Check your system version
The current version is designed for iOS 18 or later. On-device translation also requires a device and language pairing supported by Apple Translation.
Support
Need help with reading or translation?
Find guidance for importing files, choosing text encoding, using on-device translation, importing web pages, and restoring your Pro purchase. If the issue continues, contact us by email.
Before you start
Check the language model
The first use of a source and target language pair may require iOS to download a language model. Complete the system download on a stable network, then return to the app and retry.
Import content you are allowed to use
Universal Reader does not provide comic sources, novel download sources, or copyrighted content. Web import is for URLs that you submit yourself; make sure you own or are authorized to use the content.
Frequently asked questions
My TXT file opens with garbled text. What should I do?
Open the reading settings and choose the file's actual encoding. Windows-1252 is common for some English files; UTF-8, GB18030, and GBK are common for Chinese files. After you choose an encoding, the app remembers it for that work.
Why did comic or PDF translation fail?
Make sure the source and target languages are different and that the required system language model is installed. Image quality, text direction, font, and page layout affect OCR. Try a clear page first, then continue with queued translation.
Why does translation take time?
Comics and image-based PDFs must be rendered, recognized with Vision, and then translated on the device. Completed results are cached locally by work, page, and language so they can usually be restored when you open the work again.
Why could a web URL not be imported?
Websites use different layouts, login requirements, anti-automation rules, and lazy-loaded images. Confirm that the URL opens in Safari and consider importing a direct file URL, image folder, or CBZ/ZIP instead. The app cannot guarantee that every image on a website is available.
My Pro purchase has not unlocked the features.
Make sure the device is using the Apple Account used for the purchase, then choose Restore Purchases in the Pro screen. If the transaction is pending, wait for Apple to confirm it. Apple manages the purchase record; the app does not receive your card or payment account details.
How do I remove an imported work?
Enter editing mode on the shelf and delete the work. The app will remove the local work files, reading progress, and related translation cache. Deleting a work does not remove a Pro purchase.
Contact us
Email support@commonreader.xyz.
To help us investigate, include the app version, iOS version, device model, file format, steps to reproduce, and relevant screenshots. Please do not send original books or comics that you do not have the right to share.