4 Reliable Ways to Remove DRM from Kindle Books in 2026 [Tested]
Summary: Kindle DRM removal typically refers to using dedicated tools, such as BookFab Kindle Converter or Calibre to remove Amazon's protections on Kindle books. The general steps are: Download your Kindle books, import them into the Kindle DRM removal software, and then start the decryption process. This step-by-step tutorial presents four effective ways to remove Kindle DRM, helping you successfully back up your eBooks.
Table of Contents
Most Kindle eBooks come with DRM (Digital Rights Management). This means even if you've bought and downloaded them, Amazon still stops you from reading them on other apps or devices. Kindle DRM removal used to be a simple task, but things changed a lot in late 2025. Amazon updated the software for the 11th and 12th Gen Kindles, making Kindle "KFX" encryption much tougher to get around (Source: Good e-Reader).
Since the old ways are failing, I tested and found four Kindle DRM removal methods that still work in 2026. Continue reading to learn how to remove DRM from Kindle books effectively.
Quick Guide: Choose the Right Kindle DRM Removal Method
Since this tutorial provides four methods, to save your time, you can choose the most suitable way to remove Kindle DRM according to your eBook format and device:
- For AZW/AZW3 Formats (older Kindle formats): Use Calibre with the DeDRM plugin (Method 1).
- For KFX Formats (newer Kindle formats): Use BookFab Kindle Converter or BookFab Calibre plugin (Method 2 & 3).
Method 1: Remove DRM from Kindle Books with Calibre
OS: Windows, macOS, Linux (Kindle DRM removal on Mac/Linux is highly restricted)
Calibre is the undisputed king of library management. It is free, open‑source, and infinitely customizable. It can also be used to remove Kindle DRM, but Calibre DRM removal capabilities rely entirely on the "DeDRM" plugin, which must be downloaded and installed manually. Below are the specific steps on how to remove DRM from Kindle books with Calibre and the DeDRM plugin.
Step 1: Install Calibre and DeDRM Plugin
Download the latest version of Calibre from the official website and install it.
Download the DeDRM plugin (v7.2.1) from GitHub. Once downloaded, extract the package to obtain "DeDRM_plugin.zip".
In Calibre, go to Preferences > Plugins > Load plugin from file and select the DeDRM_plugin.zip file. Follow the prompts to confirm the installation. After that, you can see the plugin under the File type plugins list. Restart Calibre to activate it.
Note: If you are handling KFX files, you also need to download KFX Input plugin and install it using the same steps, so Calibre can recognize KFX format.
Step 2: Import Books and Remove Kindle DRM
To get your books into Calibre for DRM removal, use the Kindle desktop app (highly recommended) or a physical Kindle device via USB.
Option 1: Use Kindle for Mac/PC (Recommended)
- Launch the Kindle app and sign in with your Amazon account.
- Your library will appear. Right-click the book you want to unlock and select "Download." Once downloaded, the files are usually stored in: C:\Users
\Documents\My Kindle Content - Open Calibre and click "Add books" to select the files from that folder, or simply drag and drop them into the main window. The Kindle DRM is removed automatically upon import.
Option 2: Connect Kindle device via USB
- If you prefer using your E-ink Kindle (like a Paperwhite or Oasis), follow these steps:
- On your Kindle device, go to Settings > Device Options > Device Info. Write down the Serial Number.
- In Calibre, go to Preferences > Plugins. Find the DeDRM plugin under "File type plugins" and click "Customize plugin."
- Select "eInk Kindle ebooks" and click the green plus (+) icon. Enter your Kindle's Serial Number and click OK.
- Connect your Kindle to your computer. In Calibre, click "Add books," navigate to your Kindle drive, and open the "documents" folder.
- Select the books you want to decrypt and click "Open." The KFX DRM removal tool will automatically unlock your eBooks as it imports the files.
From my own testing, Calibre with the DeDRM plugin handles older Kindle formats like AZW and AZW3 without much issue. However, even when the KFX plugin is installed, some KFX books still cannot be decrypted, and this is not an isolated case — other users report the same issue. Therefore, if your books are AZW or AZW3, I strongly recommend using Calibre to remove Kindle DRM. But if your books are in KFX format or you are using Kindle for PC versions above 2.4.0, then the Method 2 and Method 3 options below will be more suitable for you.
