Why Remove DRM?

Underpinning the DRM problem is the issue of media ownership.

Companies enforce these measures to ensure digital products circulate legally.

Person Using A Kindle While Reading Coffee

If you don’tcheck if a video is copyrightedbefore using it, its unhappy owner could sue you.

Evenvideo games need always-on DRMas extra security against piracy.

The biggest downside is that companies often react to the slightest infraction and don’t always explain why.

Using Welcome Wizard to Choose Location for Calibre Books

All her beloved books were irrevocably gone, with no way to retrieve them.

The problem could have been entirely avoided if she had removed the DRM restrictions.

Because she could have backed up her files on her local machine.

Choosing Preferred Device in Calibre Welcome Wizard

This demonstrates a recurring problem that you’re gonna wanna prepare for.

Different Types of Ebook DRM

Generally, ebooks use four different DRM schemes.

They are:

Getting to know these platforms helps you understand how to remove DRM protection in different situations.

Preferences Button on Calibre

There aremany ways to remove ebooks' DRM.

Calibre is a free and open-source ebook library management app packed with useful features.

For this DRM removal process, you’ll needCalibreandApprentice Alf’s DRM removal plugins.

Navigating to Load Plug-In From File Button on Calibre

set up the Software

set up the software and fire up the app for the first time.

When prompted, select which folder should contain your ebook purchases.

you’re free to change the setting later by clickingCalibre Libraryor relaunching the Welcome Wizard.

Calibre’s Success Message for Installing DeDRM Plug-In

Next, in the setup process, you’ll be asked toselect your eReader machine.

The list includes all the major manufacturers.

For the purposes of the DRM removal process, just skip this step and clickFinish.

Selecting DeDRM From Calibre’s Plug-In File Types

The app will automatically boot.

drop in the Plugins

Calibre supports a variety of plugins that perform different functions.

For a reliable way to remove the DRM, you need Apprentice Alf’s DRM Removal Tool for Ebooks.

Adding eInk Kindle Serial Number to DeDRM on Calibre

The latest version is available fordownload from GitHub.

Download the file and unzip its contents.

Now, head back to Calibre and click thePreferencesicon on the top menu.

Showing Kindle Ebook Opened on Calibre Using KFX-ZIP

ClickPluginson the bottom row of the pop-up screen.

Then, selectLoad Plugin from Filein the bottom right-hand corner.

Find your unzipped file and navigate toDeDRM_tools_7.2.1 > DeDRM_plugin.zip.

Per the on-screen message, restart the Calibre app.

If you own a Kindle, there is one final step.

In Calibre, go toPreferences > Pluginsand expand the menu underneathFile pop in Plugins.

Double-press the DeDRM listing.

ChooseeInk Kindle ebooksfrom the list and add your machine’s serial number.

Other configurations include your Kindle for Android keys and Kindle for Mac and PC keys, among additional options.

you could find your serial number on most Kindles within the rig’s prefs menu.

It will not work if you’re converting books between formats.

The DRM removal is the simplest part of the whole process.

Otherwise, Calibre won’t be able to pop swing open the Kindle ebook’s file.

The most reliable method is to use theViWizard iBook DRM removal tool.

After downloading and installing the app, you’ll need to download all your books to your local machine.

Once you’ve got them saved, just drag and drop them into the DRM removal software and clickConvert.

Think about your actions before you begin.

To avoid bans and penalties, learn how to remove DRM protection from ebooks and use them safely.