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Have you ever bought an eBook, but find that you can’t read it on your favorite device or share it with your loved ones because it is DRM-protected?

What if there was a way to make your eBooks DRM-free and truly own them?

This guide will uncover the best free tools and simple steps to remove DRM from ePub, giving you the freedom to read your eBooks anytime, anywhere.

How to remove DRM from epub

What is DRM

Digital publishers and software vendors use Digital Rights Management (DRM) to control the distribution and usage of digital media, including eBooks. In other words, DRM can prevent unauthorized copying, sharing, or distribution, ensuring that users adhere to the terms set by content providers. While DRM protects copyright holders, it can limit users’ freedom to get and enjoy content when they switch between different devices.

What are the benefits of ebook DRM removal?

You can access and read purchased eBooks on multiple devices by removing DRM. For readers who wish to enjoy their information without any restrictions, it guarantees convenience. There are many benefits of DRM-free ePub:

 Benefits
  • Cross-Device Compatibility: Access your eBooks on any device, including iPads, Kindles, or other e-readers.
  • Flexibility: DRM-free eBooks can be transferred, shared, or backed up without restrictions.
  • Long-Term Access: Ensures you can still access your books even if the original platform becomes obsolete.
  • Enhanced Reading Experience: Allows you to use preferred e-readers or customize the interface without limitations.
  • Ownership: Restores the sense of ownership by allowing you to fully control the content you purchased.

How to remove DRM from ePub with Calibre

The first tool we recommend is Calibre, a free, open source ebook management and conversion tool created and maintained by Kovid Goyal for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux. Calibre is a widely used e-book management software. It provides a convenient solution for removing DRM from EPUB files, enabling you to access content on many devices,

How to remove DRM from ePub with Calibre

Features

  • Beyond DRM removal, Calibre provides capabilities including format compatibility, library organization, and e-book conversion.
  • There are many plugins are available for DRM removal and continuous updates to improve functionality
  • Calibre is open source software and all features are completely free to users without any payment or subscription
  • Compatible with almost all ebook formats, including ePub, MOBI, AZW, PDF, KFX, CBZ, CBR, and more.
  • Calibre makes it easy to organize a library of electronic books, including by title, author, tag, and more.
  • It can run on Windows, macOS and Linux to meet the needs of users of different systems.
  • Has powerful built-in search function that allows you to quickly find books by keywords, tags, author, and more.

Cons

  • Calibre's interface can seem overly complex for a beginner. Many functions are hidden in menus, and it takes time to familiarize yourself with the operational logic.
  • Configuring DRM removal plugins may need some technical knowledge
  • Calibre does not support DRM removal by default and requires users to manually install plug-ins (such as Apprentice Alf's DeDRM Tools).

Detailed guide to using Calibre

How to remove DRM from ePub with Calibre

Step 1: Install Calibre and Add Books

  1. Download and install Calibre from its official website.
  2. Launch the application and click on the "Add books" button.
  3. Import your DRM-protected EPUB file into the Calibre library.

Step 2: Install the DeDRM Plugin

  1. Download the DeDRM plugin from its official GitHub page.
  2. Extract the downloaded file.
  3. Open Calibre, go to Preferences, and navigate to Plugins.
  4. Click on "Load plugin from file" and select the DeDRM_plugin.zip file from the extracted folder.

How to remove DRM from ePub with Calibre

Step 3: Configure the Plugin

  1. In the plugin settings, locate the "File Type" section and find the DeDRM option.
  2. Add your eInk Kindle eBooks by entering the device’s serial number.
  3. Once configured, exit the customization menu.
  4. To ensure compatibility, install the KFX Input Plugin by selecting "Get new plugins" in the Plugins menu.

Step 4: Remove DRM from EPUB Files

  1. Select the imported EPUB file in your Calibre library.
  2. Right-click and choose the "Remove DRM" option.
  3. Calibre will automatically decrypt the file and remove the DRM encryption.

How to remove DRM from ePub with EPubor Ultimate

EPubor Ultimate provides an easy way to remove DRM from EPUB files. The program is a fantastic substitute for Adobe Digital Editions and Calibre. It allows you to freely enjoy your eBooks on a variety of devices.

