How to Remove DRM from ePub: Best Free Tools and Guide in 2025
Summary: This guide explains what eBook DRM is, how it affects your reading freedom, and why many readers choose to remove it. Plus, by using trusted tools like BookFab or EPubor Ultimate, you can remove DRM from ePub eBooks safely and quickly.
Table of Contents
Have you bought an eBook only to find that you can't read it across platforms or share it with your family? That's the trouble with ePub DRM, which restricts the way you can access legally purchased content.
In this guide, you'll learn how to safely and legally remove DRM from Kobo and Kindle using the best and free tools available. In addition to analyzing the specialties of different tools, step-by-step instructions are provided here to help you make a one-click conversion.
What is ePub DRM and Why Remove It?
What is ePub DRM?
This is a protection technology applied to eBooks in ePub format. Its function is to restrict unauthorized use and sharing of digital content. Publishers and online bookstores use DRM to enforce licensing agreements and ensure that eBooks can only be read on specific apps or devices, usually those approved by the seller (e.g., Kindle, Adobe Digital Editions, or Apple Books).
While DRM is intended to protect intellectual property, it often creates barriers for legitimate users. You may find that your legally purchased eBooks can't be transferred to your favorite eReader or even read offline.
Why Remove DRM from ePub?
- Ownership: Your eBook is no longer tied to a specific reading application.
- 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.
- Cross-Device Compatibility: Access your eBooks on any device, including iPads, Kindles, or other e-readers.
- Enhanced Reading Experience: Customize fonts, layouts, or annotation settings using any eReader software.
How to remove DRM from ePub with Calibre
The first tool we recommend is Calibre, a free, open-source eBook management and conversion tool developed by Kovid Goyal. While Calibre itself does not support DRM removal by default, it can be extended with a third-party plug-in, DeDRM, to help users decrypt protected ePub files for personal use.
- There are many plugins are available for DRM removal and continuous updates
- It is open-source software without any payment or subscription
- Compatible with almost all ebook formats, including ePub, MOBI, AZW, PDF, KFX, etc
- Offer format conversion, eBook editing, metadata customization, and powerful library management
- Organize a library of electronic books, including by title, author, tag, and more
- Run on Windows, macOS and Linux to meet the needs of users of different systems
- Requires technical setup to enable DRM removal (plugin installation is manual)
- Many functions are hidden in the menus and take time to familiarize with
- Calibre does not support DRM removal by default and requires users to install plug-ins (such as Apprentice Alf's DeDRM Tools)
Detailed guide to Removing DRM from ePub using Calibre
Step 1: First, you should download and install Calibre from its official website. Then launch the application and click on the "Add books" button to import your DRM-protected ePub file into the Calibre library.
Step 2: To enable DRM removal, you need to install a third-party plugin such as DeDRM. Visit the official DeDRM GitHub repository, download the latest release, and extract the ZIP file.
In Calibre, go to Preferences > Plugins, then click "Load plugin from file" and select the DeDRM_plugin.zip file from the extracted folder. You may need to restart Calibre for the plugin to take effect.
Step 3: After restarting, go back to Preferences > Plugins and locate the DeDRM plugin under File Type plugins. Click Customize plugin to configure it if necessary. For Kindle users, you may be asked to enter your Kindle serial number to properly decrypt eBooks. For improved compatibility with Amazon formats, you can also install the KFX Input Plugin via Get new plugins under the Plugins menu.
Step 4: Import DRM-protected eBooks into your Calibre library again. During the import process, DRM is automatically removed in the background, so you can convert or transfer DRM-free eBooks to compatible devices.
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
- 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.
- 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.
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.
FAQs
The legality of DRM removal depends on your country or region. In some countries, such as the United States, personal, non-commercial use may be legal. However, circumventing DRM (even for private use) is considered illegal in many jurisdictions. Be sure to check your local copyright laws before attempting to remove DRM from eBook formats such as ePub, Kindle, or PDF.
Yes, DRM removal is generally safe if you use trusted tools like BookFab or Calibre. However, please be aware of a security issue: avoid downloading DRM tools from unknown sources to prevent malware.
No. Removing DRM does not change the content, layout, format, or metadata of the file. The process only removes encryption that restricts access.
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 better 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.
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