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2023 The Ultimate Guide to Remove Kindle DRM Mac Catalina and Later MacOS(100%Working)

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macOS Catalina

Mac system makes great changes since Catalina. Catalina is the first version of macOS to exclusively support 64-bit applications. Kindle for Mac 1.23 no longer runs at all on macOS 10.15 Catalina since it is a 32-bit application.

Can I still remove Kindle DRM on Mac Catalina or Big Sur or even the Mac Monterey? This is the most frequently asked questions for Mac users.

Yes, you can. And in this article I will share the easiest way to remove Kindle drm on Mac Catalina, Big sur, and Monterey.

My Mac is with chip M1 or M2, can I still remove kindle drm on it?

Yes, this method also works on Mac with M1 or M2 chip.

There are two ways to remove kindle drm on mac Catalina or later Mac OS which can be divided by Kindle holder and non-kindle user.

1 If you have kindle eink devices, please download & transfer via USB to get kindle books for drm removing.

Note: This is the easiest way to remove kindle drm on Mac.

2 If you don't have kindle eink devices, download kindle books via kindle for Mac and remove drm with Epubor Ultimate.

Note: If you don't read cartoon or picture book, Epubor Ultimate is the best method for you.

3 If you don't have kindle eink devices, but want to remove drm from kindle kcr format, you can use the Epubor Kindle Converter.

Remove Kindle DRM Mac Catalina(Download & Transfer via USB)

Do you have any Kindle device? If yes, then this method will work for you.

To use this method, please ensure:

You should own a kindle device(kindle eink device or kindle fire tablet) that registered with your Amazon Account.

Step 1 Go to your Manage your Content and Devices on Amazon website. Under "Content" tab, you can see all your kindle ebooks (purchased and borrowed).

Step 2 Download Kindle books to your computer at first.

Click the "More actions" at the end of the books title, then choose "Download &Transfer via USB".

download kindle books via USB

Step 3 Choose your registered Kindle e-ink device in your pop-up window, then click on "Download" .

select the target kindle device

Your kindle books will be downloaded to your Mac.

kindle ebooks have been downloaded

Step 4 Remove Kindle DRM on Mac Catalina with Epubor Ultimate.

1 Download and install Epubor Ultimate, the best kindle drm removal and ebook format converter.

Download Epubor Ultimate for free trial now
   

2 Plugin your Kindle device to your Mac Catalina for loading the kindle serial number.

If your Kindle device is not in your hand right now, you need to go to the Amazon.com to find your Kindle serial Number and then go to User center>> Setting>>Kindle>>fill in the kindle serial number.

fill in kindle serial number

Pro tip: the easiest way to find kindle serial number on Amazon website

1. Go to "Device" tab under "Manage your Content and Devices", you'll see all your registered kindle device and app. Just click the kindle eink device you selected in the previous step and then click on the Kindle name.

find Kindle serial number

2. Find the Kindle serial number in the kindle device details.

Find kindle serial number

3 Just drag and drop the kindle ebooks from your computer to the main interface of Epubor Ultimate. You can get rid of kindle drm easily as the below picture.

remove kindle drm mac catalina

To find the drm-free kindle books, just click the output folder icon on the bottom-right corner. Only few steps, you can strip Kindle drm on Mac Catalina. It is definitely the ultimate way to remove kindle drm on mac Catalina.

Remove Kindle DRM from Kindle for Mac

Updated 2023: Epubor Ultimate now supports the latest Kindle for Mac, as well as the 2023 Kindle books.

Step 1 Download kindle books via latest kindle for MAC.

If you haven't installed the latest Kindle for Mac yet, download it now from the Amazon website. Afterward, launch the application, register it with your Amazon credentials, and then click on the Kindle book cover to initiate the download.

Download kindle App from Amazon website

download kindle books on mac

Step 2 Download Epubor Ultimate latest update below.

   

Step 3 Remove Kindle drm on Mac Catalina or later Mac OS.

Launch Epubor Ultimate, the downloaded kindle books will be loaded in the left side under "kindle" tab, just drag them from left to right side. The kindle drm will be cracked.

convert kindle books successfully on mac

Remove Kindle DRM on Mac with Kindle Converter

Since there has been a lot of feedback regarding the inability to download Kindle books published in 2023 on older versions of Kindle for Mac, it has become a challenging time for ebook enthusiasts who have invested a significant amount of money in these newly released Kindle books. Update: Epubor Ultimate now support the latest kindle for Mac as well as the 2023 kindle books.

