Transition to a new phone or recover your collection effortlessly. Learn how to unpack a .gempack archive and restore your books, shelves, notes, and reading progress.
Why Restoring from GemPack is Effortless
Unpacking a new tablet or setting up a replacement phone is an exciting moment, but rebuilding an extensive reading library from scratch can feel daunting. Re-importing files one by one usually means starting over with lost bookmarks, erased highlights, and broken study decks.
With GemReader, restoring your reading world requires only a few taps. Importing a previously saved `.gempack` file instantly reconstructs your nested collections, restores your 6-color highlights and notes, and returns you to the exact sentence you were reading.
What You'll Need
To restore your library from a backup, make sure you have:
• **Platforms**: GemReader installed on your target phone or tablet. • **Backup File**: A valid `.gempack` archive accessible from device storage, an SD card, or connected drive. • **Password**: The encryption password you configured when creating the backup (if password protected).
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Launch GemReader on your device and navigate to the main **Library** screen. 2. Tap the **+** button in the top right header (or the floating action button at the bottom right). 3. In the pop-up menu, tap **Import books**. 4. Browse your file manager to locate your `.gempack` archive and select it. 5. If the backup was encrypted with a password, a secure prompt will appear. Enter your backup password and tap **Unlock**. 6. GemReader will inspect the package, verify data integrity, and display a summary showing the number of books, collections, and annotations found. 7. Tap **Restore Library**. The books and shelf structures will appear on your screen immediately, ready to open.
Helpful Tips & Common Questions (Librarian's Advice)
• **Safe Merging Without Overwrites**: Restoring a GemPack safely merges incoming titles with any books already on your device. Existing books and notes will never be deleted or overwritten. • **FSRS-5 Scheduling Preserved**: Spaced repetition memory flashcards retain their exact review intervals and stability metrics, allowing your daily study habits to continue without interruption. • **Adequate Free Space**: Ensure your new device has sufficient storage space before restoring large archives that include companion audio files or extensive PDF collections.
Try it yourself