I promise that its abilities is unmatched by any other eBook decryption software available on the market. Their flagship product - EPubor Ultimate, is an easy-to-use and time-saving choice. With just one click, you can convert ebook formats and easily remove DRM from Kindle, Kobo, Google Play, and Nook books by virtue of its powerful eBook DRM removal function

How to remove DRM from ePub with EPubor Ultimate

Features

  • User-friendly interface and streamlined process dedicated to DRM removal.
  • EPubor Ultimate supports removing DRM from multiple ebooks at once
  • EPubor Ultimate automatically recognizes connected ebook devices (such as Kindle or Kobo)
  • The official team continues to update to support the latest DRM technologies (such as the Kindle KFX format)
  • Fast processing speed, especially when removing DRM and format conversion.
  • EPubor Ultimate converts ebooks directly to other common formats (such as ePub to PDF, AZW to MOBI) while removing DRM.

Cons

  • A paid software with a relatively high cost to purchase a perpetual license or subscription and may not be suitable for users on a limited budget.
  • EPubor Ultimate has poor support for Apple Books (FairPlay DRM) and cannot handle ebooks downloaded from iTunes.

Detailed guide to using EPubor Ultimate

Step 1: Install EPubor Ultimate on your PC after downloading it. Start the program.

How to remove DRM from ePub with EPubor Ultimate?

Step 2: The left column of the tool will display the EPUB books you have downloaded. To get rid of the DRM from your EPUB books, drag them to the right column.

How to remove DRM from ePub with AzwSoft eBook DRM Removal

AzwSoft eBook DRM Removal is the third practical tool we recommend, an application designed to help you remove DRM from various ebooks. You can easily remove programs such as EPUB DRM, PDF DRM, Adobe ADE DRM, Kindle AZW/MOBI DRM and Nook DRM by using it..

With just a click of the mouse, you'll get a new DRM-free ebook, and you'll be able to read your ebook on other e-readers or devices. You might as well have a try. How to remove DRM from ePub with AzwSoft eBook DRM Removal

Features

  • Supports DRM removal for multiple ebook formats
  • It can process files in batches, and supports one-time import and removal of DRM for multiple ebooks.
  • With DRM removed, the content, layout, images, and metadata (e.g., title, author information) of the ebook remain the same.
  • Simple installation without additional complex setup or plug-in support.

Cons

  • It mainly supports Kindle, Adobe Digital Editions, and some Kobo formats, and cannot handle DRM for some less popular or special platforms.

Detailed guide to using AzwSoft eBook DRM Removal

Step 1

Download and Install AzwSoft eBook DRM Removal

  1. Visit the official AzwSoft website to download the software.
  2. Follow the installation instructions and launch the program once it's installed.
Step 2

Add DRM-Protected ePub Files

  1. Open AzwSoft eBook DRM Removal.
  2. Click on the "Add" button or drag-and-drop your DRM-protected ePub files into the program.
  3. The tool will automatically detect whether the eBooks are DRM-protected.
Step 3

Choose the Output Folder

  1. Select a destination folder where you want the DRM-free eBooks to be saved.
  2. Ensure there is enough storage space in the folder for the converted files.
Step 4

Start Removing DRM

  1. Click the "Start" button, begin the DRM removal process.
  2. Wait a few seconds (or minutes, depending on the file size) for the process to complete.
  3. When the DRM removal is complete, navigate to the output folder you selected.
  4. Your ePub files will now be DRM-free and ready to use on any device or app without restrictions.

Conclusion

For fans of eBooks, removing DRM from ePub files is revolutionary. You may enjoy your books without any limitations thanks to tools like Calibre and EPubor Ultimate, which simplify the procedure. These techniques guarantee a consistent reading experience across all of your devices, regardless of whether you choose a pricey, user-friendly program like EPubor Ultimate or a free, configurable choice like Calibre. Just be sure to use these tools sensibly and to abide with copyright rules.

FAQ

1. Is removing DRM from eBooks legal?

  • This depends on your country’s laws. While some jurisdictions allow DRM removal for personal use, others strictly prohibit it. Always check local regulations before proceeding.

2. Will DRM removal affect the quality of my eBooks?

  • No, DRM removal does not alter the content, layout, or metadata of your eBooks.

3. Can I share DRM-free eBooks with others?

  • DRM removal is intended for personal use. Sharing unlocked eBooks may violate copyright laws.

4. Are there any risks to removing DRM?

  • As long as you use reliable tools, there’s minimal risk. However, always back up your files before proceeding.