Book clubs and online reading groups are moving to digital books — but syncing progress across every member's device is harder than it sounds. This guide covers the format strategy and free tools that let your whole group read the same edition, on any device, with progress in sync. No software to install, no accounts to share. If you only need to sync your own library across personal devices, our [multi-device sync guide](/blog/sync-reading-across-devices) has the personal setup.
Why Reading Groups Need Cross-Device Sync
A book club works only when everyone is on the same page — literally. When members read on Kindle, Kobo, Apple Books, or their phones, progress drift is the #1 frustration. One person finishes Chapter 5, another is stuck on Chapter 2 because their app never synced.
The core problem: Each platform locks progress inside its own cloud. Amazon syncs only within Kindle. Apple Books syncs only within iCloud. Kobo has its own system. To share a reading experience, the group needs a format and a method that works across all of them.
Format Strategy for a Shared Library
EPUB: The universal choice for groups. EPUB opens on Kobo, Apple Books, Google Play Books, and most Android readers. If your club reads across brands, EPUB is the common language.
PDF: Same layout, no reflow. Good when you need identical page numbers for discussion (academic or poetry groups), but it does not adjust to small screens.
AZW3 / MOBI: Kindle-only. Best when every member uses Kindle, but it excludes non-Kindle readers.
Practical rule: Pick EPUB as the group default. Use BookConv's free converter to turn any source file into EPUB so every member gets the same readable edition.
How to Sync Progress With Your Group
Method 1: Google Play Books (easiest cross-platform).
- One member uploads the EPUB to Play Books via browser
- Everyone else opens the same file from their own Play Books library
- Play Books syncs position across all signed-in devices automatically
Method 2: Kindle Family Library (Kindle-only groups).
- The organizer enables Amazon Household sharing
- Purchased or converted AZW3 files appear in every linked library
- Whispersync keeps position aligned across devices
Method 3: Shared cloud folder (Kobo / Apple / Android).
- Drop the EPUB into a shared Google Drive or Dropbox
- Each member imports it into their reader app
- The app downloads and adds it to the local library (position sync depends on the app)
Method 4: BookConv prep step. Convert incompatible files (LIT, FB2, DJVU) to EPUB first so every member receives a format their device actually opens.
Platform-Specific Tips for Groups
Kindle: Use Send to Kindle to push one EPUB to all members' addresses at once. X-Ray works only on AZW3, so convert to AZW3 if your group wants character info.
Kobo: Native EPUB sync is excellent within one account, but each member needs their own Kobo login — share the file, not the account.
Apple Books: iCloud sync is automatic for books added via the Files app. Everyone must use their own Apple ID.
Google Play Books: The most group-friendly — upload once, read anywhere with internet, no device lock-in.
Common Pitfalls for Reading Groups
DRM-protected editions. Store-bought books often carry DRM that blocks conversion or transfer. For club reads, choose DRM-free editions or public domain titles so everyone can convert and sync.
Mismatched formats. If half the group gets MOBI and half gets EPUB, page references break. Standardize on EPUB before the first meeting.
Renaming instead of converting. Changing .epub to .mobi does not change the format — readers reject it. Always run a real conversion.
Assuming one ecosystem fits all. A group with mixed devices needs a cross-platform method (Play Books or shared EPUB), not a single-vendor sync.