trashcat · audiobooks

Your audiobook library, in your pocket.

A step-by-step guide to getting signed in and listening on your iPhone or iPad with Prologue. Takes about five minutes.

What you'll need

Setup steps

1

Install the Prologue app

Prologue is the audiobook player you'll listen in. Tap below on your iPhone to download it from the App Store.

Download on theApp Store · Prologue

Prefer something else? These all work too and follow the same steps:

  • AudioBooth — clean and fast, with CarPlay, Apple Watch, and a built-in ebook reader.
  • Absorb — a polished open-source player.
Heads up on Absorb: it uses playful wording — it calls listening “Absorbing” instead of Now Playing, and similar quirky labels. To switch to normal audiobook terms, open Settings and turn on the “Classic wording” toggle.
2

Create your account

Your login is handled by Pocket ID — one secure account for the whole server, protected by Face ID instead of a password.

On your phone, open:

https://id.trashcat.coffee

Enter your sign-up token when asked, fill in your name and email, then follow the prompt to add a passkey. Choose Face ID / Touch ID when your phone offers to save it — that's how you'll sign in from now on.

Got a full link instead of a short code? If you were sent a long sign-up URL, just open it — it takes you straight to the sign-up page with your token already filled in.
3

Sign in on the web once

This first sign-in activates your library access. In Safari, open:

https://audiobookshelf.trashcat.coffee

Tap “Login with Pocket ID” and confirm with Face ID. When your library appears, you're all set — you can close Safari.

4

Connect Prologue

Open the Prologue app and add your server:

  1. Tap Add Server and choose Audiobookshelf.
  2. For the address, enter audiobookshelf.trashcat.coffee
  3. Tap Sign in with OpenID (Login with Pocket ID) and confirm with Face ID.
Tip: use Sign in with OpenID, not the username & password fields — this server uses Pocket ID, so there's no separate password to type.
5

Start listening

Browse the library, tap a book, and press play. Tap the download icon on a book to save it for offline listening on a plane or commute.

Prologue remembers your place across devices, supports CarPlay, sleep timers, and playback speed. Enjoy.

If something's not working

I don't see a “Sign in with OpenID” option in Prologue

Make sure you typed the server address exactly as audiobookshelf.trashcat.coffee (with https://) and tap Continue — the OpenID button appears once Prologue connects to the server. Complete Step 3 on the web first if you haven't.

My sign-up token doesn't work

Tokens are single-use and can expire. If yours was already used or has lapsed, message whoever sent you this guide for a fresh one.

Face ID isn't offered when I add my passkey

Check that iCloud Keychain is on (Settings → your name → iCloud → Passwords). Then retry Step 2 — your phone should offer to save the passkey with Face ID.

Login loops or the library is empty

Sign out in Prologue and repeat Step 3 in Safari to re-activate access, then reconnect. If it persists, reach out for a hand.