IMPORTANT:
Windows users can also refer to this guide to decrypt Kindle books downloaded with Kindle for PC v2.9.1.
Kindle ebook owners should have the right to unlimited access to their purchased ebooks and the ability to share them with friends. It is unfair for Amazon to remove purchased Kindle books from your account, as that constitutes theft. Therefore, it is crucial to remove Kindle DRM to back them up for your own benefit.
Identify the solution you need before starting:
If you have a K3/K4/K5/PW1 Kindle eInk device, removing DRM is the easiest.
On Apple Silicon Macs, use Epubor Ultimate to remove Kindle DRM.
On both Apple Silicon and Intel-based Macs, use Epubor Kindle Converter.
1. How to Remove Kindle DRM with Epubor Ultimate?
Important: Epubor Ultimate supports only Macs with Apple Silicon.
Before using it, you must disable System Integrity Protection (SIP). Follow these steps:
Step 1Disable SIP
1. Enter Recovery Mode
Shut down your Mac completely, and press and hold the power button until the "Loading startup options" screen appears.
2. Disable SIP via Terminal
Open Terminal. And run the command: csrutil disable
You’ll see: "Successfully disabled System Integrity Protection. Please restart the machine."
3. Restart Your Mac
Click the Apple logo > click Restart. SIP is now disabled after reboot.
For a detailed, step-by-step guide on disabling SIP, watch this video tutorial:
Step 2Download The Old Version Kindle for Mac (kindle4mac753.zip) and Download Kindle eBooks.
1. Download The Old Version Kindle for Mac
Download Old V7.53 Kindle for Mac Here
The file will be named kindle4mac753.zip.
2. Extract the kindle4mac753.zip File
Locate the downloaded kindle4mac753.zip file and double-click it to extract the application. This will extract the Kindle app into the same folder.
3. Install to Applications Folder
Drag the Kindle app into your Applications folder. If you already have Kindle installed, click Replace when prompted.
4. Sign in to Kindle for Mac and download your books.
Ensure all ebooks are downloaded before opening Epubor Ultimate to ensure successful DRM removal.
Step 3Download and Install Epubor Ultimate
Step 4Run Epubor Ultimate and Open Every Kindle eBook
Once your Kindle books are downloaded, launch Epubor Ultimate. Then, return to the Kindle app and briefly open each book; this is a necessary step to ensure they can be decrypted successfully.
Do not add your Kindle ebooks to the right panel of Epubor Ultimate until you have opened each of them in Kindle for Mac.
Step 5Remove Kindle DRM
Note: To automatically load downloaded Kindle books into Epubor Ultimate, go to Settings > Kindle > Set to Default Directory > OK. (Otherwise, Epubor Ultimate won’t detect them.)
Once your Kindle books appear under Kindle tab in the left panel, you can add them to the right conversion window to remove DRM.
You can access your DRM-free Kindle books by clicking the book folder icon in the lower-right corner of the program.
Re-enable SIP after removing Kindle DRM (Critical After Use!)
1. Re-enter Recovery Mode (Step 1).
2. Open Terminal and run: csrutil enable
3. Restart your Mac.
2. How to Remove Kindle DRM with Epubor Kindle Converter?
Step 1Install Android Studio
Android Studio is required to download Kindle books. Follow this guide to set it up on your Mac.
Notice: You only need to follow the guide to set up Android Studio. There’s no need to install APKPure, as you’ll be installing the specific Kindle APK version provided below.
Step 2Download and Install the Kindle APK
Download the specific APK version below — it’s the only one that works correctly on the Android emulator. Make sure you install this exact version.
Launch Android Studio, then drag and drop the Kindle APK onto the virtual device to start installation. Once installed, swipe up the screen to find the Kindle app icon and tap it to open.
Step 3Download and Install Epubor Kindle Converter
Epubor Kindle Converter lets Mac users remove Kindle DRM without a physical Kindle device.
Download the correct version for your Mac chip:
1. Intel Chip >> Download Epubor Kindle Converter here
2. Apple Silicon >> Download Epubor Kindle Converter here
Once installed, launch Epubor Kindle Converter immediately.
Important: You must run Epubor Kindle Converter before downloading Kindle books in the Kindle app.
Step 4Download Kindle Books
Log in to your Amazon account, and tap a book cover to download your Kindle titles from the Library.
Important: Ensure every book is fully downloaded.
Step 5Remove Kindle DRM
1. In Epubor Kindle Converter, click Refresh — your downloaded Kindle books should appear.
2. Drag the Kindle books to the right panel, click Convert to remove DRM.
Troubleshooting DRM Removal
If a Kindle book fails to decrypt:
1. Open it in the Kindle app, then click Refresh in Epubor Kindle Converter to regenerate the decryption key. Retry removing the DRM.
