Bookshelf Frequently Asked Questions


April 16, 2025

We have introduced a new Deseret Bookshelf app with a fresh look and smoother performance, making it easier to dive into your favorite books and study materials.

We've built a better foundation for the future giving you access to the features you love with a full slate of returning features.

As you dive back in you'll see your library, highlights, and notes are right where you left them - ready for you to explore.


New Feature - Podcasts

Podcasts have received a major update. Users can now subscribe to podcast shows, and all podcasts are located in a dedicated “Podcasts” section within your Library—no longer grouped under the “Audio” section.


Bookshelf 7.0 Features Coming Back Soon

  • Collections (previous collections will be restored)
  • Wishlist (previous items on your Wishlist will be restored)
  • Study Plans

Bookshelf 7.0 Discontinued Features

The following features have been discontinued in the 7.0 update of Deseret Bookshelf:

  • Quote Vault
  • Custom Quote Creation
  • Genre and Topic Filters in Library
  • My Locations
  • Messages


Getting Started with Deseret Bookshelf

How Do I Know If I Have a DeseretBook.com Account?

If you're unsure whether you already have a Deseret Book account, here's how to check:

You Likely Have an Account If:

  • You’ve previously made a purchase or registered at DeseretBook.com.
  • In this case, use the same email and password you used on the website to log in.

Forgot Your Password?

  • Tap the “Forgot Password?” link on the login screen to reset your password via email.

If You're New to Deseret Book:

  • If you haven’t registered before, tap “Create Account” within the app or at the deseretbook.com website to set up your free account.

How Do I Switch Accounts in the Bookshelf App?

  1. Tap the My Account icon (bottom right in the app).
  2. Tap the Logout button (just above the icon).
  3. You can now log in using a different account.

Why Are There eBooks in My Library That I Didn’t Purchase?

When you create a Deseret Bookshelf account, your Library is automatically populated with a collection of free eBooks to help you get started. This includes the LDS Classics Starter Library and the complete Standard Works.

These titles are included at no cost and are available to read anytime—no purchase or subscription required.

LDS Classics Starter Library Includes:

  1. All These Things Shall Give Thee Experience – Neal A. Maxwell
  2. The Power of Everyday Missionaries – Clayton M. Christensen
  3. The Beginning of Better Days – Sheri Dew & Virginia Pearce
  4. Be Your Best Self – Thomas S. Monson
  5. Jesus the Christ – James E. Talmage
  6. Lectures on Faith – Joseph Smith
  7. The Joseph Smith Papers – Joseph Smith
  8. Gospel Doctrine – Joseph F. Smith

Also Included: The Standard Works

You’ll also have full access to the Latter-day Saint Standard Works, which include:

  • The Holy Bible (King James Version)
  • The Book of Mormon
  • The Doctrine and Covenants
  • The Pearl of Great Price

These foundational texts are fully integrated into your Library for easy reference, study, and cross-linking within other eBooks.

How Do I Access an eBook or Audiobook After Purchasing?

Once your purchase is complete, your eBook or audiobook will be available for download immediately in Deseret Bookshelf.

How to Access Your Purchase

  1. Open the Deseret Bookshelf app.
  2. Tap the My Library icon (three stacked books), located second from the left in the bottom navigation bar.
  3. Locate your newly purchased item in the Library.
  4. Tap the cover image to begin downloading it to your device.
  5. Once downloaded, tap again to start reading or listening.

How Purchases Sync

  • The app automatically checks for new purchases every 10 minutes when connected to the internet.
    • If your item doesn’t appear, try the following troubleshooting tips below:

Troubleshooting Tips

  • Close and reopen the app after waiting a minute.
  • Refresh your Library by pulling down from the top of the Library screen.
  • Manually sync your account:
    • Go to the My Account tab
    • Tap the top row (your name) to access Account Info
    • Tap the Sync button to trigger a manual library sync
  • Still not seeing your content? Contact us at bookshelf@deseretbook.com and our team will assist you.

Using the App

How Do I Exit an eBook While Reading?

To exit an eBook:

  1. Reveal the Header:
    • If the top navigation header isn't visible, tap the middle of the screen to reveal it.

  2. Tap the Chevron Icon (down caret) ⌄


  • In the top-left corner of the header, tap the chevron (⌄) icon.
    • This will close the eBook and return you to your Library or previous screen.

How Do I Navigate Back from a Link Inside an eBook?

When you tap a link within an eBook (e.g., a scripture reference or footnote), you will be taken to the linked location—either within the same book or in another book entirely.

