Calibre does not sync library metadata changes to device

Mr Natural · 04-01-2024, 01:26 AM

I've noticed that any metadata changes made to library files do not get updated on my kindle. I'm talking about even simple changes like the title. Even though in preferences it clearly states that with "Automatic management: calibre updates the metadata on the device in sync with the calibre library, on every connect". Well no it doesn't. Clicking on "update cached metadata on device" doesn't work either. And re-sendng the book doesn't overwrite as you would think, instead it sends a second copy which is absurd.
I initially thought this was a mobi problem but it doesn't update azw3 either.

Sirtel · 04-01-2024, 02:36 AM

No, Calibre cannot update metadata on a Kindle. The only way to change metadata on a Kindle is to delete the book and send it again. That's because the database on Kindles is not accessible to third-party programs.

If having Calibre sync metadata changes to the device is important to you, a Kobo reader is the best option. It works perfectly with Kobos.

Mr Natural · 04-01-2024, 03:11 AM

Thanks for that info, had never heard that before. Just another reason I will never ever buy another kindle. Unfortunatey need to use the one I have for awhile.
But if this is a known issue, why doesn't Calibre give you a message telling you it can't be done when you run the update metadata function? And if it requires deleting then re-sending to accomplish then why doesn't it just do that? Instead it does nothing and you are sitting there trying to figure out why.

Sirtel · 04-01-2024, 04:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Natural

Thanks for that info, had never heard that before. Just another reason I will never ever buy another kindle. Unfortunatey need to use the one I have for awhile.
But if this is a known issue, why doesn't Calibre give you a message telling you it can't be done when you run the update metadata function? And if it requires deleting then re-sending to accomplish then why doesn't it just do that? Instead it does nothing and you are sitting there trying to figure out why.

Probably because Kindle is not the only brand with a closed database, and the developers can't keep track of all such devices. Mind, that's speculation on my part, I‘m not a developer.

This inability to interact with Calibre was one of the reasons I switched from Kindles to Kobos a few years ago.

04-01-2024, 01:26 AM	#1
Mr Natural Junior Member Posts: 3 Karma: 10 Join Date: Dec 2013 Device: Kindle Paperwhite	Calibre does not sync library metadata changes to device I've noticed that any metadata changes made to library files do not get updated on my kindle. I'm talking about even simple changes like the title. Even though in preferences it clearly states that with "Automatic management: calibre updates the metadata on the device in sync with the calibre library, on every connect". Well no it doesn't. Clicking on "update cached metadata on device" doesn't work either. And re-sendng the book doesn't overwrite as you would think, instead it sends a second copy which is absurd. I initially thought this was a mobi problem but it doesn't update azw3 either.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Sync or Transfer CC settings and eBook Library from One Android Device to Another	dbareis	Calibre Companion	8	04-16-2019 01:04 PM
Sync deletion of books from device to deletion from Calibre library?	nanaimo	Calibre	2	01-12-2016 06:10 PM
How do I sync metadata updates to books already on the device?	badbob001	Calibre	2	04-02-2015 09:57 PM
Kindle Cloud / Device / Calibre library sync	amjbrown	Devices	12	02-20-2015 05:41 PM
Easiest way to mirror/sync library with Android device?	Mivo	Calibre	6	10-02-2013 05:07 AM

04-01-2024, 02:36 AM	#2
Sirtel Grand Sorcerer Posts: 10,175 Karma: 224760044 Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Estonia Device: Kobo Sage & Libra 2	No, Calibre cannot update metadata on a Kindle. The only way to change metadata on a Kindle is to delete the book and send it again. That's because the database on Kindles is not accessible to third-party programs. If having Calibre sync metadata changes to the device is important to you, a Kobo reader is the best option. It works perfectly with Kobos.

04-01-2024, 03:11 AM	#3
Mr Natural Junior Member Posts: 3 Karma: 10 Join Date: Dec 2013 Device: Kindle Paperwhite	Thanks for that info, had never heard that before. Just another reason I will never ever buy another kindle. Unfortunatey need to use the one I have for awhile. But if this is a known issue, why doesn't Calibre give you a message telling you it can't be done when you run the update metadata function? And if it requires deleting then re-sending to accomplish then why doesn't it just do that? Instead it does nothing and you are sitting there trying to figure out why.

Advert