That's why we introduce this new software--Epubor Kindle Converter, the first tool on the market can handle kindle books published in 2023. What's more, it also help you avoid the kindle kcr format on Mac.

ultimate show kindle kcr on mac

Download Kindle Converter for free:

To convert the kindle books to drm-free epub or pdf, here is how to do so:

1. Download the android simulator;
2. Install Kindle for Android on Android emulator;
3. Download kindle books via Kindle for Android;
4. Launch Kindle Converter to convert kindle books to pdf, epub or other formats.

convert kindle books successfully android on mac

Final Words

1 With Epubor Ultimate, you can remove kindle drm and convert kindle books to epub/pdf/azw3/mobi/txt, including the kindle books published in 2023.

2 If you have any kindle device, regardless of kindle eink device or kindle fire, just download Kindle books via "Download & Transfer via USB".

3 Epubor Ultimate works both on windows and mac so you can use this method to remove kindle drm on Windows 11/10.

4 For non-kindle users, to remove drm from the kindle kcr ebooks on Mac, Epubor Kindle Converter is the best choice. It can help you remove drm from old kindle books and the newly published ones with one-click.

Download Epubor Ultimate for free trial now
   
author

has been a passionate member of Epubor since 2017. Her mission is to enhance your ebook reading experience by sharing insightful tips and tricks. Join her on a journey towards reading excellence today!

66 Comments
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09/6/2019 03:00:56
The first method worked for me w/ Kindle 1.26 and OS X 10.15 beta. Thank you!!!
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09/6/2019 11:08:20
Thank you for your feedback. That's great to hear!
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10/3/2019 00:10:56
Hello, I tried the first method on my Mac and when I open the saved Epub file on Books it says "can't open file because it's corrupted". Can you please help?
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10/9/2019 10:35:15
Thank you for your feedback. Can you please redownload your books again via kindle for mac and  then run epubor ultimate to remove the drm and convert it to epub. If you are still failed, please contact epubor.iris@gmail.com to get further assistance.
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10/8/2019 09:27:38
Can you please send us the epub file so taht we can test it at our side? Please send the file to support@epubor.com and describe your problem clearly.
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10/23/2019 03:31:46

Hi, I would really like to get step 3 to work. I have installed Kindle version 1.26 as you stated and used "chmod". I have downloaded books the way you stated.

I have checked that there is no "kcr" files in my Kindle library. Still Epubor Ultimate writes "Kindle DRM" with big red letters on many books I wanted to convert.

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10/24/2019 09:20:51
Have you ever used Epubor Ultimate to remove DRM successfully before you updating your Mac os catalina? If yes, please contact me via epubor.iris@gmail.com. Then I will help you fix it via Teamviewer. If not, this method will not work on your Mac.
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10/25/2019 01:24:18
The formatting in the books gets messed-up when I convert. How do I avoid this?
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10/25/2019 08:37:03
Can you please which software are you using? Also can you please send us (epubor.iris@gmail.com) your converted book so that we can test our side?
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11/17/2019 06:36:55
it works now,,,,,,,,,thanks
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11/18/2019 16:22:55
Glad to hear that. Any more problem on remove kindle drm on catalina, please feel free to contact us via epubor.iris@outlook.com
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11/22/2019 04:32:32
Supposedly I have the latest version of Chrome running on my Mac (78.0.3904.108) but the Kindle Cloud Reader app says I don't.  It says this version doesn't support the latest Chrome Extension format.  Consequently I can't download anything.  OTOH, I can Download in Safari but your app can't see it.
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11/22/2019 08:53:54
Please ignore the chrome is not the latest message and install kindle cloud reader extension on your chrome: https://www.epubor.com/faq.html#e901
Then login your kindle cloud reader on chrome browser. This time you can download your kindle books.
If you need more support, please contact  me via epubor.iris@outlook.com to get further assistance.
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11/26/2019 00:06:41
it can't solve now, i can't download the title after use type terminal code like that. it shown "This title’s format is not compatible with your device. Please try another device or contact Kindle customer support."
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11/26/2019 09:31:33
Can you please describe your problem more clearly? Do you mean you have excute the code on your terminal but cannot download your kindle book on mac kindle 1.26? Do you right click the book and select "Download“ or do you double click the book to download it?  This happens to all your books or some of your books?
Textbook are not supported.
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02/23/2020 03:13:33
Hi, I am triyng to download ebooks from Kindle Cloud Reader app on google chrome, but when I go to "download & pin books" it says that I can't do it because I don't have the last version of chrome but this is not true (I have the last version)
thanks a lot
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02/23/2020 14:19:59

Please install the kindle cloud extension to your chrome and then try to download and pin the book.

