PDFs not syncing to iPhone Books from MacBook Books.

I have pdfs in Books on my MacBook Pro (Tahoe 26.6.2) that are not syncing to my iPhone 17 (iOS 26.6.2). I have syncing turned on in Settings on both devices (and everything else successfully syncs). But on my iPhone, under Settings/Apps/Books/Syncing, Home is turned on but iCloud Drive is greyed out and I can't find how to turn it on. I suspect that's the reason the pdfs on my computer are not appearing on my phone. Can't find how to un-grey that so I can turn it on. Or any other suggestions how to fix it. Thanks.

Posted on Sep 28, 2026 8:52 AM

6 replies

picas

Level 7 (21,779 points)

Sep 28, 2026 3:19 PM in response to zim528

Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Saved to iCloud See All > iCloud Drive > Apps Syncing to iCloud Drive, and turn on Books.

picas

Level 7 (21,779 points)

Sep 28, 2026 4:31 PM in response to zim528

I'd try going through the same rigmarole on your Mac. If that's set up correctly then delete the Books app from the phone and reinstall it. Here is some more info: If the Apple Books app isn't syncing across devices - Apple Support (TM)

picas

Level 7 (21,779 points)

Sep 28, 2026 6:43 PM in response to zim528

There's a hiccup somewhere. One other thing to check (although it will probably be already on) is Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Saved to iCloud, scroll down to Books. It could also help if you upgrade to the latest OS on both devices. Other than that try Official Apple Support.

picas

Level 7 (21,779 points)

Sep 28, 2026 6:49 PM in response to zim528

Also try a force restart: Force restart iPhone – Apple Support (AU)

zim528 Author

Level 1 (13 points)

Sep 28, 2026 4:02 PM in response to picas

Thanks, but no go! I actually had Books turned on in that setting, but I just turned it off, restarted, turned it on again and restarted. It's amazing how many times turn it off and turn it on again works. But not this time. FYI you can see I have 21 pdfs in my MacBook library and sadly, still none on my phone!

zim528 Author

Level 1 (13 points)

Sep 28, 2026 6:01 PM in response to picas

Nope. That didn't change anything, even deleting and reinstalling Books. It seems to be a function of the Syncing options on the phone. As you can see, the iCloud Drive syncing button is greyed out. I assume that needs to be turned on, but something is stopping that from being an option.

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256366597