You’ve spent time creating the perfect tags in Libby to keep your borrowed books organized. Maybe you have a “Read Next” tag, a “Summer Reads” collection, or something just for the kids. Then you open the app on another device, and those tags are nowhere to be found.
It’s frustrating, especially when you rely on those tags to manage a growing reading list. The good thing is this problem usually has a simple fix. In this post, you’ll learn why your Libby tags might stop syncing, what causes the issue, and how to get everything back in order on all your devices.
What Does It Mean When Libby Tags Stop Syncing?
Libby is a free app that lets you borrow ebooks and audiobooks from your local library. One of its handy features is the ability to create custom tags. Think of tags like folders or labels. You can group your books however you like, making it easier to find what you want to read next.
When tags sync properly, any tag you create on one device shows up on all your other devices. You could tag a book on your phone during your morning commute, and that same tag would appear on your tablet when you settle in for the evening. That’s how it’s supposed to work.
The trouble starts when this connection breaks. You might notice that:
- Tags you created on one device don’t appear on another
- Deleted tags keep coming back
- Some tags sync, but others don’t
- Your tag list looks completely different depending on which device you use
Leaving this issue unfixed means you’ll end up with a messy, confusing library. You might lose track of books you planned to read or accidentally borrow duplicates because your lists don’t match up. For anyone who uses multiple devices, syncing problems can turn Libby from a helpful tool into a headache.
Libby Tags Not Syncing: Likely Causes
Before you can fix the problem, it helps to know what’s causing it. A few common culprits tend to be behind most Libby syncing issues.
1. You’re Not Signed In With the Same Library Card
Libby ties your tags and reading history to your library card. If you’re signed in with different cards on different devices, your tags won’t match up.
This happens more often than you’d think. Maybe you have cards from two different library systems, or perhaps you accidentally selected a different card when setting up a new device. Without the same card active on all devices, Libby treats each one as a separate user.
2. The App Is Outdated
An older version of Libby might have bugs that prevent proper syncing. App updates often include fixes for these exact kinds of problems.
If you haven’t updated the app in a while, you could be running a version that doesn’t communicate well with newer versions on your other devices. Even a small mismatch can cause syncing to fail.
3. Poor or Unstable Internet Connection
Syncing needs a stable internet connection. If your Wi-Fi keeps dropping or your mobile data is weak, Libby can’t send your tag changes to the cloud.
You might not even notice the connection issues. The app could look like it’s working fine, but behind the scenes, it’s struggling to push your updates through. This is especially common if you’re in an area with spotty coverage or using a crowded public network.
Sometimes the problem isn’t your connection at all. Your device might have saved old network settings that are causing conflicts, which can interrupt how apps like Libby send and receive data.
4. Corrupted App Data or Cache
Over time, apps store bits of temporary data called cache. Usually, this speeds things up. But sometimes, that data gets corrupted or conflicts with new information.
When Libby’s cache goes bad, it can prevent the app from syncing correctly. Your device might be holding onto old tag data that doesn’t match what’s stored on the server.
5. Syncing Is Turned Off in Settings
Libby has a setting that controls whether your data syncs across devices. If this got turned off, whether by accident or during a troubleshooting attempt, your tags won’t update anywhere else.
This setting is easy to overlook. Most people set up the app once and never go back into the settings, so they might not realize syncing was disabled.
Libby Tags Not Syncing: How to Fix
Now that you know what might be causing the problem, let’s walk through some fixes you can try on your own. Start with the easiest solutions and work your way down the list.
1. Check That You’re Using the Same Library Card
Open Libby and tap on the menu icon. Look for your library card and make sure it’s the same one you use on all your devices. If you have multiple cards, the active card should match across every phone, tablet, or computer where you use Libby.
Here’s how to check:
- Open Libby on each device
- Tap the icon in the upper left corner (it looks like books on a shelf)
- Select “See Library Cards”
- Confirm the same card is selected on each device
If the cards don’t match, switch to the correct one. Give the app a few minutes to sync, then check if your tags show up.
2. Update the Libby App
Head to your device’s app store and search for Libby. If an update is available, install it. Do this on all your devices to make sure everyone is running the same version.
On most phones and tablets, you can also turn on automatic updates so you don’t have to check manually in the future. Keeping apps current helps avoid bugs and syncing issues.
After updating, open Libby and give it a moment to refresh. Your tags should start appearing on all devices once the app finishes syncing.
3. Refresh Your Internet Connection
Try these quick steps to rule out a connection problem:
- Turn off Wi-Fi, wait 10 seconds, then turn it back on
- If you’re using mobile data, toggle airplane mode on and off
- Move closer to your router if the signal is weak
- Restart your router by unplugging it for 30 seconds
Once you’re back online with a stable connection, open Libby and pull down on the screen to manually refresh. This forces the app to check for updates and push any changes you’ve made.
4. Clear the App Cache
Clearing the cache removes old temporary data that might be causing conflicts. The steps vary depending on your device.
On Android:
- Go to Settings > Apps > Libby
- Tap “Storage”
- Select “Clear Cache”
On iPhone or iPad:
- iOS doesn’t let you clear cache for individual apps, so you’ll need to delete and reinstall Libby
- Before you do, note which library cards you have set up
- After reinstalling, sign back in with your library card
This fresh start often solves stubborn syncing problems. Your tags and reading data are stored with your library account, so they’ll come back once you sign in again.
5. Make Sure Syncing Is Enabled
Open Libby and go to the settings menu. Look for an option related to syncing or “Sync reading journey.” Make sure it’s turned on.
If it was already on, try turning it off, waiting a few seconds, and turning it back on. This can reset the connection and jumpstart the syncing process.
6. Contact Libby Support or Your Library
If none of these fixes work, it’s time to reach out for help. Libby has a support team that handles these kinds of issues every day. You can contact them directly through the app by going to the menu, selecting “Help & Support,” and choosing the option to send a message.
Your local library staff can also help. They have access to your account from their end and might be able to spot something that’s causing the problem. Don’t be shy about asking. They’re there to help you get the most out of the app.
Wrapping Up
Libby makes borrowing books easy, and tags help you stay organized. When syncing stops working, it throws a wrench into your reading routine. The fixes here cover the most common causes, and most people find that one of these steps does the trick.
If you’ve tried everything and your tags still won’t sync, reaching out to Libby support is your best next move. They can dig deeper into your account and figure out what’s going on. With a little patience, you’ll have your tags back in order and your reading list under control.