2. Alternatively, delete the failed book from your Kindle library, redownload it, click Refresh in Epubor Kindle Converter, and try the DRM removal again.
3. How to Remove Kindle DRM with Kindle e-ink Devices?
Notice: Amazon released a new firmware update (v5.18.5) for 11th- and 12th-generation Kindle e-readers. eBooks downloaded on those devices cannot be decrypted. You can still remove Kindle DRM using an older Kindle device(K3/K4/K5/PW1) — follow the guide below to do so.
Update: New DRM alert: Older Kindles (Paperwhite 3, Kindle 8, Oasis 1 & 2) running firmware 5.16.2.1.1 now prevent DRM removal from downloaded books. To bypass this, we recommend using Epubor Ultimate or Kindle Converter.
Step 1Download Kindle Books via Kindle eInk Device.
Log in to your Kindle account, then tap on a book cover to begin downloading. If you have a large library, it may take some time to download all your Kindle books completely.
Step 2Download and install Epubor Ultimate
Epubor Ultimate is a powerful DeDRM tool to help you remove Kindle DRM with ease.
Step 3Connect your Kindle eInk Device to Computer via USB
Epubor Ultimate will automatically detect your device’s serial number and locate the downloaded Kindle books. You’ll find your books listed under the device tab on the left panel.
Why Fail to Detect Kindle eInk Device?
There are two scenarios to address:
Windows — Epubor Ultimate cannot detect Kindle books, even if the Kindle eInk device is recognized.
macOS — The Kindle eInk device is not detected at all after connecting it.
Here’s how to resolve both issues:
1. Solution: Epubor Ultimate cannot Detect Kindle Books on Windows:
When you connect your Kindle eInk device to a Windows computer, your Kindle books are typically located at: E:\documents\Downloads\Items01
Situation 1. If Epubor Ultimate detects your Kindle (K3/K4/K5/PW1) but doesn't display your books:
1.1 Click Favorite on the toolbar.
1.2 Click Browse.
1.3 Paste or navigate to your Kindle's book folder path, and click Select Folder, then OK to confirm.
1.4 Your books should now appear under the Favorite tab. then drag them into the right panel to remove DRM.
Situation 2. If your Kindle eInk device appears as "Kindle Paperwhite" (or another model) on a Windows computer and your books are located in "Internal Storage\documents\".
Manually copy the ".kfx" files along with their corresponding ".sdr" folders to a local folder on your PC (e.g., Desktop). Then follow the steps below to remove DRM.
Tip: If Epubor Ultimate cannot detect your Kindle device at all, manually navigate to: "E:\documents\Downloads\Items01" Add the ".kfx" files from this folder directly into the Epubor Ultimate interface. Then continue with the following DRM removal process.
Then, go to Epubor Ultimate settings > Kindle, enter the serial number of your device, and click OK.
Next, drag and drop the KFX files into the Epubor Ultimate interface, and the Kindle DRM should be removed.
Note: If Epubor Ultimate cannot detect your Kindle eInk device on Mac, you can still follow the steps above to remove Kindle DRM.
2. Solution: Mac Can’t Detect Kindle eInk Device:
Due to MTP issue, MacOS might not detect your Kindle eInk device when plugged in. However, you can use Send to Kindle to transfer books from your Kindle device to Mac:
1. Download and install Send to Kindle.
2. Open Send to Kindle, then click "Open USB File Manager".
3. Plug in your Kindle eInk device and connect device.
4. Allow send to Kindle app to access file.
5. With your kindle connected, browse into "documents", however the trick here is that what you see here will be books you transferred over USB yourself when it was mounted. To see the encrypted books, you need to go into the Downloads/Items01 subdirectory in documents. There you'll find the kfx files and sdr folders and can drag them onto your desktop.
6. Open Epubor Ultimate, go to Settings > Kindle, enter your Kindle serial number, and click OK.
7. Finally, drag and drop the KFX files into Epubor Ultimate to remove DRM.
Note: Ensure that you've downloaded Kindle books to your Kindle eInk device beforehand.
Step 4Remove Kindle DRM.
Drag and drop the Kindle files into the right panel of Epubor Ultimate. The DRM will be removed instantly, and a “Decrypted” label will appear to confirm success. Once decrypted, you can convert your Kindle books to EPUB, PDF, or other formats as needed.
Step 5Explore Kindle Converted Files.
