Unable to download any metadata or covers

[cgm707]

I am trying to create a Calibre database of my Kindle ebooks.

Every book I try to download the metadata and cover gets the same message, failed to download metadata and there's nothing under details that looks helpful.

Do I need specific plugins?

Any help is appreciated.

[Comfy.n]

Goodreads plugin works fine, see here:

https://www.mobileread.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=130638

I suggest you add the plugin updater button to your toolbars and menus.

[DNSB]

For me, the GoodReads plugin has metadata quality issues—I was feeling kind today. I would suggest using the builtin Amazon metadata tool with the server set to Amazon servers since the search engine cache based options no longer appear to work. Actually, the Wayback machine one may work but it was so incredibly slow in my testing.

[Comfy.n]

There are several combinations to try, indeed.

Last time I needed metadata download, the google + ddg search servers worked fine. BTW DDG became a useless search engine so it's rare that it works well for something.

Sometimes the Amazon Multiple Countries plugin is helpful for me as well.

[cgm707]

I have the Goodreads and Amazon options checked. It's not that it isn't finding results. I get the same message each time: Failed to download metadata. It seems like there is a setting somewhere that isn't right.

[cgm707]

Why are my Kindle AZW3 ebooks showing as KFX in Calibre?

[DNSB]

Originally Posted by cgm707

Why are my Kindle AZW3 ebooks showing as KFX in Calibre?

If they are showing up as KFX, the likely reason is that they are KFX files. Where are you downloading them from? A Kindle app? An eInk Kindle? Remember that any Kindle currently able to download files from Amazon will be receiving KFX format as the first option since mobi and AZW3 are going be very rare for purchased books.

[JSWolf]

There is currently no way to download KF8 eBooks from Amazon.

[cgm707]

Originally Posted by DNSB

If they are showing up as KFX, the likely reason is that they are KFX files. Where are you downloading them from? A Kindle app? An eInk Kindle? Remember that any Kindle currently able to download files from Amazon will be receiving KFX format as the first option since mobi and AZW3 are going be very rare for purchased books.

I don't understand why they are showing up as KFX, as they are all being downloaded from my Kindle device. I thought AZW3 is the format for ebooks purchased from Amazon.

[JSWolf]

Originally Posted by cgm707

I don't understand why they are showing up as KFX, as they are all being downloaded from my Kindle device. I thought AZW3 is the format for ebooks purchased from Amazon.

Amazon has done away with KF8.

[DNSB]

Originally Posted by cgm707

I don't understand why they are showing up as KFX, as they are all being downloaded from my Kindle device. I thought AZW3 is the format for ebooks purchased from Amazon.

At one time, an ebook from Amazon was downloaded in mobi format. A very limited format. Amazon created a new proprietary variant to compete with the capabilities of ePub which was KF8/azw3. Then came KFX. As of May 20th, 2026, any Amazon eInk ereaders not capable of rendering KFX (PW1 and older) are no longer able to download from Amazon.

From what I have read elsewhere, you might still get the occasional mobi format ebook downloaded from Amazon but KF8/azw3 is dead.

[jjl]

Long time user & new issue with Edit Metadata, Download Metadata not working - get the following error copied to the clipboard:

calibre, version 9.9.0
ERROR: Download failed: Failed to download metadata. Click Show Details to see details

Updated to 9.9 and same issue. Using MacOS 26.5.1. Have been using the same sources for many years; Goodreads, amazon & google. The standalone Goodreads plugin does work however.

Anything else I can check?

[ladythoms]

Originally Posted by jjl

Long time user & new issue with Edit Metadata, Download Metadata not working - get the following error copied to the clipboard:

calibre, version 9.9.0
ERROR: Download failed: Failed to download metadata. Click Show Details to see details

Updated to 9.9 and same issue. Using MacOS 26.5.1. Have been using the same sources for many years; Goodreads, amazon & google. The standalone Goodreads plugin does work however.

Anything else I can check?

I am also unable to download metadata. I'm currently on 9.9 and cannot get results from Amazon or Goodreads for any books, including those I was able to download data for previously.

The last day I was able to download metadata was 06/09/2026 and since every attempt has errored saying it can't be found OR it completely stalls out. If I manually add the ASIN I'm able to pull the Kindle Hi-Res Cover, but it will not pull anything else.

I AM still getting results from Kobo Metadata, Google, and FictionDB, but that's not to say those results are accurate, because they are not.

In my, very non expert opinion, this feels like an issue with Amazon finding a way to f*ck with us considering the metadata plugins that aren't working are both Amazon owned companies.

[Unseen Entities]

Going to echo this issue. I only tried metadata not covers. Still failing on books that had their metadata previously fetched just fine.

happening with:
- Calibre 5.44
- Goodreads plugin (old version, which i didnt note down)
- Goodreads plugin 1.8.5 (current version)

error message: https://i.imgur.com/aFR9PRl.png

[Terisa de morgan]

Problem is there is a new security measure against boot: Azure WAF, and it needs a calculated token. If affects to overdrive plugin and all the goodreads plugins.