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How to listen to audiobooks across iPhone, iPad, and Mac

At a glance

  • Each device needs the audiobook files and its own folder permission. iCloud Drive can make the same source folder available across devices.
  • Optional Audely Pro sync shares library data and listening progress. It does not transfer audio or hand off the active player.
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1. Make the same audio available everywhere

Put each book’s original files in a clearly named folder in iCloud Drive. Let the upload finish, then find that folder in Files on iPhone or iPad and Finder on Mac, using the same Apple Account.

You can also copy the same files into local folders on each device. Keep filenames and the folder structure consistent so the files are easier to match. Audely does not copy audio between devices for you.

2. Link the folder on each device

  • iPhone or iPad: open Settings › Library › Add folder and select the folder through Files.
  • Mac: open Audely › Settings › Library › Add folder and select the folder.

Choose Audiobooks and let the scan finish. Repeat on every listening device, even when they all use the same iCloud Drive folder. Permission to read a folder stays local to each device.

An individual part in Audely on Mac
The audiobook library in Audely on Mac
An audiobook and its ordered parts in Audely on Mac
An individual part in Audely on Mac
The audiobook library in Audely on Mac

3. Turn on progress sync if you want it

With Audely Pro active, use the same Apple Account for iCloud on each device and allow Audely access to iCloud.

Open Settings › Sync on iPhone or iPad, or Audely › Settings › Sync on Mac. Enable Sync across your devices on each one and wait for the initial sync to finish. The Sync page shows its status and last successful sync.

Without Pro, you can still play the files independently on every device, but listening progress does not sync automatically.

4. Continue on another device

Pause on the first device and let it sync while online. On the next device, open Audely and allow sync to finish, then open the book from Library › Audiobooks › Books and resume.

Use Sync now if the saved position has not arrived. The active Now playing item, queue, and current playback speed do not transfer as a live handoff.

An audiobook’s detail page with listening progress and a play button in Audely on iPhone

Before going offline, download every part to that device and test playback. A synced book can be visible before its audio is available. See the offline listening guide for a checklist, or sync documentation for troubleshooting.

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