Bookside locks your distracting apps while you read — then keeps the story going with your shelf, your notes, and your friends.
Download on the App StoreFree to start. iPhone & iPad.
Start a session and the apps you chose go quiet behind Apple's Screen Time shield. Finish your pages — everything unlocks.
Scan a barcode or search any book. Track pages, progress, streaks and stats on a shelf that's yours.
More than 1,400 public-domain classics, downloadable and readable in the app — plus your own EPUB and PDF files.
Wrap each session with a note, save the passages worth keeping, and grow your vocabulary with flashcards.
An optional, private friends feed: see what they're reading, trade reviews and quotes, keep each other going.
Last updated: July 26, 2026
Bookside ("we", "our", "the app") is built privacy-first. This policy explains what data the app handles, where it lives, and your rights. Short version: your reading life stays on your device unless you choose to share it with friends; we never sell data and we show no ads.
None of this is sent to our servers unless you create an optional social account and choose to share it (see section 3).
Blocking uses Apple's Screen Time (FamilyControls) framework. The apps you select are represented by opaque tokens that never leave your device — we cannot see which apps you choose or how you use them. You can revoke Screen Time access at any time in iOS Settings.
The friends features require signing in with Apple. If you do, the following is stored on our servers (hosted on Supabase, in the United States):
Friends can only see your shared data once you have accepted each other. You can delete your account at any time in Settings → Account → Delete account — this removes your profile and everything you shared from our servers. Your local library stays on your device.
We use PostHog to collect anonymous usage events (screens viewed, buttons tapped) to improve the app. No names, no book data, no notes, no identifiers for advertising, no cross-app tracking, no IDFA. You can switch analytics off at any time in Settings → Privacy. PostHog Privacy Policy
Subscriptions and purchases are processed by Apple and managed through RevenueCat, which receives anonymized transaction data to unlock your membership across devices. We never see your payment details. RevenueCat Privacy Policy
You can export or delete your local data by managing your library in the app, delete your social account in-app (section 3), and contact us for any privacy request at support@getbookfirst.com. If you are in the EU/EEA, you have the rights provided by the GDPR, including access, rectification and erasure.
Bookside is not directed at children under 13, and the social features require an account under Apple's minimum age for Sign in with Apple in your region.
We'll update this page when our practices change and revise the date above. Significant changes will be highlighted in the app.
Last updated: July 25, 2026
By using Bookside, you agree to these terms.
Bookside is a reading companion: it blocks the apps you choose during reading sessions, tracks your reading, offers a catalog of public-domain classics, and provides optional private social features. The free tier includes unlimited manual blocking sessions, a library of up to 10 books, social features and basic statistics.
Prices are shown in the app before any purchase. Subscriptions renew automatically unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period, and can be cancelled anytime in your Apple ID Settings → Subscriptions. Deleting the app does not cancel a subscription. Purchases can be restored from the paywall or Settings.
You keep all rights to the notes, reviews and quotes you create. If you use the social features, don't post content that is unlawful, hateful, harassing, sexually explicit, spam, or that infringes someone else's rights. You can report content and block users in the app; we review reports and may remove content or suspend accounts that break these rules.
The included ebooks are public-domain works produced by Standard Ebooks. Your own imported EPUB/PDF files must be files you have the right to use.
Blocking relies on Apple's Screen Time framework and requires your explicit authorization. Bookside is a tool to support your own habits — you remain in control and can revoke access at any time. We make no guarantee that blocking is impossible to bypass.
Bookside is provided "as is", without warranties of any kind. To the maximum extent permitted by law, we are not liable for indirect or consequential damages arising from your use of the app. Nothing in these terms limits liability that cannot be limited by law.
We may update these terms; continued use after an update constitutes acceptance. These terms are governed by French law. Questions: support@getbookfirst.com
Something broken, something confusing, or an idea to make Bookside better? We read everything.
Email support@getbookfirst.com and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Blocking isn't working? Check that Bookside has Screen Time access in iOS Settings → Screen Time, and that you've selected apps to block in the session setup.
Purchase not showing? Open the paywall or Settings and tap Restore Purchases.
Want your social data gone? Settings → Account → Delete account removes your profile and everything you shared from our servers.