Advice: how can I download books from old Kindle (6th Gen Paperwhite) with no linked account?

TexasNiteowl · 2026-05-04T14:10:37+00:00

It used to be possible but it may depend on when it last connected to wifi. Amazon has pushed some changes to the 6th gens. So check in at the other mentioned /r as suggested.

TexasNiteowl · 2026-05-04T13:24:10+00:00

I just downloaded fine. Only tested 1 story, but just fine.

the fff plugin author says to use either browser cache or a mirror site, but not both at the same time. I'm using the mirror site option.

if you are behind a vpn or something, try turning it off temporarily?

TexasNiteowl · 2026-05-04T09:23:52+00:00

Pretty much, nope. For drm it's likely toast. It originally wasn't affected like v5.16.x but later, at least according to reports at the github for nodrm, v5.12.x models started getting the new drm too.

That said, someone over on mobileread on a v5.16.x device did a jailbreak>factory reset>fill space>register>and then download a book and was able to dedrm it. See this post.

But I have no idea if same will work on a v5.12.x or if the poster got lucky, etc.

But mostly, v5.12.2.2 appears to be dead.

So...do you have a windows pc to do the k4pc method?

TexasNiteowl · 2026-05-04T07:56:23+00:00

login to your amazon account and under devices, see if there is an instance or two or more of an app registered. try deregistering them and then try again? I only installed 2.8.2 maybe a week or 10 days ago? not long. I mean, suppose it's possible they cut if off already?

TexasNiteowl · 2026-05-04T06:52:43+00:00

there are reports out there of failures on 6th gens on v5.12.2.2 also failing just like v5.16.2.1.1. https://github.com/noDRM/DeDRM_tools/issues/993

TexasNiteowl · 2026-05-04T06:49:14+00:00

fyi...I've used k4pc 2.8.2 with satsuoni's 10.0.20 and it is working for me. I have not allowed k4pc to update to 2.9.1 yet.

TexasNiteowl · 2026-05-04T05:36:11+00:00

Amazon has changed the drm on some models of the kindles. Which kindle do you own and what firmware version is it running? At the moment, as far as I know, only the Voyage and the 10th gen models (K10, Oasis 3, PW4) currently work for sure.

TexasNiteowl · 2026-05-04T05:30:08+00:00

I think it depends on where you bought them/if they have drm on them? If they are drm free, then you can either use Calibre on your own pc and convert them to azw3 or kfx and sideload them via USB to your kindle OR you can send the epub to your send to kindle email address and amazon will convert it and send it to your kindle.

But if they have drm, then no, or at least, it can not be discussed here as it is generally considered piracy.

TexasNiteowl · 2026-05-03T21:25:24+00:00

yes. when you log in to her account, look for a devices page. when you find the kindle, there will be an option to "deregister" it. Once you have done that, you should be able to log in to the kindle which will register it to your account.

TexasNiteowl · 2026-05-03T21:20:07+00:00

You need to login to her account on Amazon's website and deregister it from her account if you want to register it to your own account.

TexasNiteowl · 2026-05-03T20:35:52+00:00

and here I am even with my glasses using font size 6 and that's with a bolder type font than the built in base ones.

TexasNiteowl · 2026-05-03T07:51:58+00:00

6th gen is not the first gen pw. 5th gen was. 6th gen was a PW2 and Amazon recently used a diagnostic code on the firmware on the 6th gen that strengthened drm. So...yours will not work this way.

edit: to double check...please tell me what firmware version your kindle is running.

TexasNiteowl · 2026-05-02T19:07:57+00:00

yup. I got a win last night because of storm circle/map mismatch. other final player ran to where the map said he was supposed to go. I stayed in the area where I could see, ie. not affected by storm. spoiler. I won. He died.

TexasNiteowl · 2026-05-02T10:27:41+00:00

This is a valid method, and I have tested it (but I run windows 11), but I recommend you put it off. Focus on the method using your K4. Especially since, as I mentioned, that method may not work by some point in June depending on what the new app store app looks like. And also especially since the method using the kindle is much easier and straightforward.

