Dealing with Kindle ebooks in calibre

[Bibliobrarian]

Thanks, it's been a while & I couldn't remember if that was the one or if it might have been something elsewhere

[technomom]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

But if you only have one version of calibre install,t hen you cannot have the current DeDRM installed.

What? I have only ever had one version of Calibre installed, and there's no problem having the current DeDRM plugin installed.

[jhowell]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

The problem with the 2024 Kindles is that I cannot see how to get to the eBooks downloaded from Amazon. I don't know if a jailbreak would allow access. But if you have a new enough firmware, you can't jailbreak.

You should see the books that are present on the Kindle in the calibre Device view, even with 2024 Kindle models that use MTP for access. No need for a jailbreak.

[PeterT]

Originally Posted by technomom

What? I have only ever had one version of Calibre installed, and there's no problem having the current DeDRM plugin installed.

Jon is saying that IF you want to install both your existing DeDRM version AND the modified one, you will need a second calibre installation.

[technomom]

Originally Posted by PeterT

Jon is saying that IF you want to install both your existing DeDRM version AND the modified one, you will need a second calibre installation.

Thank you.

[odamizu]

Originally Posted by technomom

I tried plugging my ColorSoft into my Mac today to move some books over to Calibre. I can no longer see any of the books stored on the Kindle! There's a message on the screen when the Kindle is connected to the Mac that indicates that Mac users might not be able to see any files. It directs us to an Amazon URL. That page states that we have to install the Send to Kindle app to send files from the Mac to the Kindle.

I can still see files on my PaperWhite, at least, but I wonder when they will change that?

This isn't an Amazon conspiracy to cut off your Kindles.

What version Calibre are you running?

The new 2024 Kindles (including ColorSoft) use MTP. Calibre 7.25 adds MTP support, so you need to be running at least Calibre 7.25 (and possibly newer if there have been bug fixes to MTP support since 7.25).

The reason you're getting the Send to Kindle message is a Mac thing. I don't have a 2024 Kindle, so I'm a little fuzzy on the details, but it's something about Macs needing a secondary app to read MTP drives or something like that ????? Anyway, the Send to Kindle app includes a USB File Manager tool that allows you to access files on 2024 Kindles from a Mac. You do NOT have to use the Send to Kindle function if you don't want. Just use the USB File Manager tool that's included in the Send to Kindle app.

[DNSB]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

But if you only have one version of calibre install,t hen you cannot have the current DeDRM installed.

It seems rather odd since the new version extends the capability of the older version that you would need to have the older method installed.

Perhaps you should post a list of books you have found that the older version would remove DRM from and the new version does not?

[DNSB]

Originally Posted by Bibliobrarian

Is this also due to the change in download & transfer?

Nothing to do with download and transfer going away.

Amazon simply decided that K4A versions less that 9.0 were no longer supported. And so, anyone who can not update their Android version to 9.0 or higher is now unable to use the Kindle for Android app to download books.
 

Dear Customer,

We are reaching out to ask you to update the Kindle app on your Android device to the latest available version (Android OS v9.0+). As of May 26, 2025 Kindle for Android app versions released prior to March 2022 (v8.51 or earlier) no longer support Kindle content downloads. This update will ensure you get the most out of the Kindle experience and that the app operates as intended.
Please follow the steps below to get the latest version of the free Kindle app.

How to Update:
1. Open the Settings app on your device. Scroll down and tap System or About phone/tablet (this might vary depending on your device).
2. Tap Software update or System updates. Tap Check for updates. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and install it.
3. Once you upgrade your device to Android OS v.9.0+, open the app store on your Android device.
Search for the Kindle app. Tap “Update” to install the latest version.

If you are unable to update your app, you can continue reading previously downloaded content, as well as continue to use Kindle for Web (https://read.amazon.co.uk/), a supported Kindle E-reader, or the free Kindle app on iOS, Mac or PC to download and read Kindle content.

If you have any questions or require assistance, please visit http://www.amazon.co.uk/kindlesupport.

Thank you for being a Kindle customer.

Sincerely,
The Kindle Team
Amazon

Please note: This e-mail was sent from a notification-only address that cannot accept incoming e-mail. Please do not reply to this message.

[DNSB]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

Is there a way to see the eBooks download from Amazon to a 2024 Kindle?

Connect your Kindle to your Windows computer and the same procedure as the USBMS Kindles. On a Mac, you will need to install the Send to Kindle app to get Amazon's utility for accessing your MTP content. Alternatively, I haven't tested this with calibre but I believe that calibre version 7.26 or higher can access MTP content without needing an external driver on a Mac.

[tomsem]

You can also use calibre Device view or OpenMTP (which also works with Android tablets) to see what is on 2024 Kindles (or any Scribe). You just cannot use more than one MTP client at the same time.

[JSWolf]

If I get access to the 2024 Kindle again, I'll have a look at it to see if I can see the eBooks downloaded from Amazon.

[Kuram]

Regarding method 3, on a paperwhite 1 (gen5) is there a trick to getting the right firmware version and then preventing it from updating automagically?

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by Kuram

Regarding method 3, on a paperwhite 1 (gen5) is there a trick to getting the right firmware version and then preventing it from updating automagically?

No. It works with any firmware.

[NBRuJaDo]

If I were to buy a new kindle, would method 3 work? Or should I go for an older second hand one? Thanks.

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by NBRuJaDo

If I were to buy a new kindle, would method 3 work? Or should I go for an older second hand one? Thanks.

There have been reports that the newest software update has disabled method 3, but I don't know if it's true for all users. Anyway, it seems safer to get an older model no longer receiving updates, but not too old (devices over 10 years old might also be barred from downloading books in the not-too-distant future.)