After Tapping a Link:

  • The chevron icon (⌄) in the top-left corner will be replaced by a “Back” button.
  • Tapping the Back button will return you to your previous location before the link was selected.
  • You’ll also have the option to close the current eBook from this screen.

If you follow multiple links across different books or sections, the Back button will maintain a history of your navigation, allowing you to retrace your steps.


What Devices Support the Deseret Bookshelf App?

The Deseret Bookshelf app is available across Apple, Android, and web platforms. Below is a breakdown of supported devices and system requirements:

Apple Devices (iOS)

  • Compatible Devices: iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch
  • iOS Requirement: Requires iOS 18.0 or higher
  • How to Install:
    1. Open the App Store
    2. Search for “Deseret Bookshelf”
    3. Tap “Get” to download and install
    4. Authenticate using Apple ID, Face ID, or Touch ID

Note: iOS 18 Compatibility

  • To install the app, your device must support iOS 18. This includes:

iPhone Models

o    iPhone XR, XS, XS Max

o    iPhone 11, 11 Pro, 11 Pro Max

o    iPhone SE (2nd gen and 3rd gen)

o    iPhone 12, 12 mini, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max

o    iPhone 13, 13 mini, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max

o    iPhone 14, 14 Plus, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max

o    iPhone 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, 15 Pro Max

o    iPhone 16 series (if applicable at time of release)

iPad Models (running iPadOS 18)

·         iPad (7th generation and later)

·         iPad mini (5th generation and later)

·         iPad Air (3rd generation and later)

·         iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and later)

·         iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and later)

Android Devices

  • Compatible Devices: Most Android smartphones and tablets
  • Android Requirement: Requires Android 10 or higher
  • How to Install:
    1. Open the Google Play Store
    2. Search for “Deseret Bookshelf”
    3. Tap “Install” to download the app

Web-Based Reader

  • Compatible With: Any device with internet access and a modern browser
  • Supported Browsers: Google Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Microsoft Edge
  • Not Supported: Kindle, Nook, or Amazon’s Silk browser
  • Access the Web Reader:

Visit https://read.deseretbook.com


Devices Not Supported: Kindle (including Kindle Fire,) Nook, Sony Reader, Kobo


How Do I Remove a Product from My Device?

Option 1

  1. Locate the eBook in your Library.
  2. Tap the ellipsis icon (⋯):
    • In Grid view: Bottom-right of the product image.
    • In List view: Far right of the product row.
  3. A menu will appear. You can select to Remove Download from your device or to Remove from Library.
    1. Remove Download - Book will be removed from your device the book still appear in your library.
    2. Remove from Library - Book will be removed from your device and will not appear in your library


Option 2: From the Product Page

  1. Open the product page for the eBook.
  2. Tap the ellipsis icon (⋯) in the top-right corner.
  3. A slide-up menu will appear .You can select to Remove Download from your device or to Remove from Library.
    1. Remove Download - Book will be removed from your device the book still appear in your library.
    2. Remove from Library - Book will be removed from your device and will not appear in your library

Important Note

If you purchased the eBook from DeseretBook.com, it cannot be removed from your Library. Purchased content is permanently associated with your account.

My eBook Has Missing or Duplicate Pages — How Do I Fix It?

If you notice missing or repeated pages in a downloaded eBook, follow these steps to refresh the file on your device:

Step 1: Remove the eBook

  1. Go to your Library and locate the eBook.
  2. Tap the ellipsis icon (⋯):
    • In Grid view: Located at the bottom-right of the product image.
    • In List view: Located on the far right of the product row.
  3. Select “Remove Download.”

Step 2: Re-download the eBook

  1. Tap the Download icon (cloud) to get the latest version:
    • In Grid view: Appears at the bottom-right of the product image.
    • In List view: Appears on the far right before the ellipsis icon.

This process clears the outdated file and replaces it with the most current version, which usually resolves content issues.

How Do I Change My Reading Preferences in an eBook?

While reading an eBook, you can customize your reading experience by accessing the reader settings menu:

How to Open Reader Settings

  1. Tap the center of the screen to reveal the header (if it’s not already visible).
  2. Tap the “Aa” icon (third icon from the left in the top header).
  3. A slide-up menu will appear with various customization options.

Available Reading Preferences

  • Change Font – Choose from available font styles.
  • Adjust Font Size – Increase or decrease text size for readability.
  • Adjust Highlight Brightness – Control how bright your highlights appear.
  • Change Page Color – Switch between reading modes (Normal, Night, Sepia).
  • Adjust Line Spacing – Choose how spaced out your text lines appear.
  • Adjust Page Alignment – Toggle between left-aligned or justified text.
  • Enable Continuous Scroll – Switch from page-by-page to scroll-based reading.

