Amazon’s recent firmware update (version 5.18.5) for Kindle devices has introduced a new DRM layer that appears to make it impossible to remove DRM from many Kindle e-books, the eBook Reader Blog reported. This move signals stricter control over Kindle content. And for many readers, that’s a big change.
Here’s what this means, how we got here, and what to expect next.
What is DRM — and why it matters to readers
- DRM (Digital Rights Management) is software protection built into digital files (e-books, music, video) to control how you can use them.
- In the case of Kindle e-books, DRM ties the book to your Amazon account and device. It prevents copying, sharing, or moving the file freely.
- DRM restricts flexibility: you may not be able to convert the book to another format, move it to a non-Kindle device, or preserve a fully free backup.
The 5.18.5 update: what changed, and which devices are affected
- The new DRM was added in the Kindle 5.18.5 firmware update.
- According to reports, this update is currently affecting 11th and 12th-generation Kindle e-ink models, Kindle Scribe, and Kindle Colorsoft.
- Because those are the devices that receive 5.18.5, the change is likely to apply only to these e-reader devices at present.
- Older Kindles or devices that do not (yet) run 5.18.5 might still allow DRM removal via earlier methods.
- But the writing is on the wall: many, as discussed in the Mobileread forums, feel that soon Amazon will close all loopholes. As of now, some users say:
“Has anyone running 5.18.5 successfully removed DRM from a book published after September 14, 2025?”
Thus, while not every Kindle is blocked yet, the devices updated to 5.18.5 are the first to carry the new protections.
How Kindle DRM removal used to work — and how it’s being blocked now
Before: Common methods to remove DRM
- Calibre + DeDRM plugin: The most popular method. Connect a Kindle via USB, download the book to the device, and the plugin strips the DRM.
- “Download & Transfer via USB”: Amazon used to allow you to download your purchased book files from the website and then transfer them to your device. That method also allowed DRM removal.
- Older Kindle app versions / older Kindle PC versions: Users sometimes used older versions of Kindle for PC or Mac to download books in formats easier to decrypt.
Now: What’s being blocked or made infeasible
- The new DRM includes an account secret stored in an inaccessible location that becomes part of the key to encrypting the book. Reportedly, this key can’t be accessed via normal device software, making removal unviable for most users.
- The ‘Download & Transfer via USB’ option was removed earlier (Feb 26, 2025) for many books/sites, reducing fallback methods.
- Some users report that Kindle for PC methods no longer work for books published after a certain date (e.g., April 22, 2025).
- Community testers say that for books downloaded after the 5.18.5 update, usual removal tools fail.
In short, Amazon is stacking defensive layers, making the old DRM removal workflows ineffective (especially on updated devices).
Implications for Kindle users
For affected e-reader owners (with 5.18.5)
- You may no longer strip DRM from books downloaded to these devices.
- Moving books to non-Kindle devices (Kobo, other e-ink readers) becomes much harder or impossible.
- Long-term backups in DRM-free form might no longer be feasible.
For users with other Kindles or who haven’t updated
- They may still retain access to earlier DRM removal methods until Amazon rolls out the update more widely.
- But there’s risk: once Amazon pushes 5.18.5 (or equivalent changes) to those devices, the same restrictions could apply.
For the ecosystem
- Amazon becomes more controlling (“draconian”) about how readers can use their purchased books.
- Competitors (Kobo, PocketBook, etc.) tend to have more relaxed DRM policies or allow more user freedom.
- If Amazon locks down all access, it could push some readers to seek DRM-free alternative platforms or publishers.
Pros and cons: DRM vs no DRM
| Pros of DRM (for publisher/retailer) | Cons for readers |
| Reduces casual piracy | Limits how you can use the book |
| Protects licensed content | You may lose access if the account/device becomes invalid |
| Encourages staying in the retailer ecosystem | You can’t freely convert or back up in a DRM-free form |
| Pros of no DRM (for the reader) | Cons |
| Full control: convert, move, backup | Higher risk (from the publisher’s perspective) |
| Long-term archival independence | Some piracy concerns (though many readers are honest) |
| Easier access across devices | Publishers may push harder DRM to counter |
What might happen next
- Amazon will likely extend the new DRM to more Kindle models. The day when no device allows stripping DRM may come.
- Tool authors may attempt workarounds, but any method will be harder, riskier, or require exploiting deep software vulnerabilities.
- Users who relied on DRM removal will have fewer options.
- The balance between publisher rights and reader rights will tilt further toward control.
Final thoughts
With the 5.18.5 update, Amazon has taken a bold step: making DRM removal from Kindle e-books effectively impossible on its newer e-reader devices. While older Kindles might still allow the old methods, it’s only a matter of time before those are blocked, too.
For readers who prize ownership, flexibility, and backups, this is a signal to act sooner rather than later, preserve what you can, and think carefully about future purchases.
