After we purchased some books from Kindle store, those titles will be saved in Kindle cloud. Then whenever we want to read our kindle contents, we can download them from the cloud to our kindle device or kindle app. But how to download Kindle books with easy steps? Why I failed to download the Kindle book for offline reading? Here is the ultimate guide to this topic.
Download Kindle Books to Computer / Kindle devices
How to download Kindle files from the Kindle library onto our devices?
Step 1: Buy Kindle books.
Visit Amazon store official site please. Then shop in Kindle store by searching the Kindle titles you want to read. Buy with 1-click.
We can buy Kindle books on our Kindle devices, or Kindle apps, or directly purchase from online kindle store via opening a browser.
Note:
1. We can't directly buy Kindle books in the Kindle for IOS app. Please use Safari to access Kindle store and purchase the book you want to read, then "Deliver to: xxx's Kindle for IOS".
2. Amazon has also disabled the ability to buy ebooks in the Kindle app for Android since Google has started mandating that all apps had to use their billing system by June 1st, 2022.
3. In 2023, there are basically two ways to purchase Kindle books. One is with Kindle devices (fire tablets, e-ink, e-ink tablet such as Kindle Scribe), and the second is with a browser to access your Kindle store or Kindle Cloud Reader online library.
Step 2: Sync and download Kindle titles.
We can read Kindle books with the Kindle eReader (such as Kindle Paperwhite, Kindle Fire HD), or Kindle app (such as Kindle for Mac, Kindle for Android).
By default, all newly bought Kindle books will be saved in the Kindle cloud. If we want to download the kindle book from the library to the local devices, we should sync the Kindle first.
Open the Kindle app, tap on "Sync" icon. If you didn't log in the app, register your Kindle first.
On Kindle e-ink and tablet devices, click on "Settings" -> "Sync Your Kindle".
In general, by syncing the Kindle, all books will be saved to your Kindle library (which contains the new books you bought). You can find them by tapping on Cloud/Archives/All tab.
Tips:
If you can't find the books in your library (after syncing the Kindle), please visit amazon official site and access "Your Content and Devices".
Choose "Deliver to Device", select your device, deliver, OK.
Then, wait a moment until the downloading progress completes (when network connected). Once completed, you can open the book with your Kindle.
This method also works for downloading Kindle books from Family Library. Whenever your family member share one book with you, that book will be shown in your Kindle digital content library. Select it and choose "Deliver to ...", that book will be downloaded quickly onto your Kindle device or app. Note that: Books shared through a family account can't be downloaded onto the new Kindle for Windows app, but the legacy Kindle for PC app.
How long does it take to download a Kindle book? I should say this depends on your own network connection status and the book files size. Usually it shows up in 60 seconds or so.
Frequently Asked QuestionsQ1: Is it possible to bulk download books on kindle?
A: In fact, there is no option to bulk download Kindle books. We are allowed to download title by title. But you can access your kindle library and select multiple books to "Deliver to". It makes things easier, you only need to wait for the kindle titles to download.
Q: What's the Kindle book download location?
A: Books that downloaded from Kindle e-ink or tablet devices can be found from this directory K:\documents\Downloads\Items01. They will be saved as AZW3 or KFX format.
If the kindle contents are synced and downloaded via Kindle for PC/Mac, they will be saved in "My Kindle Content" folder. Usually those files are with .azw suffix.
Kindle for Android books will be PRC or KFX.
Optional method: Download & transfer via USB
If still failed to download your Kindle files to your Kindle devices, we can try this method.
Access "Manage Your Content and Devices", select the book you want to download, click on "More Actions".
Then, select "Download & transfer via USB".
From the new window, select your Kindle (the correct Kindle device name), download.
Note:
0. Amazon removed the Download & Transfer via USB option from their website for Kindle ebooks as of February 26th.
1. This method can only help re-send Kindle books to our Kindle devices (Kindle e-ink or kindle tablets). It doesn't function for downloading books to Kindle app. From the screenshot image, you will notice that these options(export books from kindle apps) are grayed out.
2. Not all books can be obtained with this method. If you can't see the "download and transfer via usb" option, you should try the method 1 I mentioned above.
3. This method works pretty well when you want to download Kindle files without wifi.
4. Books downloaded with this method will be .azw3 format. Once completed, copy these files to your Kindle device via USB please, to the "Documents" folder.
5. When asked how to download kindle books to PC/Mac, this method works well too (while the mostly considered method is downloading via Kindle desktop).
6. Newly update 2023: Amazon disabled the downloading Kindle Unlimited e-books from the Manage Your Content section via USB.
