Remove azw DRM from Kindle Download

[narmour]

I am using Kindle v1.17.1 and current version of Calibre will remove drm and give me an epub format. Will any later version of Kindle app allow Calibre to remove DRM? Kindle 1.17.1 will no longer work on Mac when next version of MaC OS [Catalina] is released this fall.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by narmour

I am using Kindle v1.17.1 and current version of Calibre will remove drm and give me an epub format. Will any later version of Kindle app allow Calibre to remove DRM? Kindle 1.17.1 will no longer work on Mac when next version of MaC OS [Catalina] is released this fall.

You'll have to buy a Kindle that supports KF8 because the version of Kindle for Mac that will works with the 64-bit only OSX will be a version that the DRM removal tools will not work with. Once you have a Kindle, you can register it to your account and then download KF8 eBooks from Amazon and use the existing key you have now to remove the DRM.

[meeera]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

You'll have to buy a Kindle that supports KF8 because the version of Kindle for Mac that will works with the 64-bit only OSX will be a version that the DRM removal tools will not work with. Once you have a Kindle, you can register it to your account and then download KF8 eBooks from Amazon and use the existing key you have now to remove the DRM.

A far simpler and cheaper solution will be to just stop buying from Amazon. That's my plan.

[lumpynose]

You can use amazon's Your Content and Devices page to download your books. You can set it to use their cloud as the default device on the Manage Your Content and Devices link at the top of the page.

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by lumpynose

You can use amazon's Your Content and Devices page to download your books. You can set it to use their cloud as the default device on the Manage Your Content and Devices link at the top of the page.

You can only do that if you have a physical Kindle device. So yes, if Mac users wish to continue buying from Amazon, their best option is to buy a cheap used Kindle and register it to their account.

[narmour]

If I get a Kindle, how do I copy the KF8 file from the Kindle to Mac to run it through Calibre?

[lumpynose]

Originally Posted by narmour

If I get a Kindle, how do I copy the KF8 file from the Kindle to Mac to run it through Calibre?

You don't use the Kindle at all; use the procedure of downloading it from the Amazon page. Set it up to not send it to the kindle; make the cloud the default device.

[narmour]

Will have to try it. Thanks to all for info.

[lumpynose]

Originally Posted by lumpynose

You don't use the Kindle at all; use the procedure of downloading it from the Amazon page. Set it up to not send it to the kindle; make the cloud the default device.

You only need the Kindle for what the DeDRM plugin needs.

[Sirtel]

Originally Posted by lumpynose

You don't use the Kindle at all; use the procedure of downloading it from the Amazon page. Set it up to not send it to the kindle; make the cloud the default device.

And you'll not be using the Kindle for Mac anymore. You'll be using the "Download and transfer via USB" option on the Amazon Content and Devices page.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by narmour

If I get a Kindle, how do I copy the KF8 file from the Kindle to Mac to run it through Calibre?

You don't use the Kindle to download. You use the download option on Amazon.

But, the Kindle you buy has to support KF8.

[odamizu]

Originally Posted by narmour

I am using Kindle v1.17.1 and current version of Calibre will remove drm and give me an epub format. Will any later version of Kindle app allow Calibre to remove DRM? Kindle 1.17.1 will no longer work on Mac when next version of MaC OS [Catalina] is released this fall.

Kindle for Mac 1.25 & 1.26 are 64-bit and should run on Catalina. It's a little tricky, but in some — but not all — cases it should also be possible to get the key to successfully remove DRM. I say "should" because no one has tested it on Catalina yet (that I'm aware of). However, it works on High Sierra and Mojave. More details here. I plan to experiment with Catalina if I can do so without compromising my Mac.

Note: De-DRM'ing ebooks from 1.25 & 1.26 is only possible on Kindle for Mac. It does not work on Kindle for PC.

In the long-run, however, getting an e-ink Kindle and using the Download & Transfer via USB option is a better bet — unless a Mac developer is motivated to figure out the new key. (I suspect Windows developers will be less inclined since Kindle for PC is still an option for Windows users.)

[stumped]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

You don't use the Kindle to download. You use the download option on Amazon.

But, the Kindle you buy has to support KF8.

get the oldest/ cheapest one you see, so long as the above is true. it does not even have to work!
if you can read the SN/key and it is NOT blacklisted at amazon, you should be good to go.
don't buy anything blacklisted

[mbovenka]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

But, the Kindle you buy has to support KF8.

Which means a Kindle 3/Kindle Keyboard or newer.