How Do I Download Audible Books to iPhone
If you love listening to stories on the go, Audible is the perfect app for enjoying audiobooks anytime, anywhere.
But what if you want to listen offline — maybe while travelling, commuting, or saving mobile data? The good news is you can download Audible books directly to your iPhone for easy offline access.
This step-by-step guide explains how to download Audible books to an iPhone, how to manage storage, and what to do if your downloads get stuck — everything you need for a smooth listening experience.
Quick Overview – Audible Download Options
| Method | Internet Needed? | Storage Used | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Download to Device | No | Uses iPhone storage | Offline listening |
| Keep in Cloud | Yes | None | Saving space |
| Stream Online | Yes | Minimal | Short-term listening |
Step 1: Install and Sign in to the Audible App
Before you start downloading, make sure you have the Audible app installed on your iPhone.
Here’s how:
- Open the App Store on your iPhone.
- Search for “Audible” by Amazon.
- Tap Get → Install.
Open the app and sign in with your Amazon or Audible account.
Once you’re logged in, you’ll see your Library, which contains all your purchased and added audiobooks.
Step 2: Go to Your Library
Go to the bottom of the screen and tap on Library. This is where all your audiobooks are stored.
If you don’t see your book right away:
- Tap Cloud to view titles that are not downloaded yet.
- Audible keeps all your books in the cloud, so you can download them anytime you want.
Step 3: Download the Audiobook
Once you’ve found your desired title, downloading it is simple.
To download:
- Find the book in your Library.
- Tap the download icon (downward arrow) beside the book cover.
- Wait for it to finish — you’ll see a checkmark when done.
Tip: Use Wi-Fi to avoid using mobile data, especially for large audiobooks.
After the download completes, you can listen offline, even in airplane mode.
Step 4: Adjust Download Settings
You can control how your books download to manage quality and data usage.
Go to:
Profile → Settings → Data & Storage
From here, you can:
- Choose High, Standard, or Low audio quality.
- Turn on Download Only on Wi-Fi to save data.
- Check how much storage your books are using.
Tip:
High-quality audio sounds better but takes more space, so choose based on your available storage.
Step 5: Manage and Delete Books to Free Up Space
Audiobooks can take up several hundred megabytes each. If your iPhone is low on storage, you can remove completed books anytime.
To delete a book:
- Go to Library → Device.
- Swipe left on the book you’d like to remove.
- Tap Remove from Device.
The title will stay in your Cloud Library, so you can re-download it later without losing your purchase.
Quick Comparison Table
| Option | Where It Stores Books | Offline Access | Storage Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Download on Device | iPhone Storage | Yes | Uses space |
| Keep in Cloud | Audible Cloud | No | No space used |
| Stream Online | Internet Only | Needs Wi-Fi or Data | Minimal space |
Troubleshooting Common Download Issues
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Book not downloading | Poor Wi-Fi or low storage | Check connection and free space |
| App not showing book | Sync issue | Refresh Library or sign out/in |
| Download stuck at “Preparing” | Outdated app version | Update Audible app |
| Playback error | Corrupted file | Delete and re-download the book |
FAQs
1. Can I listen to Audible books without Wi-Fi?
Yes. Once downloaded, you can listen offline anytime, even without an internet connection.
2. How much space does an Audible book take?
It depends on length and quality. A 10-hour audiobook usually uses 150–300 MB.
3. Can I download Audible books to my SD card?
Not on iPhone — Apple devices store apps and data internally. Android phones allow SD cards.
4. Do Audible downloads expire?
No. Once purchased, your audiobooks stay in your Library forever.
5. Can I change where Audible books are stored on iPhone?
No, iPhones don’t allow storage changes. However, you can delete and re-download titles anytime to manage space.
