iBooks won't keep iTunes categories

Question

iBooks won't keep iTunes categories

I have my books sorted on iTunes, using categories and sort order. On my iPad, however, iBooks doesn't do this. It takes the category assigned when the book is first synced, and won't let me change it. For example, let's say I buy an iBook that I consider Sci-Fi and Fantasy, but the tag it comes with is Fiction and Literature. I can change that in iTunes, I can even give it a useful sort order; iBooks keeps it in Fiction and Literature.

I even tried deleting all the eBooks on my iPad, then reinstalling them (after they were in the correct order in iTunes). After reinstalling, they were in the same order as before they were erased. Some even kept categories that I had deleted in iTunes.

How can I get iBooks to follow the iTunes categories (and, if possible, the sort order)?

Posted on Oct 22, 2012 8:29 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Best reply

Jitb

Level 1

10 points

Nov 23, 2012 2:19 PM in response to Russell Kurtz

I had the same problem. I was able to delete all the books on my iPod. Then I loaded "zero" books by unchecking them all in the books list on the Books Sync page), and resync the iPod. Once the files were sync'd (and the Bookshelf list was now empty on the iPod), I rechecked the books on the Books Sync page and did another Sync. The "new" books showed up in the categories I had corrected. Mine are set to "Sort by Title" and that's the way they showed up on the iPod bookshelf list.

It should be noted that my "books" are all PDF files, and not purchased books, but I think this procedure may work for you. This is different than the way music syncs, where it reflects any minor change you make to the music list, genre, etc. Hope this helps...Jack

Reply

Answer 2

Nov 23, 2012 4:42 PM in response to Russell Kurtz

This "nuclear option" solved the problem for now...until I get new books, I guess. I could never figure out which were going to follow the changes in iTunes. There was actually one extra step, only in iOS 6 and higher. I had to go to Settings and turn off "Show All Purchases" in the iBooks settings. Then I waited until iBooks showed that I didn't have any books. In the meantime I checked iTunes to be sure the books were all in their correct sort order, then resynchronized. After about five minutes of resorting, the books were in their final order.

It would be great if I could only eliminate the specific books that are in the wrong place, so I don't have to do this complete replacement every time the books get out of order. Maybe in an upcoming version of iBooks.

Reply