Download Kindle Books via Kindle for Windows App (MS Store)
The Kindle for PC will stop working after June 30, 2026. It will die after that date, then you will be forced to download Kindle books via the MS Store version Kindle app.
The Microsoft Store listed this app already, you can directly download to install it. Log in with your amazon account and then right-click to select "Download" the book. Different from the Kindle for PC version, the MS Store version of Kindle app now allows us to bulk-donwload our Kindle files (select multiple items -- Download).
Download Kindle books to Android (kindle app or sd card)
Run the kindle android app, and then click the cover to download books. If you'd like to “Download to SD Card”, please Go to “Settings” and move exiting library.
Books are saved in the ‘books’ folder of Google Play or on the SD card.
Optional method 2: Download via Kindle Cloud Reader (Offline)
Updated on August 12, 2020: Amazon has further upgraded Kindle Cloud Reader in August 2020 for security reasons, which has finally made it impossible to download books from Kindle Cloud Reader.
Kindle Cloud Reader is a web app which is designed for reading Kindle titles without a Kindle. And what's better, it also allows us read kindle titles for offline reading.
1 Make sure you are usingthe latest version of Google Chrome/Microsoft Edge browser.
2 Log in to Kindle Cloud Reader.
3 Open the book and the download will begin soon.
How to check and find the downloaded books on my Kindle?
By default, after you clicking the book cover, the downloading will begin soon and when the download completed you will see an completed icon on the cover.
But if you want to confirm and find out the downloaded books collection, you can filter or search your kindle library by "Downloaded" input.
To find the downloaded books on Kindle for PC app, click on "Filter" and then select "Downloaded" tab.
In Kindle for Mac app, the "Downloaded" tab is listed under the "Books" tab. It's easy for you to find this.
To find the downloaded books on Kindle IOS/Android app or on Kindle devices, tap the "Library" tab first.
At the top of the Library page, tap “Downloaded”. Here you will find your list of downloaded books.
Note: Some kindle textbooks(especially those large size books) will require the latest version of Kindle app to download. And Kindle eInk devices are not compatible with them, too.
12 Solutions when Kindle books won't download
Above methods are easy to go, but in fact there are many people have met the problem that they are not able to download a Kindle book that they had previously purchased. Will Amazon not let PC to download Kindle books anymore?
So here are 12 solutions when Kindle books won't download.
Solution 1: Shut down and restart your device.
This is the easiest one and it fixs most problems.
Solution 2: Confirm the wifi connection.
Disconnect and reconnect the wifi, confirm it's working .
Solution 3: Sync Kindle again.
Only by syncing Kindle, the new Kindle books can be shown correctly on our device.
Solution 4: Deregister and register again.
If the book or app gets stuck downloading partway, deregister it first (Settings -> Registration -> Deregister).
This will delete all your books from the cloud.
Once registered again, try re-downloading it from the cloud section.
Optional: We can also deregister the device by managing "You Content and Devices".
Solution 5: License limit reached - how to fix?
While trying to download a Kindle title on a new device, you may come across an error with Amazon: License Limit Reached.
With most Kindle books, we can only get six copies downloaded to various devices and apps. If you try to download a book to a seventh device you'll get a license limit exceeded warning. In this situation, you should deregister any old devices that you no longer use (old phones, old copies of the desktop app, etc.).
Simply log into your Amazon account -> Your Content and Devices -> Devices -> Device Actions -> Deregister.
Once that is done, relaunch the kindle app or device and it should open just fine.
Tips:
How to check what the download limits of one kindle book? Visit the book "Product detail" part, and confirm whether there is "Simultaneous device usage:" note or not.
In my own opinion, most books have a license limit of 6 simultaneous downloads, while some, especially those etextbooks have a lesser limit.
Solution 6: Download Limit Reached ( kcp_pc_license)
Some books have a limit on how many times they can be downloaded. Backing up your files is crucial.
I added one book to my kindle library before, and I'm sure I was able to download that title during that period.
However, today when I tried to download it again, I see this error: Download Limit Reached". I am told to manage my kindle device or purchase the title again.
I confirm to the device and I find that this book is not downloaded to any devices! That means I should purchase the title again (single purchase or add to the kindle unlimited) if I want to download this title again.
Download your kindle book and back up it as soon as possible! To avoid the later downloading issues (buy the same title again).
Solution 7: Confirm whether the payment method is valid or not.
Check your digital orders first. Make sure the book that you were trying to download was indeed completed by heading over to Amazon.
