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_Murlo
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

How to recover an imported EPUB book from Apple Books?

How can I recover an EPUB book imported into Apple Books?


Hi everyone!

I'm trying to recover an EPUB book that I previously purchased from LitRes and imported into Apple Books on my iPhone.

Here's what happened:

I purchased the book from LitRes, downloaded it in EPUB format, and imported it into Apple Books using the Files app.

After successfully importing the book, I deleted the original EPUB file from the Files app because I assumed Apple Books would keep a copy that I could export whenever needed.

The book is still available in my Apple Books library, and I can open and read it without any issues.

However, when I try to share the book, Apple Books only allows me to share its title, a link, or selected text. There doesn't seem to be an option to export or save the actual EPUB file.

I also tried using the Shortcuts app to access the book through the Share Sheet. Unfortunately, Shortcuts only received text data rather than the original EPUB file.

My questions are:

  1. Is there any way to extract or export an EPUB file that was manually imported into Apple Books?
  2. Since the book is still available and readable, does that mean the original EPUB file is stored somewhere on my iPhone or in iCloud?
  3. Is there any way to recover the original EPUB file directly from Apple Books without downloading it again?
  4. Are there any solutions that work with a Windows PC rather than requiring a Mac?

Just to clarify, this book was legally purchased from LitRes, downloaded as an EPUB file, and manually imported into Apple Books. It was not purchased through the Apple Books Store.

I understand that downloading the book again from LitRes might be an option, but I'm specifically interested in whether Apple Books provides a way to retrieve files that have already been imported into its library.

I would really appreciate any advice or suggestions from anyone who has encountered a similar situation.

Thanks in advance!

Posted on Nov 5, 2026 2:36 AM

2 replies

_Murlo Author
User level: Level 1 (4 points)

Nov 5, 2026 11:13 PM in response to picas

Thank you for your reply!


I understand that copyright restrictions exist, but I don't quite understand how they apply to my situation.


I purchased the book from LitRes, and the platform itself allowed me to download it as an EPUB file. I then manually imported that file into Apple Books.


There are also many free books available online that can be legally downloaded, stored on a device, and shared, depending on their licenses.


My question is: why doesn't Apple Books allow me to export books that I personally imported into the app?


I'm not trying to distribute copyrighted material or share purchased books illegally. I simply want to have access to the original files that I uploaded myself.


For example, what if I decide to read the same book on a dedicated e-reader instead of my iPhone? Why shouldn't I be able to retrieve the EPUB file from my Apple Books library and transfer it to another device, provided that the book's license allows it?


I think Apple Books should offer an option to export personally imported files, just as other applications allow users to access their own documents.


I'm genuinely interested in understanding whether this is a technical limitation, an intentional restriction by Apple, or something related to copyright.


Thanks again for your response!

picas
User level: Level 7 (21,779 points)

Nov 5, 2026 11:47 AM in response to _Murlo

For copyright reasons the book can't be shared – what you have in Books is the "original". Have you read the Terms of Service at Litres?

Originally posted at discussions.apple.com/thread/256389115