Method 2: Remove DRM from Kindle Books with BookFab Kindle Converter
OS: Windows 11/10 (32/64-bit)
BookFab Kindle Converter is a dedicated Kindle DRM removal tool that supports AZW, AZW3, and KFX formats. It works together with Kindle for PC app (any version). The tool does not require any plugins, and after decryption it converts KFX to PDF or EPUB formats. I've been using BookFab Kindle Converter since 2025, and after Amazon tightened its Kindle ecosystem, it is also able to handle the new "hardened KFX" format. Below is the tutorial on how to remove DRM from Kindle books with BookFab Kindle Converter.
Step 1: Install Kindle for PC and Download Books
Download and install Kindle for PC from Amazon. Open the app and log in to your Amazon/Kindle account. Then, go to the Library to download Kindle books.
In the Library, you will see all your purchased Kindle books. Find the book you want to decrypt and double-click the cover to start the download. Alternatively, you can right-click the cover and select "Download." Wait for the download to finish. Your books will be stored in the default folder: C:\Users
Step 2: Launch BookFab Kindle DRM Removal Module
Download, install, and open BookFab. In the left sidebar, select the "Kindle Converter" tab and click the "Refresh" icon. The software will scan your local storage for Kindle for PC and display all your downloaded books.
Step 3: Remove DRM from Kindle Books
Select the books you want to process. Choose "EPUB" or "PDF" as the output format, then click the "Convert & Decrypt" button. Your DRM-free files will be saved in the designated output folder.
Method 3: Remove DRM from Kindle eBooks with BookFab Calibre Plugin
OS: Windows 11/10 (32/64 bit)
If you want a smoother workflow and prefer to manage your library in Calibre, you can try the BookFab Calibre Plugin. As the best companion to Calibre, BookFab has released this advanced plugin that can replace the DeDRM plugin and the KFX Input plugin for DRM removal. Once you install the BookFab software and add the BookFab Calibre Plugin to Calibre, you can remove DRM from KFX books directly inside Calibre. After decryption, the books appear right in your Calibre library, allowing you to continue managing them there. The following section shows how to remove DRM from Kindle eBooks with BookFab Calibre Plugin easily.
📌Prerequisites: You must have BookFab installed on your computer (it acts as the engine).
Step 1: Install BookFab Calibre Plugin
Download the Bookfab_Calibre_Plugin_v1.0.0_40db112e.zip file.
Open Calibre, go to Preferences > Plugins, and choose "Load plugin from file." Select the downloaded zip file to install it, then restart the app to activate the plugin. You will now see a "Remove DRM" tool in your top toolbar.
Step 2: Import Kindle Books to Calibre
Download Kindle books with Kindle for PC to your computer (see Step 1 of Method 2). Once the downloads are finished, click "Add books" in Calibre to import them into your library.
Step 3: Remove Kindle DRM
Select the book you want to unlock and click "Remove DRM" from either the toolbar or the right-click menu to start the process. The software will call the BookFab engine to do heavy lifting, usually finishing the decryption in less than 5 seconds per book.
After decryption, the DRM-free file is automatically attached to the same book entry in Calibre. You can transfer the files to other devices, making it easier to read Kindle books on iPhone or iPad.
When you purchase BookFab Kindle Converter, you get a free lifetime license for the BookFab Calibre Plugin. BookFab Calibre Plugin can also be tried for free, allowing you to remove DRM from up to three books during the trial.
Method 4: Remove Kindle DRM with Python Scripts
Besides using dedicated software, tech-savvy users can also remove Kindle DRM using Python scripts. Here is how:
Step 1: Install Python
Most Kindle DRM removal scripts are written for Python 2.x, so you need to install Python on your computer first. The most commonly used version for this purpose is Python 2.7.
Step 2: Install PyCrypto
DRM removal scripts require PyCrypto to decrypt key data. You need to download and install the version that matches your system:
- Windows: pycrypto‑2.1.0.win32‑py2.6.exe (or a similar compatible version)
- Mac / Linux: Download pycrypto‑2.6.1.tar.gz, then extract it and run python setup.py install inside that folder
Step 3: Download a Python DRM Removal Script
There are several Python scripts in the community that can remove Kindle DRM. One commonly used example is the kindle_dedrm script. Download kindle_dedrm script here: https://github.com/ch33s3w0rm/kindle_dedrm
Step 4: Run the Script in the Command Line to Remove Kindle DRM
Open your terminal or command prompt, change to the directory containing the Python script, and run:
python kindle_dedrm.py
When the script runs, it will ask you to enter:
- The path of the Kindle file you want to decrypt
- The output file path
- The key information (either the Kindle device serial number or a key file extracted from Kindle for PC/Mac)
After you enter these details, the tool will begin to remove the DRM from the Kindle book. Once decryption is complete, you can find the resulting file in the output folder (generally as an unencrypted MOBI or AZW3 file).
