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To listen to a library audiobook offline in Libby, use the Libby mobile app, borrow the title, and let it download before you lose internet access. Check Shelf > Loans: a card-and-checkmark icon means the loan is downloaded; a cloud icon means it still needs an internet connection. Libby’s website, libbyapp.com, requires internet access and does not support offline listening.
Download a library audiobook in the Libby app
- Install and open the Libby mobile app. Libby’s quick-start guidance lists iOS 10+, Android 7.1+, and newer Fire tablets; check current compatibility because device support can change. A computer browser is an option for online listening, but not for offline use.
- Find your library and sign in with your library card. The titles and formats available depend on the collection your library offers.
- Borrow an audiobook. Search or browse the catalog and borrow an available title. If it is checked out, place a hold if the library offers that option.
- Confirm the download. Open Shelf > Loans. A card-and-checkmark icon indicates the audiobook is downloaded. A cloud icon means it has not downloaded and will stream when opened.
- Start listening. Open the loan and choose Open Audiobook. Libby’s player includes controls such as playback speed and a sleep timer.
Choose Wi-Fi, cellular, or manual downloads
Libby downloads books and audiobooks over Wi-Fi by default. To let the app download using cellular data, open Menu > Downloads and turn off Download Only On Wi-Fi. Cellular downloads may count against your mobile plan’s data allowance.
![The Scarpetta Factor (An Unabridged Production)[13-CD Set] (Audio CD/Audio Book)](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41HDBHB9OhL._SL160_.jpg)
In the same download settings, you can choose to download everything automatically, download titles below a selected size, or download nothing automatically. Automatic downloads are convenient, while size-limited or manual downloads give you more control over storage and data use. These settings apply to the mobile app, not libbyapp.com.
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Libby Help says most audiobooks are more than 300 MB, though an individual title may be smaller or larger. Check available device storage if a download does not complete. On devices that support SD cards, Libby says it uses a detected SD card automatically for downloads.
If you need to free space, remove the downloaded copy from your device without returning the loan. You can still listen to that loan when connected to the internet, but you will need to download it again before listening offline.
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Fix buffering or offline playback problems
- The audiobook will not play offline: Check Shelf > Loans before going offline. If the loan shows a cloud icon, connect to the internet and allow the download to finish.
- The audiobook keeps buffering or skipping: Confirm the device has a stable connection, then download the title to the device instead of streaming. Libby recommends downloading when audio skips.
- The download is using mobile data: In Menu > Downloads, enable Download Only On Wi-Fi to restrict downloads to Wi-Fi.
- You cannot find the audiobook in the catalog: Libraries select their own titles and formats, so availability varies. Check your library’s catalog or ask the library about its collection and borrowing options.
- You are using a computer browser: Switch to the Libby mobile app and download the loan there. The browser version requires an internet connection.
What you need to know about Libby offline listening
- Offline playback requires a completed download in the Libby mobile app.
- A loan that remains in the cloud streams and requires internet access.
- Downloads use Wi-Fi by default; the app can be configured to use cellular data.
- Library catalog availability depends on the library, and downloaded audiobooks can use substantial storage.
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