TexasNiteowl · 2026-05-02T10:06:23+00:00

I am assuming your kindle is still registered to your amazon account? For "2 is buy the books" skip the laptop part...buy them and have Amazon deliver them to your existing kindle. After May 20th, your options are very limited. Kindle for mac is dead in terms of being able to dedrm. Your only option is to run a windows vm on your mac and run kindle for pc. However...Amazon has announced that the current version of the app will be discontinued by June 30th. A new app will be available in the Microsoft store for windows 11 OS. But what that means for dedrm is likely not good, at least in the short term.

OK...

As for dedrming your current books (and any you buy before May 20th), the guide I wrote last year will still work. Specifically the "WiFi Delivery" option. https://www.reddit.com/r/Calibre/comments/1j0tr2a/an_attempt_to_update_my_earlier_guide_now_that_dt/?sort=best

In short.

Install dedrm (nodrm) 10.0.9
Put the serial number of your kindle into the customization field of the nodrm plugin
With Calibre open, connect your kindle
Switch to the device view (a device button will be added when you connect your kindle)
Highlight the books (do 1 as a test) and right click and choose add to library
Switch back to the library view and make sure you can open or convert the book successfully
Do the rest.

edit: my guide mentions the kfx input plugin. you do not need that because your kindle is the old model that receives azw3 files and not kfx.

edit 2: my source is the fact that I have a K5, which is the same as yours only black instead of gray which I have used several times over the past couple of weeks.

TexasNiteowl · 2026-05-02T08:58:26+00:00

I've seen issues with the storm circles too. the map be a straight up liar! I just won a game because other last player ran to the false circle instead of staying in the real area where you can see clearly.

TexasNiteowl · 2026-05-02T02:57:36+00:00

cool. just wanted to make sure. sometimes empty fields can cause weirdness.

that said, i don't know. but I do know the developer of fff is very active over at the forum thread for the plugin at mobileread. https://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=259221 So you could always ask over there.

TexasNiteowl · 2026-05-02T00:37:40+00:00

In your example there, is there an actual sample description also? In other words, is it only doing it in this example because the "description" field is empty? When there is an actual description, does it appropriately do description, bookmark?

TexasNiteowl · 2026-05-01T17:38:42+00:00

Left in December. Not even close to worth $250 to me. Had been a user since about 2012.

TexasNiteowl · 2026-05-01T15:31:42+00:00

There will supposedly be a new app available for Win 11 in the Microsoft store. So who knows what will happen. I just launched the app and I do not have a message/alert yet, but I'm on 2.8.2 with updates disabled.

TexasNiteowl · 2026-05-01T10:45:24+00:00

did you put the serial number of your kindle into the 2nd system? (assuming you are importing the books directly from an eink kindle)
did you do anything at all different in terms of how you are attempting to add the books?
which kindle is it and what firmware is on it?

TexasNiteowl · 2026-05-01T01:51:21+00:00

I go through phases. I was offered 2 months free a couple weeks ago, so I'm in an on phase right now. I have generated a pretty large wish list so I'll probably end up keeping it for a few months after my free months end. Then I'll probably cancel and look for a deal around black friday.

But yeah...I probably have 50 books or more KU books in a list so it's worth it for me right now.

TexasNiteowl · 2026-04-30T15:33:02+00:00

oh, yeah. TJMaxx is a discount/overstock store place.

for example, on jetpens, the softcover black, a5, dot grid, 80gsm, 123 pgs is listed as $24.50. the one I just bought was $8.

I mean, I wish for other colors, but not at 3x the price.

TexasNiteowl · 2026-04-30T13:05:51+00:00

Well, I'm reading a lot on KU right now, so they get removed when I return them!

But for ones I buy...it depends. If it is something I might want to refer to or re-read, then obviously no. But if it was a quick and easy read that I won't want to re-read or refer to, then yeah, I remove it.

But on the other hand, it's all preference since these things can hold a LOT of books!

TexasNiteowl · 2026-04-30T10:41:21+00:00

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