Click the "Decrypted" label or the folder icon in the lower-right corner of Epubor Ultimate to quickly access all your converted Kindle files.
For a more intuitive walkthrough, you can check out the video tutorial below.
Amy Lopez crafts informative articles on eBooks and eReaders, uncovering optimal methods to enhance your eBook reading experience, and eagerly shares her findings with you.
I guess your Kindle version is Kindle for PC/Mac 1.25, or your Kindle device firmware is higher than 5.10.2. Amazon changes its DRM scheme which causes the drm removing failed.
Use older version to download your kindle files again to remove DRM please.
https://youtu.be/wQIEI0-SbIA
the download doesn't work anymore since august 2...
So its impossible to use KCR Converter.
What can we do ?
Thanks. Gilda
Dear Sir/Madam,
We're sorry to tell you that Amazon has upgraded Kindle Cloud Reader in August 2020 for security reasons, which has finally made it impossible to download books from Kindle Cloud Reader. As a result, Epubor KCR Converter can’t help you convert the Kindle books from now on.
As per your purchase for Epubor KCR Converter, here we provide you with several solutions. Please have a try and tell us how it works. If you meet any questions during the process, just feel free to contact us and we will try our best to help you.
For Windows users:
You can follow this guide to decrypt and convert Kindle books with Epubor Ultimate:
https://www.epubor.com/how-to-remove-drm-from-kindle-kfx-ebooks.html#meth2
For Mac users:
If you have a Kindle e-ink device,
you can follow this guide to decrypt and convert Kindle books with Epubor Ultimate:
https://www.epubor.com/how-to-remove-drm-from-kindle-kfx-ebooks.html#meth4
If you don't have a Kindle e-ink device,
and your macOS is below than 10.15 Catalina,
you can follow this guide to decrypt and convert Kindle books with Epubor Ultimate:
https://www.epubor.com/how-to-remove-drm-from-kindle-kfx-ebooks.html#meth2
and your macOS is 10.15 Catalina or higher,
we're sorry to tell you that there is no any other effective way to decrypt Kindle books, including using Epubor Ultimate, Epubor KCR Converter or any other tool in the market.
At last and once again, we're sincerely sorry and apologize for the inconvenience caused.
What do you do if you have a 12th generation kindle or an older kindle with software version 5.17.1.0.3?
I had a really old kindle (2012) which just died on me and now I am having issues trying to convert books.
Thank you!
If you have a kindle device or have a windows computer, you can remove drm from kindle books. Otherwise, there is no way to remove drm from kindle books.
But it needs to be an older kindle not a new one? ie before 12th gen??
I have a new 2024 kindle and the download and transfer via USB does not work?
Requesting a response.
I emailed epubor.alice@gmail.com several days ago. No reply.
I emailed mailto:support@epubor.com yesterday. No reply.
I purchased this product on March 1st, and it is not operating correctly - it does not do what it says it should do. And to not receive a response from anyone at the company, not even acknowledging receipt of my communications, feels suspicious.
Is there a different email address to which I should be communicating my requests?
Thank you.
I am unable to remove KFX encryption via the described procedure "Using Kindle eInk"
My setup:
MacBook Pro Apple M2 macOS 15.5
Epubor Ultimate 3.0.13
Kindle paperwhite2 (5.12.2.2) connected via USB
Epubor is able to display the kindle kfx books from the Kindle PW2 at the left Epubor panel.
I can drag boooks to the Epubor R/H side, however the decryption fails.
I have sent an email to Epubor epubor.iris@outlook.com, however did not get any response.
What c an I do to use Epubor ultimate for decrypting kfx books?
Thanks
Gerd
Iris
I have received your email and i did respond as follows. Let me know if you did not receive the response.
My response: The Kindle SN is properly visible in Epubor Ultimate and the book I have tested with was a fresh payed purchase via Amazon. I am not signed up for Kindle Unlimited.
Please suggest how I can use Epubor Ultimate for KFX decryption.
Best regards
Gerd
It involved deleting books from the Kindle via my Amazon account and redownload it to the Kindle.
Works now. Thanks
Amazon Kindle 14.125.100(2.0.44703.0)
The new Path for Apple Silicon with Kindle Appstore Version:
In Epubor Kindle
Then you can load your kindle books again and remove drm. If you need more assistance, please contact me at epubor.service@gmail.com
I was pleasantly surprised that this worked. Amazon changed their DRM codec back in early 2025 so all the old methods like the DeDrm plugin no longer works.
M2 Mac Mini running MacOS 26.x
Trying to decrypt some Kindle ebooks to docX for personal use from the Mac Kindle App (not IOS).
