Amazon Is Removing a Popular Feature from Some Kindle Models in Late February, Could Deal Blow to Piracy

Mark
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Amazon is removing the ‘Download & transfer via USB‘ feature for Kindle users on February 26. This option, available until now on older Kindle models, allowed people to transfer books to their devices through a USB connection.

However, with newer Kindle models, Amazon already restricted this method, making it available only for wireless transfers.

The main reason behind this change is likely to crack down on piracy. The AZW3 files that users could download and transfer over USB were vulnerable to hacking tools that could remove DRM protections. While this allowed users to back up their books or use the files in other ways, it also made it easier to pirate content.

After February 26, if you want to download AZW3 files of your purchased books, you’ll need to do so before the feature is gone for good. Don’t worry though—you’ll still be able to load books onto your Kindle via USB, but only those you’ve already purchased through other means.

It seems like Amazon is tightening up its controls, and if you want those files for backup or other purposes, now’s the time to grab them.

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Mark is the kind of person who gets way too excited about new software updates and can’t resist taking apart gadgets—just to see if they can put them back together. With years of experience in tech journalism and a love for all things digital, Mark writes about the stories behind the screens, from game-changing innovations to the everyday tech that keeps life running smoothly. Outside of work, they’re the go-to “tech support” for friends and family, whether it’s fixing a printer that won’t cooperate or explaining why Grandma’s laptop keeps showing pop-ups. When Mark isn’t glued to their screen, they’re probably building their dream PC, rewatching sci-fi movies for the hundredth time, or testing a gadget that promises to “change everything.” Spoiler: they’ll let you know if it actually does.