Digital Rights Management (DRM) is a technology you can apply when publishing your eBook that affects how readers can access their purchased content.

Contents

• DRM vs. DRM-free
• Change DRM settings
• Reader download access

DRM vs. DRM-free

Applying DRM limits reader access to Kindle apps and devices only. DRM technology is designed to limit unauthorized access to or copying of digital content files.

Choosing not to apply DRM (DRM-free) gives readers additional flexibility to enjoy their purchased content across a wider range of devices and applications by providing downloadable EPUB and PDF files. Your royalty rates and payment structure remain unchanged regardless of your DRM selection.

What readers can do

Note: DRM changes only apply to future EPUB/PDF download access. Applying DRM doesn't affect files readers already downloaded.

Change DRM settings

You have full control over your DRM settings and can change them at any time. Your DRM setting affects future download availability for all customers, regardless of when they purchased your book. After you select not to apply DRM, any verified purchaser will be able to download EPUB and PDF files effective January 20, 2026. If you later apply DRM, no new downloads in EPUB or PDF format will be available. However, readers who already downloaded EPUB or PDF files will retain access to them.

Note: For books you published prior to December 9, 2025 where you did not apply DRM, Amazon will not automatically provide the EPUB/PDF download option to readers. You must explicitly confirm this choice by following the steps below.

To check or change DRM settings for your books:

1. Log into your KDP Bookshelf
2. Next to the book you want to update, click the ellipsis button ("…")
3. Choose Edit eBook Content
4. In the Manuscript section, find the Digital Rights Management (DRM) selection
5. Choose whether or not to apply DRM to your book
6. Select Save and Continue to save your changes
7. At the bottom of the Pricing page, click Publish Your Kindle eBook to make the changes live

To apply DRM:

1. Select Yes, apply Digital Rights Management

To make your book available for download as EPUB or PDF by verified purchasers (DRM-free):

1. Select No, do not apply Digital Rights Management and allow customers who buy this book to download it as a PDF or EPUB file
2. Check the confirmation box: "I understand that by not applying DRM, customers who buy and have already bought this book will be able to download it as a PDF or EPUB file"

Note: DRM settings must be updated individually for each book. Bulk updates are not available at this time. Changes take 24-72 hours to go live for readers after publishing.

Reader download access

Effective January 20, 2026, readers can download EPUB and PDF files of your DRM-free books from their Manage Your Content and Devices page on Amazon. Only verified purchasers who have bought your book can access the EPUB/PDF files. Customers who borrowed your books through Kindle Unlimited or other services can't download the EPUB/PDF files, even if the books are DRM-free.

If readers downloaded EPUB/PDF files when your book was DRM-free, they will retain access to those downloaded EPUB/PDF files even if you later apply DRM. However, the option to download EPUB/PDF files will not be available after your DRM setting change is live (approx. 24-72 hours after you publish).