Digital Library Services

If you have an older Apple device such as an iPad, iPhone or Macbook (running the operating system iOS 9 or earlier), you might be getting error messages when you try to use the OverDrive website, the OverDrive app or the Libby app:

Here’s why: After September 30, 2021, the web certificate provider Let’s Encrypt stopped supporting certain older operating systems and browsers (learn more). Let’s Encrypt certificates are used to create secure connections on many websites and apps, including those from OverDrive.

This internet-wide security change has resulted in a security warning for some OverDrive users (as well as users of many other websites and apps). 

What’s the impact on you?

If you’re using an older Apple device such as an iPad running the iOS 9 operating system, you’re most likely to be affected by this change. You may see a security warning or a “your connection is not private” message when using Libby, the OverDrive app, or your library’s OverDrive website.

If you ignore the security warning and continue to access OverDrive, your data could be compromised, since we can’t verify that you are connecting with a legitimate server. Please note that neither TPL nor OverDrive controls the message displayed within the security warning, and messaging may vary based on your platform and browser.

What should you do?

If you get this error message, you should update your operating system or browser version (if an update is available). All Apple iOS devices that were released after 2012 can update to iOS 10 or newer, which will work after this change. Here are steps to help you update your iOS operating system.

We’re sorry for this interruption to OverDrive services. Apple has discontinued support for its older models due to the latest internet safety standards, and unfortunately, there isn’t much TPL or OverDrive can do in these situations.

Questions? Contact answerline@tpl.ca.