Initially I just loaded epubor, launched it and found it could see the ebooks I had downloaded in my Mac kindle app (latest version) but when I dragged them over to the processing section and tried to unencrypt and remove the DRM it gave me an error message that it couldn’t remove the DRM. So…plan B
I followed the instructions above to reboot my Mac into Recovery Mode and disabled System Integrity Protection.
I logged out of my Kindle App which removed the downloaded ebooks
I rebooted normally.
I relaunched EPUBOR app and then the KINDLE app and logged back into Kindle. My books showed up but were not yet downloaded and were not visible in EPUBOR.
I downloaded the books in my KINDLE app and refreshed the EPUBOR by clicking in the left listing section where the downloaded books in the KINDLE app now showed up.
I dragged the now visible books from the left book list to the right processing section , chose DocX as my preferred format and then clicked the down arrow.
The books were decrypted and DRM removed and placed in the default epubor download folder on my desktop. They opened fine and all formatting appeared to be intact.
Once I finish doing all the ebooks I want to preserve off line for posterity I have crap load of audiobooks I’d like to convert and save off line and free of DRM. If their Audiobook converter works as well as this Kindle ebook decrypted I should have an easy time of it. I’ll put all these DRM free books and audiobooks on some sort of media to preserve them for my family after I’m gone or just to have access to if I ever decide to part ways with Amazon.
Editorial comment:
In the days before digital and Amazon when you bought a book in whatever format I.e. hardback or paperback or CD/tapes for audiobooks you had a tangible object. You could put it in the bookshelf, lend it out, give it away, sell it, whatever but it was YOURS to do with as you please. Or a local library could buy copies and lend them out. With Amazon, they say you “own” the ebook but you don’t really. Removing the DRM in these books and audio is called piracy by Amazon and is ostensibly illegal. But as long as it’s for personal use and I’m not distributing decrypted DRM free copies via Torrent for the world to download for free I see nothing unethical about what we’re trying to accomplish here. Just my opinion.
I need help with process of downloading on Mac per the directions in how to remove kindle arm on Mac link
I have followed all directions for option 1. I can access my ebooks through the imulator but epub ultimate can't find the books? How do I direct ultimate to the correct file location to access the downloaded books?
Dammit, I got all the way through loging into Amazon, but THAT doesn't work. It just acts like I haven't tried. I tried closing and reopening everything, still won't work.
So far I've downloaded a bunch of stuff to try and make your program work and it DOES NOT.
Epubor ultimate nor the converter work in the latest version of Kindle (OSX), running OSX 15.7.5
None of the recommendations for getting it to work are successful. There is nothing further I can try too so . . .
I have tried all the recommended steps, but I was only able to remove DRM from 3 out of 78 books. The remaining 75 books could not be processed successfully.
I carefully followed all the instructions provided, but unfortunately, the issue still persists. Could you please explain why the results are inconsistent?
Also, does your software support the latest version of Kindle?
For your reference, I am using a MacBook Pro with an M3 chip.
At this point, the product has not been useful to me despite my efforts. I would appreciate your guidance on how to resolve this issue. If a solution cannot be provided, I would like to request a refund.
Thank you for your support, and I look forward to your response.
Best regards,
Katsunari Tanaka
I have already tried the steps you mentioned.
I attempted them again, but it still didn't work.
Could you please let me know if there is any other troubleshooting we can try?
I also sent an email regarding this.
Thank you for your help.
Is it possible to connect to Amazon JP ?
I would appreciate your advice.
Subject: Epubor Ultimate does not detect Kindle books on Mac M4 with Kindle for Mac 7.59
Hello,
I purchased Epubor Ultimate for Mac.
My Kindle books are purchased books, not Kindle Unlimited books.
However, Epubor Ultimate does not detect them in the Kindle tab.
My environment is:
- Mac: Apple Silicon M4
- Kindle for Mac version: 7.59
- Epubor Ultimate version:
- macOS version:
- Book type: purchased Kindle book
- The book can be opened and read in Kindle for Mac: Yes
I found that your guide says Epubor Ultimate Mac does not work with Kindle for Mac v7.58 and requires v7.53.1.
Does this mean Kindle for Mac 7.59 is not supported?
Should I downgrade to Kindle for Mac 7.53.1?
Also, do I need to disable SIP on my M4 Mac?
If Kindle Converter is required instead, can my Epubor Ultimate license be changed or upgraded by paying the difference?
Thank you.
2. Download Kindle for Mac 7.53.
3. Please follow the instructions strictly and you will get your kindle books decrypted.