What's more, it would be better to check your payment settings too. I mean if the default 1-click payment was invalid, the order won't be approved by Amazon.
Solution 8: If you deleted one book by mistake, purchase it again
We all know that we can delete Kindle books from the cloud, but we should also recognize that if deleting contents by this method, we are not able to recover them any more unless purchasing again.
Solution 9: Failed to enable Kindle Cloud Reader offline?
As what I said above, Amazon stopped the downloading option in Kindle Cloud Reader since August, 2020. In other words, it's impossible to download books via kindle cloud reader.
Solution : Unable to download newly published Kindle books via older version Kindle?
Updated on May 31, 2024: Someone uses the Epubor Kindle Converter tool to help convert Kindle books, too. This tool works on an Android emulator and and an older version of Kindle for android apk. However, it does not work with some kindle books published in 2024. The current available solution to dedrm kindle books 2024 is to download Kindle books via Kindle PC/Mac and use the Epubor Ultimate.
Solution 10: How do I download Kindle Unlimited books 2026?
Above downloading method works for all books that you buy individually from Amazon directly. Because you "own" them.
However, Amazon blocked the downloading of books that use "Kindle Unlimited" which is a subscription(runs $9.99 per month, for unlimited of select Kindle titles). Because you don't own titles through Kindle Unlimited, you are borrowing them.
What's worse, when trying to download Kindle unlimited books to computer via older version Kindle for PC/Mac desktop, you will receive a message like "Item not available for this device type"(Windows) or "PCMAC_126_Delivery_Error_Upgrade_Mac"(Mac).
At this stage, the unique solution to download such books is to directly use the latest version of the Kindle app(or device).
Another important thing to clarify, you will lose access to all books if you cancel the rent service. In other words, if you cancel your Kindle Unlimited membership, you'll lose access to your borrowed titles at the start of the next billing period.
Solution 11: Try another Kindle to help download books
I tried to download one Arabic kindle book (I added it to my kindle library already) but I am told it's not available to download.
The title's format is not compatible with your device. Please try another device or contact kindle customer support.
I suspect that either the publisher or the Kindle store has imposed such restrictions. In this case, we can only try using other Kindle devices to help us download the books. For example, if Kindle for PC doesn't work, we can try the Kindle for Android app.
Solution 12. Re-register Kindle or Contact Amazon Support When You See "Kindle Internel Error".
Updated on March 6, 2026: I found that when I tried to log in to my Kindle for Mac app to download my Kindle books, I see this error: Internel Server Error.
A Kindle "internal error" usually indicates a temporary software glitch, registration failure, or server-side issue. After I tried to restart the Kindle app, re-register my Kindle with different methods (email address and phone number), but I still failed. Then, I guess, it's likely that there must be someing happened to the Amazon Server, for some unknown reasons. I have no choice but to wait for Amazon to fix it, or contact the support team for technical help.
Say more, this is also one of reasons that I highly recommend you download your Kindle books and back up them as you can. Books stored on any third-party servers are not for us.
Download Kindle books as EPUB or PDF? Of course YES
Most of people wonder how to download Kindle books as PDF. But at the first part I've introduced Kindle common formats in breif, Kindle books are with kindle its own formats, not the PDF or ePub.
But this doesn't mean that we can't achieve this goal. Here highly recommend you use Epubor Ultimate.
See? It helps you convert Kindle to PDF format (and other formats such as ePub are also well supported) so that you can move your Kindle books to other device.
New updates on January 2026: It’s hard to believe that Amazon starts giving Kindle ebook customers the option to download DRM-free Kindle ebooks in standard EPUB and PDF formats directly from the Manage Your Content and Devices page at Amazon.
If the author approved the changes and agreed the drm free option of one book, you will be allowed to download that book in ePub or PDF format.
But please note that, existing DRM-free ebooks won’t be automatically added the EPUB and PDF download option. And those types of books won't be allowed to be transferred to other devices. Kindle Unlimited books are not supported for ePub/pdf download.
| Kindle in ePub / PDF | Kindle Unlimited Books | Amazon Prime Books | Single Purchsed Books |
|---|---|---|---|
| DRM Free Version from Kindle Library | No | No | Yes, some books if author allows |
| Download and Convert Kindle to ePub PDF Format | Yes | Yes | Yes, nearly all books except for some textbooks |
SAY MORE
My top pick is downloading kindle books first to your computer and then convert them. Above tools help you back up kindle books with ease. Download and save your Kindle books while you still can!