Install the kindle cloud extension here>>https://www.epubor.com/faq.html#e901

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07/6/2020 23:41:39
The kindle book doesn't show up on the cloud reader. in fact on amazon it says "title is not supported on kindle e-readers" What should i do next? I cannot use the KCR converter at all
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07/8/2020 09:52:23
Thank you for reporting this issue. Please download kindle cloud reader books via microsoft edge and then remove drm with KCR CONVERTER. Here is the detailed guide: https://www.epubor.com/how-to-export-kindle-books-with-new-microsoft-edge.html#method2
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07/9/2020 20:54:07
There is no longer a cloud/downloaded option on kindle cloud reader...
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07/10/2020 09:08:50

But your kindle cloud reader book still can be downloaded. Just click the book cover to open this book and start the downloading. You can see a downloading process at the bottom right corner on your open book.
If your book has been downloaded completely, right click the book and there will be menu include "open book"Remove book".
Then you can use Epubor kcr converter to remove DRM from them.

Any more problem, please feel free to contact us.

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07/10/2020 10:20:47

Yes I see what you are saying. That works for the other books in my cloud library, but for the specific book I am trying to download it says on the Kindle Cloud Reader, "We're sorry. Kindle Cloud Reader can't open this book, but you can read it with our free kindle app. To receive a download link enter your email or phone number". The download link is for the kindle app (it takes you to the app store). This message pops up the second I click on the book on the cloud reader.

As stated in my first comment, the book on the amazon website posting also says "title is not supported on kindle e-readers", which means it will not open at all on the cloud reader. The moment I click on it I get the error message I copied and pasted above.

The name of the book is rethinking disability by Jan Valle and David J Connor (2013) 3rd. edition. Pink cover https://tinyurl.com/y76vxwh3

Thank you

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07/13/2020 08:55:12
Thank you for reporting this issue. For some books, like etextbook, they are not able to be downloaded via kindle cloud reader, but only kindle for pc/mac. You can check this information on the product detail page. And this is decided by publisher, not us or kindle.
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07/30/2020 14:21:32

Hello,

I am facing the same issue regarding converting some books which is showing the same error:
"We're sorry. Kindle Cloud Reader can't open this book".

Is there a work around solution for this problem? I have purchased few books from Amazon and desperately need them in pdf formats to study.

Kindly advice and help.


Br, Amit

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07/30/2020 14:25:28

I forgot to mention. I am using Catalina 10.15.6 and Kindle version 1.29 (58033)

I also tried all options and help I could find for ePUBOR Ultimate, but I am still seeing the error "Kindle KFX".

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07/31/2020 11:15:30
Thank you for using our software, but Epubor ultimate can not strip the kindle drm downloaded via kindle for mac 1.29.
But here is a workaround, please use Kcr converter to convert kindle books downloaded via kindle cloud reader to drm free azw3, epub, pdf and mobi format according the instructions in this article.
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07/31/2020 04:41:16
I am also having the same problem. Is there a way to have your KCR Converter read from other (User Defined) directories or to drop a file into it?
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07/31/2020 11:55:48
Thank you for using our software.  kcr converter only converts kindle cloud reader books. It will auto detect the downloaded kindle cloud reader books. There is no need to drag the file to KCR converter.
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07/9/2020 05:05:03

Kindle cloud reader is showing "Kindle will no longer support downloading books for offline access in the web browser. You can continue to read your existing downloaded books until you sign off from your account." when I had my computer offline. When it is online Kindle Cloud Reader no longer has a Cloud/Downloaded tabs, neither on Chrome, or on the Edge browser I just tried.

Very disappointing. Unless there is a another way to get kindle books into Epubor's KCR Converter it appears my purchase is no longer doing what it promised to do.

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07/9/2020 09:35:57
Thank you for your feedback. We are sincerely sorry for this issue, but we are now investigating this issue and will keep you posted if there is any progress.
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07/9/2020 17:47:10
Glad to inform you that this problem has been fixed. Please update kcr converter to the latest version and learn how to download kindle books from the latest version of Kindle cloud reader>> https://www.epubor.com/kcr-converter.html
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07/9/2020 17:48:02
Glad to inform you that this problem has been fixed. Please update kcr converter to the latest version and learn how to download kindle books from the latest version of Kindle cloud reader>> https://www.epubor.com/kcr-converter.html
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07/9/2020 22:07:22
I am on most updated version 1.0.1.198 and cannot get it to work due to same issue as above. KCC is not downloading book. Can you please post new solution or walkthrough?
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07/10/2020 09:09:33

But your kindle cloud reader book still can be downloaded. Just click the book cover to open this book and start the downloading. You can see a downloading process at the bottom right corner on your open book.
If your book has been downloaded completely, right click the book and there will be menu include "open book"and "Remove book".
Then you can use Epubor kcr converter to remove DRM from them.

