Kindle: Amazon allows download of DRM-free e-books from January 20

Just under a year after Amazon discontinued the previously only way to download e-books directly to PC from the Kindle library management, the e-retailer is changing its strategy. From January 20, 2026, customers will be able to use e-books purchased in the Kindle shop "on a wider selection of devices and apps." However, this will only apply to works without Digital Rights Management (DRM) – as copy protection.

Download in E-PUB and PDF format

According to Amazon, DRM-free titles will be available for download in EPUB and PDF format from the cut-off date. These e-books can then be read not only on Amazon Kindle e-readers but also on e-readers from competitors such as Tolino, Boox, or Kobo, and in apps.

Amazon points out that e-books can only be downloaded via "My Content and Devices" if they have actually been purchased. If customers have borrowed their books via Kindle Unlimited or other services, the EPUB or PDF files cannot be downloaded, even if the books are DRM-free, the company clarifies.

Publishers must act

In the announcement for authors and creators, the company points out that they can also add DRM to DRM-free works retrospectively. This protects their works from further downloads. Readers who have already downloaded e-books as EPUB or PDF will still retain access to them.

Works published before December 9, 2025, that are DRM-free, cannot be downloaded by default. Publishers must release each individual title themselves. According to Amazon, after release, it takes between 24 and 72 hours for the changes to be available to readers after publication.

(afl)