I was struggling with the new Kindle update from February 2025, as I couldn't download my recently purchased books to my older devices. Epubor Ultimate is the only tool that worked flawlessly for this. It allowed me to finally 'liberate' the books I paid for and move them to my tablet to use with Noteshelf. Now I can highlight and take notes on my study material without restrictions. The interface is very clean, intuitive, and the process is surprisingly fast. Highly recommended for anyone who wants true ownership of their E-books!
| Kindle App Versions | Available for | Epubor and Kindle Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Kindle for PC (legacy Win32), e.g. v2.9.1 (71006) | Win 10/ 11 | Newer version stops functioning entirely, but keep the Epubor Ultimate v3.0.16.599 |
| Kindle for Windows (new MS Store app) | Win 11 Pro / Enterprise | V3.0.16.638(current) Listed as supporting MS Kindle version 1.0.18632 |
Angel Dan has covered software online marketing for more than 10 years. She joined Epubor since 2013, covering content writing, affiliate marketing, global brand expansion, video marketing, and business development.
I was gifted an ebook for Xmas. I do not own an 'iphone' of any kind. I do not have a Kindle tablet. I do have a Android based Lenovo Tablet. I have never done this before. I thought I would download it to the PC and then to the Tablet. In the PC I found a Folder labeled "My Kindle Content" w/ correct date. Nothing playable in it even after I downloaded the Kindle App.
Maybe I did it all backwards. I have the App now. I tried to start all over. Amazon: "You have already accepted the book" Go away. I tried Amazon Chat - no record of your buying anything and we do not care about gifts. Go away.
I said thanks to the giver and will now see if the local library has it.
If you have not opted into all the gimmicks do not even try to get ebooks from Amazon. Just what Amazon needs: Free money. I wonder how many other books were paid for and then lost.
Addon to an earlier comment. I knew the download location so did not read that line:at first. "They will be saved as AZW3 or KFX format." Amazon gave me a AZW3...I need KFX. But some how all I have is "UNKNOWN AZW" with no number
never mind at all. I just searched PC and tablet with the title. I have no idea what I did. It is just gone. nothing on Recycle Bin either.
Sorry to bother you!
Thank you for your comments. For the files in "My kindle content" folder are encrypted with Kindle DRM. That's why you cannot open or read it. Please follow this guide to remove kindle drm : https://www.epubor.com/how-to-remove-drm-from-kindle-kfx-ebooks.html
Also, for the kfx format, it only can be read on kindle related apps or device. Are you sure this is what you want?
Another thing, the .azw file actually is kfx format.
where are my kindle books. my books have been purchease
To get the books, please install the kindle for pc/mac and then click the book cover to download it.
Or if you have kindle eink devices, just register it with your amazon account and then your purchased book will be displayed under your library.
For more questions, please feel free to contact us via epubor.iris@gmail.com
Have a nice day.
Thank you for asking. As you have registered your kindle keyboard, you can use "Download and transfer via usb" to download kindle books and then remove drm with Epubor Ultimate. You can follow this guide: https://www.epubor.com/how-to-remove-drm-from-kindle-kfx-ebooks.html#meth4
Any more problem, please feel free to contact us via support@epubor.com.
Have a nice day!
Hello. I'm having trouble removing DRM and converting ebooks purchased from amazon. I heard that Amazon changed their DRM policy.
I would like to know if the Epubor team is already aware of this and if they are working to correct this new policy.
Now we are working on this issue. Once there is a solution, we will let you know. The older kindle books still can be cracked with Epubor Software.
There is still another way to remove drm from this kind of kindle books if you have any kindle eink device registered with your amazon account. Please download the kindle books via "Download and transfer via usb" and then remove kindle drm with Epubor Ultimate. Here is the detailed guide: https://www.epubor.com/how-to-remove-drm-from-kindle-kfx-ebooks.html#meth4
When I download book through your app it shows after download
Your ebook has decrypted. The TXT file just save 20% of ebook content. Please register the
software, then get all contents and the valid ebook format.
Hello,
Note: The free trial version of Epubor Ultimate only helps you decrypt and convert 20% of the books in TXT format (images not included). Once you purchase the software and register it with your license, you will get the complete book converted with all the images and in the proper format you want like PDF/Epub/Mobi/AZW3/TXT.
If you are interested in Epubor Ultimate, here we can offer you a 10% discount to buy this software. Just click the following link to buy it. (The lifetime license will never expire and you can use it forever, but the one-year license will expire one year later. So it's suggested to buy a lifetime license at this time.)
Any other questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us via support@epubor.com.
Best regards,
Epubor Team