# Getting Started

> Set up SoundLeaf and connect to your Audiobookshelf server

Source: https://soundleafapp.com/docs/getting-started/

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SoundLeaf is a native iOS client for [Audiobookshelf](https://audiobookshelf.org), a self-hosted audiobook and podcast server. This guide will get you up and running.

## Requirements

- An iPhone or iPad running iOS 17.6 or later
- An Audiobookshelf server. Don't have one yet? Check out the [server setup guides](https://soundleafapp.com/server/).

## Connecting to Your Server

1. Open SoundLeaf
2. Enter your Audiobookshelf server URL (e.g., `audiobooks.example.com`)
3. Enter your username and password
4. Tap **Login**

SoundLeaf will automatically detect whether to use HTTP or HTTPS. It tries HTTPS first, then HTTP, so putting `http://` on the front yourself saves it a failed attempt.

### Signing In With OpenID

If your server has OpenID (SSO) turned on, a second button appears under the login form once the address is verified. It says whatever your server calls it, "Login with OpenID" if it says nothing. Tap it and sign in the way you would in a browser.

A server set to OpenID only shows no username and password fields at all. That is the server's choice, not the app's.

## Selecting a Library

If your server has multiple libraries, you'll be prompted to select one after logging in. You can switch libraries anytime from **Settings** → **Library**, or by pressing and holding the tab bar, which brings the same list up under your thumb.

## Playing Your First Book

1. Browse your library from the **Home** or **Library** tab
2. Tap on a book to see its details
3. Tap the **Play** button to start listening

Your progress syncs automatically with your Audiobookshelf server.

## Downloading for Offline

1. Open a book's detail page
2. Tap the **Download** icon
3. Wait for the download to complete

Downloaded books are available even without an internet connection. Downloading costs nothing: it's free for everyone.

## Next Steps

- Listen in the car with [CarPlay](https://soundleafapp.com/docs/carplay/)
- Listen with the phone left at home, on your [Apple Watch](https://soundleafapp.com/docs/apple-watch/)
- Follow your [podcasts](https://soundleafapp.com/docs/podcasts/), transcripts and all
- Fall asleep to a book with the [sleep timer](https://soundleafapp.com/docs/sleep-timer/)
- Read the epub next to the audio in the [ebook reader](https://soundleafapp.com/docs/ebook-reader/)
- Put it on your home screen with [widgets and Siri](https://soundleafapp.com/docs/widgets-and-siri/)
- Use your fast local address at home and a tunnel everywhere else: [home and away addresses](https://soundleafapp.com/docs/server-addresses/)
- Set up [custom headers](https://soundleafapp.com/docs/cloudflare-access-setup/) if using Cloudflare Access