When should I sign out of Libby?

Traditionally, many apps and online services use accounts to help users manage their data. Libby doesn't work this way. Instead, a lot of your Libby data is tied to your device (like your tags and timeline), and other data is tied to your library card (like loans, holds, borrowing history, and reading progress). You can back up most of this data and sync it to other devices with a recovery passkey or a setup code.

Since there isn't a true "Libby account," Libby doesn't have a corresponding "Sign out" button. For the Libby equivalent of signing out, you can remove your library cards or reset the app.

Use the following sections to determine the best way to remove your data from Libby.

If you're using a public device (like a public computer at a library)

We always recommend resetting the app when you're done using Libby on a public device. Resetting removes all data associated with Libby from that device. This means that the next user will have a fresh start when using libbyapp.com and won't accidentally borrow titles with your card or see your borrowing history. Doing this won't affect Libby on your other devices.

To reset Libby:

  1. Go to Menu Libby Menu, in the navigation footer, then tap Reset Everything (under "Your Information").
  2. Tap Yes, Reset Everything to confirm.

If you're using a private, shared device (like the family iPad)

You may want to remove your library cards when you're done using the app. Here are the advantages of removing your cards, instead of fully resetting the app:

  • Your loans and holds are removed from the app, so your family can't access them. These items are tied to your library card and will reappear when you add your card to Libby again.
  • Your tags and timeline remain in the app. These items can't be recovered once deleted, unless you have a recovery passkey or use Libby on another device.
  • You don't have to completely start over every time you want to use Libby.

If you're not concerned about losing access to your tags and timeline, you can also reset the app. This removes all Libby data from the app on that device, which means you'll need to set up the app again (as if you'd just installed it). You may want to check with anyone else who uses the device before resetting the app in case there's data they haven't backed up yet.

To reset Libby:

  1. Go to Menu Libby Menu, in the navigation footer, then tap Reset Everything (under "Your Information").
  2. Tap Yes, Reset Everything to confirm.

If you're using a personal, private device (like your own phone or tablet)

If you use a passcode, fingerprint, or Face ID to protect your device, there isn't an additional security benefit to signing out of Libby, and we don't recommend doing so.

If you still plan to reset the app, consider creating a recovery passkey beforehand, if passkeys are supported on your device. This backs up your data and simplifies setting up Libby in the future.