Downloading an Audible audiobook to your iPhone lets you listen offline, on a plane, in the car, or anywhere without using mobile data. The Audible app handles everything: find the book in your Library, tap to download, and it is ready to play. This guide covers how to download titles, change download quality and storage settings, remove downloads to free up space, and fix downloads that will not start.
Quick Answer
Install the Audible app from the App Store and sign in with the Amazon (or Audible) account you used to buy the book. Tap Library, find the title, and tap its cover or download icon. When the download finishes, it appears under Downloaded and plays offline.
Step-by-Step
- Download the Audible app from the App Store.
- Open it and sign in with the account that owns your audiobooks.
- Tap Library at the bottom.
- Find the audiobook (use the filters or search icon if your library is large).
- Tap the download icon or the book's cover. A progress indicator shows the download.
- When complete, tap the title to play. Downloaded titles are listed under the Downloaded filter.
You can often start listening while the book downloads.
Buying Audiobooks
Depending on your region and app version, you may not be able to buy audiobooks with money directly inside the iPhone app. In that case, buy the title (or use a credit) on the Audible website in Safari, then open the app's Library, pull down to refresh, and download it. Titles you already own and credits can be managed in the app.
Download Settings
| Setting | What it does |
|---|---|
| Download quality | Standard uses less space; High sounds better but uses more storage |
| Download using Wi-Fi only | Prevents large downloads over cellular data |
| Auto-remove after finishing | Deletes a title from the device when you finish it (it stays in your Library) |
| Download in parts | Splits long books into parts on some app versions |
Find these in the app under Profile > Settings (gear) > Download & Storage or a similar section.
Remove Downloads to Free Space
- In Library, tap the three dots next to a downloaded title.
- Tap Remove from device.
The book stays in your Library and can be downloaded again anytime. Check storage use in iPhone Settings > General > iPhone Storage > Audible.
Troubleshooting
The download will not start
- Check your internet connection. If Wi-Fi only is on, connect to Wi-Fi.
- Make sure your iPhone has enough free storage.
- Pull down on the Library to refresh, or sign out and back in.
- Update the Audible app and iOS.
The book is not in my Library
Confirm you are signed in with the same account used for the purchase, and check your order on the Audible website. Refresh the Library.
Download is stuck
Cancel it, restart the app, and download again. Switching to Standard quality can help on slow connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I listen without an internet connection?
Yes. Downloaded titles play offline.
Do downloaded books expire?
Purchased titles stay in your Library. Titles from subscription catalogs may become unavailable if they leave the catalog or your membership ends.
Can I download to my Apple Watch?
The Audible app supports downloading to Apple Watch for offline playback; check the app on your iPhone for watch settings.
Summary
- Install Audible and sign in.
- Open Library and tap a title's download icon.
- Adjust quality and Wi-Fi settings in Download & Storage.
- Remove finished books from the device to save space.
Kermit Matthews runs Live2Tech from just outside Philadelphia. He started on a university help desk, spent years as the IT person for small businesses, and has been writing tech guides full time since 2020. Each guide is checked on a device he owns, and re-checked when a menu moves. More about Kermit.