Learn how to open and read EPUB book files on your iOS device and go through some solutions if an EPUB file fails to open.
EPUB (short for electronic publication) is one of the most popular e-book formats that’s supported by nearly all e-book reader devices and apps, including Apple’s Books app.
How to view an EPUB file on iOS
- Download the EPUB file from Safari and tap it in the Downloads section. It should open directly to the Books app.
- If the EPUB file is saved in iCloud Drive or the On My iPhone/iPad section of the iOS Files app, tap it, then tap Copy to Books.
Note: Book titles you add to your library and download in the Apple Books app on your device are also in EPUB format. If there is a small cloud icon under the book thumbnail, that means the title is added to your library but not downloaded for offline reading. Simply tap the three-dot menu icon, then select Download to read it offline.
If you can’t open EPUB book files on iOS
As mentioned, the Apple Books app supports EPUB natively, without needing any conversion. And the process to open one is super simple, as clear from the above steps. So, if you can’t open an EPUB file, chances are there’s an issue with the file itself or a temporary system glitch. Here’s how to fix this.
Check the EPUB file
Usually, book files are just a few megabytes, but if the title in question has many graphics, it may take a while to download. Check your browser Downloads section to ensure the full file was saved. Sometimes, if a file is only downloaded partially and then fails, you won’t be able to open it.
To check, try opening the same file on another device or app (mentioned below). If it doesn’t work, that means the problem lies with that particular EPUB file itself.
Ensure the .epub extension is added
If the EPUB book is saved to the Apple Files app or another file manager app, look at its file name and make sure you see an ‘.epub’ extension at the end. If there is no extension, touch and hold the file, select Rename, and manually add .epub at the end.
Restart and update your iPhone or iPad
The EPUB file may not open, or nothing may happen when tapping it because of system glitches. Simply ask Siri to restart the device or manually turn your iPhone or iPad off and back on.
In case your device isn’t running the latest version of iOS or iPadOS, head to Settings > General > Software Update to download and install the latest version.
Try using another book-reading app
Even though the native Books app is a decent book-reading app, with themes, PDF support, and other handy features, you’re not locked to it. If an EPUB file isn’t opening in the Books app, download one of these apps or search for “epub” on the App Store to get something else.
Now, follow these steps to open the EPUB file in the said third-party app:
- Open the Files app and go to the folder where your EPUB file is saved.
- Touch and hold the file and select Open With > app name.
In case an app like eBoox doesn’t show in the ‘Open With’ section, follow these steps instead:
- Go to the Files app or another app where your EPUB file is saved.
- Touch and hold the EPUB file and select the share option.
- Swipe through the app icons in the iOS Share Sheet to find the book-reading app, then tap its name. In case you have the app installed, but it doesn’t show in the Share Sheet, tap More at the end and then tap the app name.
Delete and reinstall the Books app
If the EPUB file opens in one of the above third-party reader apps but not the Apple Books app, we can safely assume the problem is with the Books app on your device.
To fix this, delete the Books app, restart your iPhone or iPad, and then reinstall it from the App Store. But before you do this, note that deleting the Books app will remove all local PDFs and book titles; however, titles saved to iCloud will remain unaffected, and you’ll regain their access after reinstalling the app.
Look for the same book on the Apple Book Store
If you still can’t read downloaded EPUB files offline, search for the same book title in the Apple Books Store. Chances are, you’ll be able to download it for free (or sometimes after a small payment).
Read next: 90+ best free books in the Apple Books app