Important Notes

  • Continuous Scroll Mode applies within chapters, not across the entire book.
  • The Standard Works are always displayed in Continuous Scroll Mode and cannot be set to Page Mode.

How Do I Add a Bookmark, Note, Highlight, or Tag in an eBook (Markup)?

While reading an eBook, you can easily create markups to personalize your study or reading experience.

How to Add a Markup

  1. Tap and hold on a word in the text until text bars appear.
  2. Drag the bars to adjust the selected text range.
  3. Tap the highlighted text to open the markup menu.

From here, you can choose to:

  • Highlight – Mark text in various colors/styles.
  • Add a Note – Attach a personal note to the selection.
  • Bookmark – Save your current place in the book.
  • Add a Tag – Categorize the selection for later filtering.
  • Copy – Copy the selected text.
  • Define – Look up a word’s definition.
  • Share – Send the selected text to others.

How Do I View All Markups in My eBook?

  1. Tap the center of the screen to reveal the eReader header.
  2. Tap the Markups icon (book with a pen icon, third from the right).
  3. A slide-up menu will appear, displaying all your markups for the current eBook.

Filter by Markup Type

At the top of the Markups menu, you'll see four filter tabs (right to left):

  • Bookmarks
  • Highlights
  • Notes
  • Tags

Tap any tab to filter and view only that type of markup.

Managing Each Markup

Each markup has a three-dot (ellipsis) icon on the right:

  • Tap it to View in Book, Edit (if applicable), or Remove the markup.

How Do I Remove a Markup?

There are two ways to remove markups:

  1. Through the Markups Menu (described above)
  2. Directly within the eReader interface

Removing Bookmarks

  • Tap the Bookmark icon (on the left border of the screen).
  • A pop-out appears where you can rename or delete the bookmark.

Removing Highlights

  • Tap the highlighted text.
  • In the pop-up menu:
    • Tap “Style” to change its appearance.
    • Tap the red “Remove” (X) button at the bottom to delete the highlight.

Removing Notes

  • Tap the Note icon (on the right border of the screen).
  • The note slides up from the bottom.
  • Tap the red trash can in the bottom-right corner to delete the note.

Removing Tags

  • Tap the Tags icon (on the right border of the screen).
  • In the slide-up tag menu, find the tag listed below the “Search your tags” bar.
  • Tap the “X” next to the tag to remove it.

How Do I Change the Playback Speed of an Audiobook or Podcast?

You can adjust the playback speed while listening to any audiobook or podcast in the Deseret Bookshelf app.

Steps to Adjust Playback Speed:

  1. Open the full audio player by either:
    • Tapping the currently playing audiobook or podcast, or
    • Tapping the mini player at the bottom of the screen (just above the navigation tabs).
  2. In the full-screen audio player, look in the bottom left corner for the speed icon — it will show the current speed (e.g., 1x) with the label “Speed” below it.
  3. Tap the Speed icon to open the playback speed settings.
  4. From here, you can:
    • Choose from preset speed options, or
    • Use the + and – buttons to adjust speed in 0.05 increments.

Browsing & Filters

How Do I Use Filters Work in My Library?

Filters allow you to quickly narrow down your Library content by type and status. Here’s how they work:

1. Default State

  • When you open the Library, it starts in the “All” filter view.
  • This view shows all content types: eBooks, Audiobooks, and Podcasts.

2. Selecting a Content Filter

  • Tap a content-specific filter (e.g., Audiobooks).
  • This removes the other content filters (eBooks, Podcasts, All).
  • The selected filter (e.g., Audiobooks) will be highlighted.
  • Additional filters will now appear next to it, such as:
    • In Progress
    • Not Started
    • Finished
    • Downloaded

3. Using Status Filters

  • These additional filters let you filter by the status of your content.
  • Only one status filter can be selected at a time.
    • Example: If you select “In Progress”, you'll only see audiobooks in progress.
    • Selecting a new status filter will replace the current one.
  • To remove the status filter, simply tap it again.

4. Resetting Filters

  • To clear all filters and return to the full Library view:
    • Tap the “X” icon to the far left of the filter row.
    • This resets everything back to the “All” filter.

Important Notes

  • You can deselect any filter except the default “All” filter.
  • Filter combinations are limited to one content type and one status at a time.

How Do Filters Work in Search?

Filters help you quickly refine your search results by content type and subscription status, making it easier to find exactly what you're looking for.

1. Default Search View

  • When you perform a search, all content types appear by default.
  • No filters are applied initially—you’ll see results across eBooks, audiobooks, podcasts, and authors.

