The latest Kindle update disabled the DRM removal. Thinking about getting an old kindle eink device for backing up purposes.As I don't want to pile up e-waste, Which kindle should I buy for drm removing purpose?
Last Updated: March 2026 Amazon has officially rolled out Firmware 5.19.2. While it adds new AI-assisted reading features, it fundamentally retains the Hardened DRM (KFX v2) introduced in version 5.18.5.
In 2025, Amazon has rolled out a new Kindle firmware update — version 5.18.5. Along with it comes a change that ebook enthusiasts won’t be happy about: the new Kindle DRM. Books downloaded to devices running this firmware are now protected by an updated encryption system that currently can’t be cracked.
So, if you’re planning to buy a Kindle mainly for removing DRM and backing up your purchased books, choosing the right device matters a lot. Picking the wrong one could make your DRM-removal efforts impossible.
In this post, we’ll look at which Kindle models are still suitable for DRM removal, which ones you should avoid, and what to do if you already have a newer Kindle.
How to check: On your Kindle, go to Settings > Device Options > Device Info to see your current firmware version before connecting to Wi-Fi.
Kindle Firmware & DRM Compatibility Table (2026)
| No. | Kindle Models | Firmware Range | DRM Status | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kindle 3/4/5, Kindle Touch, Paperwhite 1 | Below 5.10.2 | Easy | Best for AZW3. Use Epubor Ultimate to remove drm from kindle device dirctly. Updated April 2026: Amazon will discontinue support for older Kindles in May. |
| 2 | PW 2/3/4, Kindle 8/10, Voyage, Oasis (All) | 5.10.x to 5.18.4 | Easy | Reliable for KFX. Use Epubor Ultimate to remove drm from kindle device dirctly. |
| 3 | Colorsoft, Scribe, PW 11/12, Kindle 11 | 5.18.5 to 5.19.2+ | Hardened | DO NOT UPDATE. If updated, use Kindle for PC/Mac workaround with Epubor Ultimate. |
Best Kindle Models to Buy for Easy eBook Backup (2026)
A Letter from Amazon
Dear Customer,
Thank you for being a longtime Kindle customer. We're glad our devices have served you well for as long as they have. Starting May 20, 2026 — 14 to 18 years after their initial launches — we are discontinuing support for Kindle devices released in 2012 or earlier. Here's what this means for you:
* You can continue to read books already downloaded on these devices, but you will not be able to purchase, borrow, or download additional books on them after that date.
* If you deregister or factory reset these devices, you will not be able to re-register or use these devices in any way.
Affected devices include Kindle 1st and 2nd Generation, Kindle DX and DX Graphite, Kindle Keyboard, Kindle 4, Kindle Touch, Kindle 5, and Kindle Paperwhite 1st Generation.
Legacy Kindles: The Most Reliable for AZW3 Backups (Not recommended)
In 2026, these older models remain the "Gold Standard" for library control. They bypass the complex KFX encryption by downloading books in the older AZW3 format.
Kindles that still work well for DRM removal (AZW3 format):
- Kindle 3rd Gen (Kindle Keyboard)
- Kindle 4th Gen
- Kindle 5th Gen
- Kindle Touch
- Kindle Paperwhite 1 (5th Gen)
Editor’s note:
1. These models are quite old and not ideal for everyday reading, but they’re still effective for DRM
removal.
2. Kindle (2nd Gen) International, Kindle DX International, Kindle Keyboard, Kindle (4th Gen), and Kindle (5th Gen) has already lost the access to kindle store.
Kindles That Support DRM Removal in KFX Format
Newer Kindle models download books in Amazon’s KFX format. While this format has stronger DRM, some models still work with current DRM removal tools.
Supported models (as of April 2026):
- Kindle Paperwhite 2 (6th Gen)
Kindle Paperwhite 3 (7th Gen)-- Frimware 5.16.2.1.1- Kindle Paperwhite 4 (10th Gen)
Kindle 8th Gen -- Frimware 5.16.2.1.1- Kindle 10th Gen
- Kindle Voyage
- Kindle Oasis (10th)
Editor’s note:
These models aren’t the newest, but they’re good for reading and still compatible with DRM removal tools right now.
Keep in mind that Amazon can update these models at any time. The Kindle 10th Gen and Kindle Oasis, for example, still receive firmware updates and may get the new DRM in the future.
Buying Tip: When shopping on eBay or secondary markets in 2026, ask the seller to confirm the firmware version. If the device is still on 5.18.2 or older, it is a "treasure" for DRM-free library management.
Updated March 2026: Kindle devices running firmware version 5.16.2.1.1 are reported to use stronger DRM encryption. For now, please avoid using these devices.
How to Remove DRM from Kindle E-Ink Devices
If you’re using one of the supported models, here’s how you can remove DRM from your Kindle books.
1. Download the books directly to your Kindle device.
2. Use Epubor Ultimate to remove DRM and convert your books to other formats.
Plugin kindle device to your computer first. Launch Epubor Ultimate, and click "Kindle device" tab to detect your download kindle books. Drag them to the right side for drm removing.
It’s a simple and effective way to back up your Kindle library.
Newest Models with Hardened DRM (Avoid for Backup)
If you are buying a Kindle in 2026, be aware that the latest models often ship with Firmware 5.18.5 or the latest 5.19.2. These versions feature Amazon’s new hardened DRM, which currently makes direct device-based DRM removal impossible.
2026 Update: As of March 2026, Firmware 5.19.2 has been fully rolled out. It reinforces the encryption first seen in 5.18.5, specifically targeting new hardware like the Colorsoft and Scribe.
If they are still not running the Kindle firmware 5.18.5 or later, you still can use the above mentioned method to remove kindle drm on Kindle colorsoft, kindle 11th/12th generation and all line kindle Scribe.
Kindle Models with Harden Kindle DRM:
- Kindle Colorsoft
- Kindle 11th Gen
- Kindle Paperwhite 11th Gen
- Kindle Paperwhite 12th Gen
- Kindle Scribe (all versions)
If your Kindle is already updated, there’s no way to roll back or block updates unless it’s jailbroken — and that’s not an easy process.
Tip: If you already own one of these kindle models and they are running the latest KF 5.18.5, you can still download your Kindle books using Kindle for PC and then remove DRM from there using Epubor Ultimate.
Why Is Amazon Making DRM Tougher?
Amazon’s main goal is to keep readers inside its Kindle ecosystem. It wants you to read Kindle books using a Kindle device or Kindle app, and not on third-party readers or apps that Amazon can’t control.
This might not be a problem if all ebooks were available on multiple platforms — but many titles are exclusive to Amazon. By tightening DRM, Amazon ensures both authors and readers stay loyal to Kindle’s platform.
Final Thoughts: Choosing Your Freedom in 2026
As Amazon pushes Firmware 5.19.2 to its entire fleet, the gap between "reading convenience" and "content ownership" is widening. If your main goal is to back up and freely read your Kindle books, it’s wise to avoid the latest Kindle models for now. Older devices might not look as sleek, but they still let you manage your ebooks the way you want.
Sometimes, the best Kindle for you isn’t the newest one — it’s the one that still gives you control over your own library. Why not download Epubor Ultimate for free now to back up your Kindle library?
Iris Yan is a passionate member of the Epubor team, dedicated to enhancing your ebook reading experience. She shares insightful tips, tricks, and practical advice to help you get the most out of your digital library. Join her on the journey to reading excellence today!