Any more problem, please feel free to contact us.

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07/30/2020 23:56:18

Let's accept it : Amazon's upped their game, that's what's happened. I spend a whole day of hit & trials, multiple times of installations & uninstallations but it just doesn't seem to work. Basically your software works through Kindle Cloud Reader but amazon seems to have condemned KCR as its not downloading any books anymore and gives a message : We're Sorry, KCR can't open this book, but you can read it with our free kindle app. Please enter your email or mobile number to receive the download link.

Now if you have a valid solution for this then please share. Otherwise you better take this blog off because it doesn't work.

#No Disrespect
Kind Regards
Mo

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07/31/2020 11:39:06

First of all, thank you for using our kcr converter. I guess I know what happens to this book.
1. Please note some books (etextbooks) are only downloaded via Kindle for pc/mac. This is decided by publisher and the download information  clearly lists on the product detailed page. So If this book doesn't support by Kindle cloud reader, you can not download them via Kindle cloud reader. You can now go back to your ebook product to check this point.
2. Kindle cloud reader books are now downloaded automatically that's why Amazon removes the download and pin tab. They think this will improve the user experience.
But your kindle cloud reader still can be downloaded.
3. If your kindle cloud reader ebooks can be downloaded, then KCR Converter will help you convert them.

Any more problem, please feel free to contact us.
Have a nice day.

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07/31/2020 17:45:51
The latest version 1.200 works well on my macbook with Catalina and the Kindle Cloud Reader.
After opening a book in the Kindle Cloud Reader, it takes a while till the download starts automatically. Approx. 10 secs in my case. So, patience is helpful.
Starting the KCR Converter after the downlad has completed, shows all downloaded books and allows DRM removal and conversion.
Well done. Thanks
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08/2/2020 18:43:36
downloading process at the bottom right corner doesn't work since today 08/02/2020
What to do ?
I tried every think and every update...
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08/3/2020 09:57:41
Thank you for using this software and reporting this issue to us. We are investigating this issue. Once there is a progress, we will keep you posted.
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08/3/2020 17:14:35

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 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.

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08/6/2020 04:24:18
I am a Mac OS 10.15 Catalina and higher user and have bought both Epubor-KCR as well as Epubor Ultimate for life long license. Since it wont download books I bought from Kindle can I get a refund?
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08/7/2020 15:12:21
Thank you for using our software. Sure, we offer the 30-day money back policy and the workaround to remove kindle drm on mac catalina. Please contact our customer service via support@epubor.com to get further assistance(including refund).
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08/14/2020 01:37:22
Hello, do you have news for macOS 10.15 Catalina users?
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08/17/2020 08:53:35
Thank you for asking.
For the Mac catalina users, there are two ways:
1. If you have the Kindle e-ink device, just follow this guide: https://www.epubor.com/how-to-remove-drm-from-kindle-kfx-ebooks.html#meth4
2. If you don't have any kindle e-ink device, please just follow this guide>> https://www.epubor.com/patch-kindle-for-mac-on-mac-catalina.html
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10/22/2020 08:43:06
This does not work if you do not have an eink device. I access Kindle through the Mac desktop device. How do I get a serial # for that?
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10/22/2020 09:06:44
Thank you for asking. If you don't have a kindle e-ink device, there is great opportunity that you cannot decrypt your kindle books on Mac catalina. We are sincerely sorry for the inconvenience caused.
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12/8/2020 20:16:07

Hi. I'm using macOS Big Sur Version 11.0.1 (20B29).

I purchased a LIFETIME SUBSCRIPTION to Epubor Ultimate yesterday. I'am a senior Software Engineer and after trying all of your tutorial on how to remove the DRM from my kindle files, exhaustively, I'am no further forward. I bought the software to remove the DRM from my Kindle books that I have stored on my Mac. Not a device a computer. The Python tutorial, being very familiar with it, sounded promising, but to no avail.

Your software will NOT remove the DRM from Kindle books. I'll apply for a Refund.

