Frequently Asked Questions
How does flip-to-focus work?
When you start a reading session, place your phone face-down on a flat surface. Offshelf uses your phone's sensors to detect this position. When you pick your phone back up, the session automatically ends and logs your reading time.
Do I need an account?
No. Offshelf works entirely offline with no account required. All your data is stored locally on your device. We never see your reading data.
How do I add a book?
Tap the + button in your library. You can either scan the book's barcode using your camera, or enter the book details manually. Scanning is fastest—just point your camera at the ISBN barcode on the back of any book.
What happens if I delete the app?
Since all data is stored locally on your device, deleting the app will permanently delete your reading data. Consider using the Export Data feature in Settings to back up your data before uninstalling.
How do streaks work?
Complete at least one reading session per day to maintain your streak. Your streak count shows how many consecutive days you've read. Miss a day and your streak resets to zero—so keep reading!
Can I sync between devices?
Currently, Offshelf stores data locally on a single device. Cloud sync across devices is planned for a future update. For now, you can use the Export Data feature to manually transfer your reading history.
The barcode scanner isn't working
Make sure you've granted camera permissions to Offshelf in your device settings. Try holding the camera steady about 6 inches from the barcode in good lighting. Not all barcodes are in our database—you can always add books manually if scanning doesn't work.