2. Selecting a Content Filter

  • Tap a content-specific filter such as Audiobooks, eBooks, or Podcasts.
  • Selecting one will remove other content types from view.
  • The selected filter will be highlighted to show it’s active.
  • Once selected, additional filter options may appear (e.g., Bookshelf+ for subscription-only content).

3. Using Subscription Filters

  • Additional filters like Bookshelf+ appear based on the selected content type.
  • These let you narrow results further—for example, to content available via the Deseret Bookshelf+ subscription.
  • Tap the filter again to deselect and return to the broader filtered view.

4. Resetting All Filters

  • To remove all applied filters and return to all search results:
    • Tap the “X” icon to the far left of the filter row.
    • This resets the view to show all available content types again.

How Do Discover Filters Work in Discover?

Discover filters allow you to quickly explore curated content by type, topic, or genre, helping you find what interests you most.

1. Default View

  • When you open the Discover tab, it defaults to the “All” filter.
  • This view displays a wide variety of content types, themes, and genres.

2. Using Discover Filters

  • Tap a filter at the top (e.g., Audiobooks).
  • Selecting a filter will highlight it and remove unrelated filters (e.g., eBooks, Podcasts, etc.).
  • Remaining filters will adjust accordingly, allowing easy switching between options.
  • To return to the “All” view:
    • Tap the “All” pill filter, or
    • Tap the currently selected pill (e.g., Audiobooks) again to deselect it.

Important Notes

  • You can deselect any Discover filter to reset your view—except for the default “All” filter, which always remains available.

Podcasts

Where Are the Podcasts in My Library?

With the release of Bookshelf 7.0, Podcasts have received a major update. Users can now subscribe to podcast shows, and all podcasts are located in a dedicated “Podcasts” section within your Library—no longer grouped under the “Audio” section.

Note: Only podcasts purchased directly from DeseretBook.com will continue to appear in the Audiobook section of your Library.

If you previously had podcasts added to your Library, you will need to re-add them by visiting each podcast show and choosing one of the following:

  • Subscribe to the Show

Grants access to all episodes from that show in your Library.

  • Individually Add Episodes

Lets you add only specific episodes by listening or downloading.

How to Find a Podcast Show

You can find and access podcast shows using two primary methods:

1. Discover Tab

  • Tap the Discover tab (center tab on mobile, third row down on tablet).
  • Select the “Podcasts” pill filter at the top of the page.
  • Browse the available podcast shows.
  • Tap any show to open its landing page.

2. Search Tab

  • Tap the Search tab (fourth tab from the left on mobile and tablet).
  • Use the search bar at the top to enter the name of the podcast show.
  • Tap Search on your keyboard.
  • Look for the result labeled “Podcast Show” under the title.
  • Tap the show to open its landing page.

How to Subscribe to a Podcast Show

Once on a podcast show’s landing page, you have two ways to subscribe:

  • Option 1: Subscribe Button

Tap the “Subscribe” button located above the show image.

  • Option 2: Ellipsis Menu

Tap the three-dot (⋯) icon in the top-right corner.

Select “Subscribe to Show” from the menu.

Once subscribed, the podcast show will appear in the “Podcasts” section of your Library.

How to Add Individual Episodes Without Subscribing

To add single episodes to your Library without subscribing:

  1. Navigate to the podcast show’s landing page (as described above).
  2. Either:
    • Listen to an episode — it will automatically be added to your Library.
    • Download an episode — it will be saved to your Library for offline access.

When you return to the Podcasts section of your Library, you’ll see the show listed with only the episodes you've added.

Why Do I See Podcasts in My Audiobooks?

If you've purchased a podcast episode from DeseretBook.com, it will appear in your Audiobooks section.

  • If you'd prefer not to see it there:
    • Tap the ellipsis (⋯) icon next to the episode.
    • Select “Remove from Library.”

Note: Removing the podcast from Audiobooks does not delete your access.

You will still have access to the same episode in the Podcasts

section if you're subscribed to the show.

Billing & Account

How Do I Use Platinum Reward Points or Gift Cards for eBook/audio book Purchases?

  1. Visit DeseretBook.com and find the eBook you’d like to purchase.
  2. Tap Add to Cart. Once you complete the checkout the Ebook/audio book will be delivered to your Bookshelf Library
  3. On the Checkout page:
    • Log in to your Deseret Book account. You will need to use the same email address and account to access the Deseret Bookshelf that you used to purchase the digital product.
    • Enter your Gift Card number in the payment screen.
    • If you're a Platinum Rewards member, your point balance will display automatically if you are and will give you the option to apply points toward the purchase.

