Goodreads FAQ

Answers to your most common questions about Goodreads.

Quick, simple, and helpful information at a glance.

What is Goodreads and how does it work?
Goodreads is a social cataloging website that allows you to discover, track, and recommend books to other users. Users can create virtual bookshelves, track their reading progress, write reviews, and connect with other readers.
How do I sign up for Goodreads?
To sign up for Goodreads, go to the homepage and click on the "Sign up" button. You can sign up using your email address or by linking your Facebook or Google account.
I forgot my password, how can I reset it?
If you forgot your password, go to the login page and click on the "Forgot password?" link. You will be prompted to enter your email address and once you submit it, you will receive an email with instructions on how to reset your password.
How can I add books to my Goodreads shelves?
To add books to your shelves, search for the book you want to add, click on the book's page, and then click on the "Want to Read" button. You can also click on the "+" button on the top right of your screen and select "Add Books" to search for and add multiple books at once.
Can I track my reading progress on Goodreads?
Yes, you can track your reading progress by updating the "Reading progress" section on the book's page. You can also mark chapters as "read" and record your current page number.
I found a mistake on a book's page, how can I report it?
If you find a mistake on a book's page, you can report it by clicking on the "More Details" button and selecting "Suggest edits". You can then choose from a list of possible corrections or add your own correction.
Can I import my reading history from other websites to Goodreads?
Yes, you can import your reading history from websites such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and LibraryThing. Go to your "My Books" page, click on the "Import" button, and follow the instructions.
How do I change my displayed name on Goodreads?
To change your displayed name, go to your "Account Settings" and click on the "Edit profile" button. You can then change your name under the "Name" section.
How can I connect with other readers on Goodreads?
You can connect with other readers by joining groups, participating in discussions, and following or becoming friends with other users. You can also comment on reviews and send messages to other users.
I accidentally marked a book as read, how can I undo this?
To undo marking a book as read, go to the book's page, click on the "My Review" button, and select "Edit Review". You can then change your "Shelf" status back to "Want to Read".
I'm having trouble finding a specific book on Goodreads, what should I do?
If you're having trouble finding a book, try searching for the book by its ISBN, title, author, or keywords. You can also try using the "Advanced Search" option for more specific search filters.
Why can't I access some features on Goodreads?
Some features on Goodreads may require a certain level of account verification or may only be available for certain countries. Make sure your account is fully verified and that the feature is available in your region.
Can I delete my account on Goodreads?
Yes, you can delete your account by going to your "Account Settings" and selecting the "Delete account" option. Please note that this action is irreversible and will permanently delete all of your data, including reviews and bookshelves.
I'm receiving email notifications from Goodreads, how can I turn them off?
To turn off email notifications, go to your "Account Settings", click on the "Email" tab, and uncheck the boxes next to the notifications you no longer want to receive.
How do I report inappropriate content on Goodreads?
If you come across inappropriate content on Goodreads, you can report it by clicking on the "More Details" button on the book's page and selecting "Flag as inappropriate". You can then choose the reason for flagging the content.
My book cover or description is incorrect, how can I change it?
If you find that a book's cover or description is incorrect, you can report it by clicking on the "More Details" button on the book's page and selecting "Suggest cover" or "Suggest edit". You can then upload a new cover or suggest changes to the description.
I'm having trouble adding a book to my shelf, what should I do?
If you're having trouble adding a book to your shelf, make sure you're searching for the correct edition of the book. Some books have multiple editions on Goodreads and you may need to scroll through the results to find the one you're looking for.
Can I download books from Goodreads?
No, you cannot download books from Goodreads. It is a website for discovering and tracking books, but you can purchase books by clicking on the "Get a copy" button on a book's page.
I'm not receiving emails from Goodreads, what should I do?
Make sure your email address is correct under your "Account Settings" and that you have not accidentally marked any Goodreads emails as spam. You can also try adding Goodreads to your email's safe senders list to prevent them from being marked as spam in the future.
I received a friend request from a Goodreads user I don't know, should I accept it?
It's up to your discretion whether to accept a friend request or not. If you don't know the user, you can visit their profile, read their reviews, and see if you have any common interests before accepting the request.
Can I access Goodreads on my mobile phone or tablet?
Yes, you can access Goodreads on your mobile device by downloading the Goodreads app from the App Store or Google Play Store. You can also access the website on your mobile browser.
How do I change the language on Goodreads?
To change the language on Goodreads, go to your "Account Settings" and click on the "Edit profile" button. Under "Language", you can select a different language from the drop-down menu.
I accidentally deleted a book from my shelves, can I retrieve it?
If you accidentally deleted a book from your shelves, you can go to your "Account Settings" and under the "My Books" tab, click on the "Restore Deleted Books" button. You can then select the book you want to restore.
I received a message from Goodreads that my review was flagged as spam, what does this mean?
If your review was flagged as spam, it means that it was automatically flagged by the system as a potential violation of the user agreement. You can appeal this decision by contacting Goodreads customer service.
Is Goodreads free to use?
Yes, Goodreads is free to use and does