Amazon removes download feature for Kindle books

Amazon has confirmed the abolition of a function that made it possible to download their bought Kindle books to a computer and manually transferred to their Kindle devices via USB. This is now happening for security reasons.

The change comes into force on February 26, 2025 and particularly affects those users who store their digital books locally. So far, the Amazon websites have enabled the books to be downloaded as files, which is a valuable backup option for buyers.

As a result, the readers were not only able to create a backup copy of their e-books, but also convert files into other formats, such as the widespread EPUB. This function was particularly useful for Kindle users who either had no access to a Wi-Fi network or appreciated the certainty that they had their e-books offline available.

Help against e-book returns

With the abolition of this function, the handling of Kindle books becomes more complicated. Although Amazon points out that content can continue to be accessed via the Kindle app, the Kindle-Web and directly on Wi-Fi-capable Kindle devices, the change ensures concern among users.

Many remember the occasional redemption of e-books from the Amazon offer, including famous titles such as George Orwell’s “1984” and “Animal Farm”, which were removed due to an error. Without the local storage, the books can no longer be used.

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Users must now limit themselves to download via WLAN. Amazon explained that the function originally came from times when Kindle devices did not yet have WLAN and users therefore needed another method to get their e-books. For older Kindle models, there is still the possibility to manage books in AZW3 format, while newer devices use the improved but also printed KFX file format.

Users can continue to transmit e-book files and documents via USB, but no longer gain the opportunity to download and secure their purchased books directly. What do you think of the change? Is the loss of the download option a noticeable restriction for you?