Note: If your Platinum balance doesn’t appear, check to make sure you are logged in with the same email address you used to purchase the Platinum Rewards membership.

For further assistance, contact the Deseret Book Customer Care Team at bookshelf@deseretbook.com

Can I Use Coupons or Promo Codes on eBook/Audiobook Purchases?

At this time, coupons and promo codes are not valid for digital download purchases (eBooks and audio books.)

However, Bookshelf regularly sends promotional emails with:

  • Exclusive 48-hour deals and other sales
  • Special pricing on bundled sets

If you are not receiving Deseret Bookshelf emails and would like to be added to the list, please email bookshelf@deseretbook.com and we will gladly add you.

How Do I Update My Billing Info or Account Details?

Log in at DeseretBook.com and click My Account in the upper-right corner.

From there, you can:

  • Edit Personal Info: Update your name or password under the Profile section.
  • Manage Addresses: Click Address Book to add, edit, or remove saved addresses.
  • Update Credit Cards:
    • For online purchases, use the Payment section.
    • For Bookshelf+ or Platinum subscriptions, go to My Subscriptions, select Select Subscription Details. A box will open showing your current credit card under "Paid Via" Click the box showing the payment method with the last 4 numbers of the credit card. Then click "Add a Payment Method"

Can I Gift an eBook to Someone Else?

Currently, eBooks and digital audio books cannot be gifted directly.

You can instead purchase a Deseret Book gift card to share with others.

How Do I Find Free or Low-Priced eBooks or Audiobooks?

  • On DeseretBook.com:
    1. Go to the Books section.
    2. Set the Format filter on the left to select your desired formats
    3. Use the Price filter on the left to select your desired range.

How Many People Can Share a Bookshelf Account?

Bookshelf accounts can be shared across up to 5 devices.

Family members living in the same household can use the same PLUS membership.

Can Two Bookshelf Accounts Be Merged?

If you and your spouse share a home, we can combine your two accounts by moving any purchased eBooks and Audio books from the account you want to discontinue to the single account you want to use.

To request this, email bookshelf@deseretbook.com . Provide both email addresses and names on the accounts and indicate which account you would like to use going forward.


Note: We cannot move markups such as highlights, notes, or bookmarks.

Can an eBook Be Shared Across Different Accounts?

No. eBooks are tied to the email account used to purchase them and cannot be shared or transferred between accounts.

Device Support

Apple Devices What’s New in the Latest Version of Bookshelf for iOS?

To view the most up-to-date release notes, visit the Deseret Bookshelf app on the App Store.

My Purchase Isn’t Downloading to My Apple Device

If you're having trouble accessing your purchased eBooks or audiobooks, try the following steps:

  1. Confirm You’re Logged in With the Correct Email
    • Open the My Account tab in the app.
    • Tap the top row where your name appears.
    • You’ll be taken to Account Info, where you can confirm the email address associated with your login.
    • Make sure it matches the account used to purchase your content.
  2. Re-download the Product
    • If a book is missing a cover or chapters, remove and re-download it.
    • This replaces the current version with the most up-to-date file and often resolves display issues.
  3. Reinstall the Bookshelf App
    • Press and hold the Bookshelf app icon until a menu appears.
    • Tap “Remove App” or “Delete App” (depending on your iOS version).
    • If given multiple options, make sure to fully delete the app.
    • Reinstall it by opening the App Store, searching for Deseret Bookshelf, and tapping “Get”.
  4. Restart Your Device
    • Hold the power button + volume up until the power slider appears.
    • Slide to power off, wait 1–2 minutes, then hold the power button again to restart.
  5. Contact Support
    • If the issue persists, email our team at bookshelf@deseretbook.com for additional assistance.

Android Devices: What’s New in the Latest Version of Bookshelf for Android?

To view the most current release notes for Android devices, visit the Deseret Bookshelf app on the Google Play Store.


Other Devices and Compatibility

Kindle Fire & Amazon Devices

Deseret Bookshelf is not supported on Kindle Fire or other Amazon devices. These devices are not compatible with the app at this time.

Barnes & Noble NOOK Devices

NOOK devices are not supported and cannot run the Deseret Bookshelf app.

Sony eReader, Windows Mobile, and Other Platforms

Deseret Bookshelf is currently not available on Sony eReaders, Windows Mobile devices, or other unsupported mobile platforms.

Alternative Option: Web-Based Reader

You can still access your library using our web-based reader from any device with a browser and internet connection.

Visit: https://read.deseretbook.com

The web reader works best in:

  • Google Chrome
  • Mozilla Firefox
  • Safari
  • Microsoft Edge

Not supported on Amazon’s Silk browser (used by Kindle Fire).