How do you use Libby on multiple devices?

Quick answer

Use Recover Your Data on the new device, then choose a passkey or setup code.

Libby's current setup instructionssay that a recovery passkey or setup code can copy your library cards, loans, holds, and tags to another device. This is a data-recovery process, not a second library account: start from the new device's welcome flow and recover the existing information instead of manually rebuilding it where possible.

Recommended route

Set up the second device with a recovery passkey.

1. Keep the original device available. A recovery passkey must already be available through that device's password manager before you try to recover Libby elsewhere.
2. Open Libby on the new device and choose the existing-card path. On the welcome screen, select Yes when Libby asks whether you have a library card, then choose Recover Your Data.
3. Select Recover With Passkey and complete the device prompts. Libby identifies this as its recommended method for bringing over your saved information.
4. Open one of the recovered libraries and check your Shelf. Confirm your cards, active loans, and holds appear before making any changes to your account or borrowing a duplicate title.

Fallback route

Use a setup code when a recovery passkey is not available.

If your device does not support passkeys, Libby says you can copy data with a setup code. On the new device, begin with Recover Your Data and choose Display Setup Code. On the original device, go to Menu, then Copy To Another Device under Your Information, and enter the displayed code on the new device. Finish by selecting a recovered library to start browsing.

A setup code is for linking your own Libby information between devices. It is not a substitute for a library card, and it does not grant access to someone else's library account. If a card requires fresh authentication or fails to recover, use the library's official contact route rather than guessing at card details.

What carries over

Library account data can sync; downloads and device settings need separate attention.

Before moving a listening session

Check the loan, then choose streaming or a new local download on the device you are holding.

Libby's quick-start guidance says mobile-app users can stream with an internet connection or download a borrowed audiobook for offline use. Its download settings guidance lets app users choose automatic downloads and whether downloads can use cellular data. Review those settings on the new device before travelling or relying on a download.

If the goal is only to free space on an old phone, removing its local file is different from returning the library loan. Our Libby download-removal guide explains that distinction. If you also use several cards, check the multiple library cards in Libby guide before assuming that a title is available from every saved library.

When recovery does not look right

Do not create duplicate card entries before checking the recovery path and live Shelf.

First verify that you began at Recover Your Data, used the correct passkey or current code, and selected a recovered library. Then inspect Shelf for the active audiobook, holds, and due dates. If the original device is unavailable and you have no recovery passkey or setup code, contact each library for the card-recovery method it supports; the library controls its card authentication and lending access.

Once recovery succeeds, avoid checking out the same audiobook again just to test the second device. Open the existing loan first. That preserves borrowing-limit room and makes it easier to tell whether you are continuing the same library checkout.

Common questions

Libby multiple-device answers.

Can I listen to the same Libby audiobook on a phone and tablet?

Set up the additional device by recovering your existing Libby data, then open the active loan there. Libby documents copied cards, loans, holds, and tags; check the live Shelf and playback screen on each device for the current loan state.

What if my new device does not support passkeys?

Use Libby's setup-code route: display a code on the new device, then find Menu > Copy To Another Device on the original device and enter that code.

Can I download a Libby audiobook in a web browser?

No. Libby says download settings are not available at libbyapp.com and website users need an internet connection. Use the mobile app if you need an offline file.

Sources

Official references

All sources below were accessed September 2, 2026. Libby and each participating library control current supported devices, recovery options, authentication requirements, downloads, and title availability; confirm the live app flow before you make account changes.

• Libby Help: Setting up Libby on another device ↗Libby's current recovery-passkey and setup-code steps for copying library cards, loans, holds, and tags to another device. Accessed September 2, 2026.
• Libby Help: Libby quick-start guide ↗Libby's current support, browser, download, and multiple-device guidance, including its note that browser users need an internet connection. Accessed September 2, 2026.
• Libby Help: Managing your download settings ↗Libby's explanation of automatic-download choices and its note that download settings are unavailable on libbyapp.com. Accessed September 2, 2026.