Quick answers. Email me if anything isn't here.
Does BookHive come with books pre-loaded?
No. BookHive is the reading app — you bring your own books. This is both a legal choice (we don't redistribute books we don't own the rights to) and a practical one (your library is whatever you want it to be, not a curated bundle). Great free sources for legally available books: public-domain libraries, Standard Ebooks, the Internet Archive, and many publisher direct stores.
How do I install the app after paying?
Your delivery email includes both versions and your license key: an Android app (APK) for phones/tablets and a Windows app (.exe) for laptops/PCs. Use the same key on either — up to 2 of your own devices. On Android, tap the APK to install (allow "Install unknown apps" if prompted). On Windows, run BookHive-Setup.exe and follow the installer. Step-by-step instructions are in the email.
Does BookHive work on laptop / PC?
Yes! BookHive now has a Windows app for laptops and PCs in addition to Android — same reader, same license key. After paying you'll get both the Windows installer and the Android APK by email. (iPhone/iOS isn't available yet — email me if you'd like it.)
What devices and versions are supported?
Android: any phone or tablet on Android 7.0 (Nougat) or newer — essentially every Android device since 2017. Windows: Windows 10 or 11 laptops and PCs. One license key activates up to 2 of your own devices (e.g. your phone and your laptop).
Is my reading data really private?
Yes. The app itself contains no analytics, no tracking, no ad networks, and no telemetry. Your books are encrypted on your device. If you enable Google Drive sync, that data goes directly from your phone to your own Drive account — I have no servers and no way to see it. Full details in the privacy policy.
Can I get a refund?
Yes — if BookHive doesn't work for you, email me within 14 days of purchase and I'll refund you in full, no questions asked. Because the app is delivered as a file you can keep, refunds are at my discretion in cases of obvious abuse, but I default to "yes" for any genuine reason.
What's the difference between the app and the eLibrary?
The app is a one-time purchase — currently 50% off at ₱599 ₱299.50 — and you own BookHive permanently. All reader features (EPUB/PDF reading, offline reading, bookmarks, highlights, notes, importing your own books, and the built-in free classics) keep working forever, with no recurring fee. The eLibrary is an optional ₱99/month subscription that adds online & premium library access and cloud/content updates. Your purchase includes your first month of eLibrary. If you let eLibrary lapse, the app still opens and your downloaded and imported books still work — only the online eLibrary features pause until you renew.
How do I renew the eLibrary — and can I cancel?
eLibrary is ₱99/month and entirely optional, and your first month is always free (included with the one-time app purchase). There are two ways to keep it going: Card / PayPal auto-renews each month — you're enrolled when you buy, the first charge only happens after the free month, and you can cancel anytime from your Gumroad receipt. GCash / Maya QR has no auto-charge — just pay ₱99 with the same email whenever you want another month. Either way your license key stays the same (up to 2 devices), and cancelling or lapsing never locks you out of the app you own — it only pauses online eLibrary access.
How do future updates work?
When I release a new version, I'll email you the updated app (Android and/or Windows). Install it over your existing copy — your library and progress are preserved. App updates are yours as part of owning BookHive; premium eLibrary content updates require an active eLibrary subscription.
Can I share the app with my family?
Your license key activates on up to 2 of your own devices — say your phone and a tablet. The limit isn't there to nickel-and-dime you; it's there to gently discourage one key being shared across a whole friend group or posted online. If your family wants their own libraries with their own progress, please buy a separate copy — it's how this app stays viable for me to keep developing. If you genuinely run out of slots (new phone, lost device, factory reset), just email me and I'll reset it for you.
Will you be on the Google Play Store?
Possibly in the future. For now, direct sale lets me keep the price low (Play takes a 15-30% cut) and lets buyers in countries with limited Play access still buy. If I do put it on Play, existing direct buyers will get the Play version for free.