Compare 4 Methods to Remove DRM from Kindle Books
Different KFX DRM removal workflows vary in complexity, compatibility, and how well they handle various Kindle formats like AZW, AZW3, and the newer KFX DRM. Below is a concise comparison of the four main ways to remove Kindle DRM so you can choose one for your needs.
| Method | Supported Formats | Ease of Use | Best For |
| BookFab Kindle Converter | MOBI, AZW, AZW3, KFX | Easy (automatic detection) | Users who want simple, reliable Kindle DRM removal method |
| Calibre + DeDRM Plugin | MOBI, AZW, AZW3; KFX possible but unstable | Medium (needs plugins & setup) | Users with AZW/AZW3 books and library management needs |
| Calibre + BookFab Calibre Plugin | MOBI, AZW, AZW3, KFX | Easy (integrated in Calibre) | Users who want a smooth KFX DRM removal workflow inside Calibre |
| Python Scripts | MOBI, AZW, AZW3 | Hard (command‑line) | Tech‑savvy users |
FAQ
It is absolutely illegal to remove DRM for the purpose of pirating, sharing, or selling copyrighted content. For personal use, like backing up your library or reading on a different device you own, is generally considered "Fair Use" in many regions. Regardless, please carefully read Amazon's terms and your local copyright laws before removing DRM to ensure you are not infringing on anyone's rights.
What is Kindle DRM and why is it so hard to remove?
Kindle DRM is a layer of encryption that locks an eBook to your Amazon account or device, preventing sharing or conversion. Even if a book is in AZW3 or KFX format, it might still be protected.
DRM removal means unlocking this encryption so users can back up purchased books or read them on non-Kindle devices. But Amazon has made it harder — on Feb 26, 2025, they removed the "Download & Transfer via USB" option, breaking many old workflows. As a result, users now rely on specialized tools like BookFab Kindle Converter or Calibre with plugins to remove DRM and convert KFX or AZW3 to PDF and other DRM-free formats.
The most common way to check is to look at the product details page on Amazon for that specific eBook. Check the "Product Details" section for a line called "Simultaneous Device Usage." Generally, unless it is a free classic in the public domain, the vast majority of books you purchase on Kindle are DRM-protected.
It depends, as different stores use different types of DRM encryption.
If it is an official Amazon DRM file and you are reading it on a Kindle device or app linked to your own account, then you can open the DRM file.
If the DRM comes from another store (like Adobe Digital Editions) or if you try to open a friend's DRM-locked file on your device, that simply won't work. To read books from other sources or accounts, you'll need to strip the DRM first.
This depends on the tool you are using. Some tools require a "two-step" process, while others do it all at once.
The Two-Step Method (e.g., Calibre): You first import the book to remove the DRM. After that, the book is still in its original format (like AZW3 or KFX). You then have to click the "Convert" button separately to change it into an EPUB or PDF.
The All-in-One Method (e.g., BookFab Kindle Converter): Tools like BookFab are much faster because they combine everything. You just pick your output format (like EPUB), and the software decrypts and converts the book in one single click.
You can't "turn off" DRM in the Kindle settings. It's not a feature you can toggle on or off. DRM is an encryption layer baked into the book file itself when you download it from Amazon's servers. The only way to "turn it off" is to use one of the decryption methods mentioned in this guide to create a new, DRM-free copy of the file.
What are AZW, AZW3, and KFX Formats?
Kindle books use several proprietary formats from Amazon:
- AZW & MOBI are older legacy formats based on the original Mobipocket/MOBI standard. They are simpler in structure and easier for tools to process.
- AZW3 (also called Kindle Format 8 or KF8) introduced richer styling and layout support (HTML5/CSS3) and was the main format for many years.
- KFX (Kindle Format 10) is the current Kindle format used by modern devices and apps. KFX files are more complex internally, often split into parts for text, images, and fonts, and use a stronger encryption system — which is one major reason why many free DRM removal tools struggle with KFX books.
Conclusion
In 2026, removing DRM from Kindle books often requires updated tools. Traditional downgrade methods have become unreliable, and Calibre alone cannot fully handle the latest DRM on KFX books without additional plugins and specific setups. Dedicated solutions such as BookFab Kindle Converter remain capable of processing modern Kindle formats. These methods were last verified in early 2026. Always keep your workflow updated to stay ahead of new DRM patches.
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