Amazon Restricts Kindle Books Download: What Do You Need to Know?

As of February 26, 2025, Amazon has removed the "Download and Transfer via USB" option, meaning that you can no longer download Kindle books to your computer. You can now only transfer purchased books to Kindle via Wi-Fi.

In this article, we will uncover all you need to know about why Amazon restricts Kindle books download and how to tackle this major policy change. However, if you need a better way to read and manage your eBooks, UPDF is a versatile PDF book reader that offers a seamless reading experience across devices. Download it today and read eBooks without any restrictions.

Part 1. Details of Amazon's Policy Change

Amazon has changed the way you own your Kindle books. It has discontinued the option of USB transfer, which means that users are not able to download eBooks to a computer for manual transfer to Kindle devices.

In the past, Amazon offered the "Download and Transfer via USB" option. This feature would let you download the purchased eBooks to your computer. Afterward, you could transfer the downloaded eBooks to your Kindle device via USB. Moreover, you could also convert them to other formats compatible with other eBook readers.

From February 26, 2025, Amazon restricts Kindle books download. You won't see the option to download and transfer books through USB. This means you can now only transfer your purchased eBooks to Kindle using Wi-Fi.

Amazon policy change isn't getting appreciation from users. It has become challenging for those users who don't have proper Wi-Fi access or who prefer offline backups. In addition, it also puts limitations on transferring eBooks to non-Amazon devices. Head to the next part to learn in detail the implications of this policy.

Also Read: How to Send PDF to Kindle >>

Part 2. Implications for Digital Book Readers

Now that Amazon has changed the way you own your Kindle books, the digital book readers have shown their concerns and disappointment with this policy change.

Below are the two major implications readers have faced ever since Amazon restricts Kindle books download:

1. Ownership and Access Concerns

Many users tend to use the "Download and Transfer via USB" option to create a backup of eBooks they have purchased. They could keep a copy of the eBook on their computer and easily transfer it to Kindle when needed.

Now that users are not able to download eBooks, they risk losing access to the books if the content is removed or accounts are compromised. Why it is concerning because Amazon has a history of modifying, removing, or remotely deleting books from its store and Kindle devices. In 2009, it sparked controversy by pulling George Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four and Animal Farm, citing unauthorized publication. More recently, books by Roald Dahl, such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, were updated with altered language and replaced on various eBook platforms.

These instances highlight a crucial reality, i.e., digital content isn't truly owned. So, when we don't have the option to back up eBooks, we risk losing access if they are ever withdrawn or restricted.

2. Compatibility Issues

The second major implication after Amazon has removed the rights to download Kindle books is compatibility. Many purchasers tend to read eBooks beyond Kindle devices. They used to convert books purchased from Amazon to other formats, such as EPUB. Afterward, they could open the books on non-Kindle devices like Kobo.

Since you cannot bulk download Kindle eBooks now, you cannot convert and open your purchased eBooks on non-Kindle devices. In short, you are restricted to the Amazon's ecosystem.

Also Read: Download Kindle Books as PDF >>

Part 3. Introducing UPDF as a Superior PDF Reading Solution

Now that Amazon has removed the rights to download Kindle books, you have two options. Either you keep using Amazon and Kindle and transfer books via Wi-Fi, or you can opt for a better reading solution. If you opt for the latter option, UPDF is an excellent choice.

UPDF is a versatile and feature-rich PDF book reader. It lets you open and read books directly from your desktop or smartphone with access to various advanced reading features. It provides various reading modes (single-page view, two-page view, etc.) and wide compatibility across devices (iOS, Android, Windows, and MAC) for the best book-reading experience. Moreover, you get a powerful AI assistant that lets you summarize, translate, and chat with books.

The key highlights of using UPDF for reading PDF books include:

• Read PDFs with different settings, such as light/dark mode, single/multi-page scrolling, etc.
• Add bookmarks for easy navigation.
• Take notes with annotation tools, such as highlight, underline, add sticky notes, and more.
• Use AI assistant to chat with PDF books and ask for summaries, translations, explanations, and more.
• Dedicated apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
• Secure cloud storage to access books anywhere, anytime.

In short, UPDF offers the features and compatibility users need to read books digitally with full control of their reading experience.

Overall, if you don't want to remain tied to a proprietary Amazon ecosystem, UPDF is the best platform. Download UPDF and enjoy its customizable reading experience across all your devices.

Conclusion

With Amazon restricting Kindle books from downloading, they are leading to a more controlled and restricted digital ecosystem. They are limiting users' ability to access, back up, and transfer their purchased content freely. Therefore, it is important to choose a more flexible reading solution like UPDF, which provides offline access, full ownership, and other advanced reading features. Try out UPDF and experience the freedom to read and manage eBooks without restrictions.