Amazon has announced that, effective February 26, 2025, it will discontinue the “Download & Transfer via USB” feature for Kindle devices. This change means users will no longer be able to download purchased eBooks to a computer for manual transfer to their Kindle via USB cable. Instead, content delivery will require a Wi-Fi connection, with books sent directly to registered Kindle devices or accessible through the Kindle app and Kindle for web.
The “Download & Transfer via USB” feature has been particularly useful for users without reliable Wi-Fi access or those who prefer to back up their eBook purchases on a personal computer. Its removal has raised concerns about the ability to maintain offline copies of purchased content, especially in light of past instances where Amazon has removed or altered content remotely.
Amazon has assured users that previously downloaded books will remain accessible on their devices. Additionally, the ability to send personal documents to Kindle devices via USB is not affected by this change.
Users who wish to retain offline copies of their purchased eBooks are advised to download and transfer them via USB before the February 26 deadline. To do so, sign into your Amazon account, navigate to ‘Manage Your Content and Devices,’ select the desired eBook, click on ‘More Actions,’ and choose ‘Download & Transfer via USB.’ After this date, all content transfers will require an active Wi-Fi connection.
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