How do I add an EPUB file to Apple Books on iPhone?

Tap any .epub link in Safari — iOS shows 'Open in Books'. Or tap an .epub attachment in Mail and select 'Open in Books'. Or open the Files app, tap the .epub file, and share it to Books. All three methods import the file to your Books library and sync it to iCloud, making it available on iPad and Mac automatically.

How do I add an EPUB to Apple Books on Mac?

Double-click any .epub file in Finder — it opens in Books and is added to your library automatically. Or drag the .epub file onto the Books app icon in the Dock. Or open Books → File → Import. The book syncs to iPhone and iPad via iCloud. Books also accepts PDF files, but EPUBs support font adjustment and reflowing text that PDFs do not.

Is Apple Books the same as iBooks?

Yes. Apple renamed iBooks to Apple Books in 2018 (iOS 12, macOS 10.14 Mojave). The app is identical in function — it reads EPUB and PDF files, syncs via iCloud, and is pre-installed on all iPhones, iPads, and Macs. If you see instructions referring to iBooks, they apply to Apple Books.

How do I convert a PDF to EPUB for Apple Books?

Go to toolkit.bot/pdf2epub in Safari on your iPhone or iPad, tap Upload PDF, select your file from Files, and wait 15–60 seconds. Tap the download link — iOS offers to open it in Books. The EPUB imports automatically with reflowing text and adjustable fonts. On Mac, download the EPUB and double-click to add it to Books.

How to Add EPUB to Apple Books (iBooks) on iPhone, iPad, and Mac

Apple Books — previously called iBooks before the 2019 rename — is the built-in ebook reader on all Apple devices. It opens EPUB files natively, and adding one takes a few taps. Here's how on every Apple platform.

On iPhone and iPad (iOS / iPadOS)

From Safari (web download)

Tap the .epub download link in Safari
The file preview screen appears — tap the Share button (box with an arrow)
Tap Copy to Books — the EPUB imports immediately
Or tap Open in Books if that option appears

From the Files app

Open the Files app and find your .epub file (Downloads, iCloud Drive, or any connected location)
Tap the file — iOS automatically opens it in Books if Books is your default EPUB handler
If another app opens instead, tap Share → Copy to Books

From Mail or other apps

Tap the EPUB attachment to download it
Tap Share (the upload icon) → Copy to Books

On Mac (macOS)

Method 1: double-click (easiest)

Find the .epub file in Finder
Double-click — if Books is set as the default EPUB app, it opens and imports automatically

Method 2: drag into Books

Open Books (it's in your Applications folder or Dock)
Drag the .epub file from Finder into the Books window or sidebar

Method 3: File → Add to Library

In Books, choose File → Add to Library
Navigate to your EPUB and click Open

Syncing EPUBs across all your Apple devices

Once an EPUB is in Apple Books on one device, it syncs to all your other Apple devices automatically via iCloud, as long as:

You're signed into the same Apple ID on all devices
iCloud Drive is enabled (Settings → your name → iCloud → iCloud Drive)
Books sync is on (Settings → Books → iCloud)

Reading position, bookmarks, and highlights also sync across devices.

How to convert a PDF to EPUB for Apple Books

PDFs open in Apple Books too, but without font resizing or text reflow. Converting to EPUB first gives you a proper reading experience:

Go to toolkit.bot/pdf2epub in Safari on your iPhone/iPad or Mac browser
Upload your PDF — conversion takes 15–60 seconds
Tap or click the EPUB download link
Tap Copy to Books (iOS) or double-click (Mac)

The EPUB opens in Books with full font size control, dark mode, highlights, and iCloud sync.

Convert your PDF to EPUB — open it in Apple Books instantly.

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