library apps like Libby and Hoopla let you borrow ebooks and audiobooks for free with a library card. This is a low-cost way to access thousands of titles without buying anything.
Link Your Library Card
Open the Libby app, select your library, and sign in with your library card number and password. Some libraries may require a separate authentication step through their website first.
Borrow and Download
Browse the catalog, place a hold if needed, then tap Borrow and Download. The book stays on your device only while your loan is active, and it automatically returns at the end of the loan period.
Key Takeaways for Downloading Books on iPhone
- Use Apple Books for simple buying and syncing across Apple devices.
- Install Kindle or Kobo if you prefer those stores or have active subscriptions.
- Borrow for free with a library card using Libby or Hoopla.
- Check download sizes and manage your library to avoid storage issues.
- Enable offline downloads in each app and verify airplane mode during travel.
FAQ
Reader questions
How do I start downloading books on my iPhone right now?
Open the Books app for purchases or free samples, or install the Kindle app for Amazon titles. For free options, add a library card in Libby and borrow books directly to your home screen.
Do downloaded books take up a lot of storage on my iPhone?
Yes, full-length novels can range from 30 MB to over 1 GB each depending on formatting and images. Regularly manage your shelf and delete titles you no longer need to free up space.
Can I read borrowed library books offline on my iPhone?
Yes, after you borrow and download a book in Libby or Hoopla, you can read it offline until the loan expires. Keep the app updated and renew loans in advance if possible.
What happens if I delete a downloaded book from my iPhone?
You can delete the file to save space, then redownload it later as long as you remain signed into the same account and the license is still valid.