Thank You

Steve MacEwan

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12/16/2020 03:30:04
Your products have NEVER worked for me. They are a waste of good money.
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12/16/2020 08:56:25
Thank you for using our software. But now it is still working. If you have any problem, please screenshot and send it to us via epubor.iris@gmail.com. Then I will help you fix it ASAP.
Any more problem, please feel free to contact us.
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06/28/2021 22:48:20

Hello there,

I have put off upgrading my MacOS so that I can continue to remove the DRM from my Kindle books.  You said that there is a work around if you had pervious converted books before the upgrade to Cat.  Does that same work around work for Big Sur and what is it?

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06/29/2021 09:17:20
Thank you for using our software. Currently, you don't have to use this software before upgrading your Mac. Just follow the steps in this article to get your kindle books cracked.
Any more problem, please feel free to contact us via support@epubor.com
reply
06/28/2021 22:48:23

Hello there,

I have put off upgrading my MacOS so that I can continue to remove the DRM from my Kindle books.  You said that there is a work around if you had pervious converted books before the upgrade to Cat.  Does that same work around work for Big Sur and what is it?

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07/31/2021 23:43:40

Hello,

I have Kindle version 1.32.0 on Mac Big Sur 11.2.3.  When I run the command in terminal…

sudo chmod -x /Applications/Kindle.app/Contents/MacOS/renderer-test

After entering my password I get this error…
"No such file or directory"

The only files I see in the MacOS folder are
  CrashReporter
  Kindle
  
Is there a fix for this problem?

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08/2/2021 10:12:19
We are sincerely sorry for this issue. The Kindle has changed something in the kindle for MAC1.32,please uninstall kindle for PC1.32 and then install 1.31>> " https://download.epubor.com/sold/KindleForMac-1.31.dmg
"
Then follow this guide to download kindle books and remove drm.
Any more problem, please feel free to contact us via support@epubor.com.
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08/25/2021 15:42:51

Hello,

I have Kindle v1.32.0 on Mac Big Sur 11.5.2. In terminal, I got "No such file or directory" when trying to run the command "sudo chmod -x /Applications/Kindle.app/Contents/MacOS/renderer-test"

Followed your advise to Gary, I downgraded Kindle to version 1.31(deleted the higher version completely, then installed the older version). Tried the command in terminal, still got the same response.

Then I searched the machine, but didn't see any folder named "MacOS". There's a folder "My Kindle Contents", but no file resembles "renderer-test".

What should I do next?

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08/27/2021 11:01:23

Thank you for using our software and sincerely sorry for this issue. Please delete this kindle 1.32 and then install 1,.31 and then redownload kindle books to remove drm.

If you are still failed, please feel free to contact support@epubor.com to get further assistance.

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04/20/2022 16:04:57

Will this work with OSX Monterey 12.3.1 ???
32 bit kindle apps will not run on this osx ?


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04/21/2022 09:18:05
Yes, Epubor Ultimate works on Mac OS 12.3. If you have any issue, please feel free to contact us via support@epubor.com to get further assistance.
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10/29/2022 14:30:00
I just upgraded to Monterey and when I try either version of the "chmod" command it tells me "no file or directory found", has the folder structure changed? Do you have a workaround:
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10/31/2022 11:55:11
That's because you are using the kinddle for mac version is later than 1.31. Or you open the books you downloaded to your computer.
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03/4/2023 16:34:16
I can't download books in Kindle for Mac app due to error "This title’s format is not compatible with your device. Please try another device or contact".
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03/13/2023 16:07:27
what's the kindle for mac app version are you using?
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04/4/2023 07:56:55
I understand that epubor can convert DRM-kindle ebooks to pdf with a Kindle Eink reader. Would it also work with a third-party eink reader like Onyx Boox Nova Air C?
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04/10/2023 15:08:54
Thank you for asking. We are sincerely sorry to inform you that it can not work with other eink device besides the kindle. However you can convert the kindle books to epub so that you can read it on the third-party ereaders.
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05/31/2023 17:44:42
Hello, I just installed Android emulator and easily downloaded books on kindle from it. Then when I open Epubor Kindle Converter there are no books from kindle. I'm on Ventura (2018 MacBookPro).
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06/1/2023 11:12:30

Hello,
Thanks for your comment. Please follow this user guide step by step and try again.
https://www.epubor.com/kindle-converter-user-guide.html

If there are still the same problem, please feel free to contact us via support@epubor.com.
Best regards,
Epubor Team

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