Tips for syncing large libraries in Book Tracker

If you have a very large library in Book Tracker (hundreds or even thousands of books), you may notice that syncing across iPhone, iPad, and Mac sometimes feels slower or less reliable.

This article gives you practical tips to keep iCloud sync running smoothly, and explains how to avoid common issues when managing big collections.

Why syncing large libraries can be slower

  • Volume of data: more books means more details (states, notes, quotes, positions) to sync.
  • First sync on a new device: downloading your entire library takes time.
  • iCloud behavior: Apple’s servers don’t always update instantly, especially for large files.

Best practices for large libraries

1. Make sure iCloud is enabled correctly

2. Give iCloud time after big imports

  • If you import hundreds of books (e.g., from Goodreads or a CSV), let the app run for several minutes so iCloud can upload everything.
  • Avoid force-closing the app during this process.

3. Open Book Tracker on all devices

  • After a big update, open the app on each device where you want the library synced.
  • This forces iCloud to check and download the new data.

4. Use backups as extra safety

  • Create a manual backup before large imports or edits:
    • Settings → Backup & Restore → Create Backup.
  • If iCloud has trouble syncing, you can restore the backup manually on other devices.
  • Full guide: How to back up your Book Tracker library

5. Keep devices updated and online

  • Install the latest iOS, iPadOS, and macOS versions.
  • Make sure Wi-Fi or mobile data is stable during sync.

6. If sync stalls, reset it

Conclusion

Book Tracker is built to handle even the largest collections. With the right habits — enabling iCloud properly, giving sync time after imports, using backups, and keeping devices updated — you can manage thousands of books confidently across all your devices.