There’s a new jailbreak method called AdBreak for Kindle ereaders that works with newer software from version 5.18.1 through the latest software update 5.18.5 that added a new DRM to Kindles (eventually this jailbreak could help get around the new DRM).
You can find the directions and download over on the AdBreak thread at MobileRead. It’s still considered experimental because there hasn’t been a lot of testing yet, but early reports are promising.
One stipulation with AdBreak is it only works on ad-supported Kindles. If you have an ad-free Kindle you can turn on “Special Offers” from the Devices section on your Amazon account. Then you can turn ads back off again after jailbreaking, and you don’t have to pay the $20 fee if your Kindle was already ad-free.
If you have a Kindle Scribe or Kindle Colorsoft this method probably won’t work since there was never ad-supported options for those models. Amazon has the setting to turn on Special Offers for the Scribe, but apparently it doesn’t work, according to one report.
My favorite part about this new jailbreak is the fact that it exploits Amazon’s annoying ad system that they never should’ve added to Kindles in the first place. Now people can use the ads to their advantage to jailbreak their Kindles and take back control of their devices.
This is good timing for a new jailbreak. The previous method, WinterBreak, stopped working on the 5.18.x software so it’s nice to have an option on newer software.
Amazon added a new type of DRM to Kindles with the 5.18.5 software update that makes it impossible to remove DRM from Kindle ebooks downloaded to Kindles. The new DRM relies on a secret key that’s hidden in a non-accessible folder, but with a jailbroken Kindle the key will be accessible, so it’s just a matter of time before someone smart figures out how to access the hidden key to get DRM removal working again.
If you want to jailbreak your Kindle to take control of the device that you purchased instead of letting Amazon make whatever random changes they want while doing everything in their power to keep you locked into the Kindle platform, you might consider giving AdBreak a try.
….or switch to Kobo, get a library card, and don’t ever think about this stuff ever again!
The problem with Kobo is not everybody wants color ereaders and that’s all they seem to care about anymore, and their software development has really gone downhill. PocketBook and Onyx are looking like the better alternatives moving forward.
I was concerned about the contrast on a color reader but switched to Kobo after Kindle started locking down DRM removal for personal storage and have really enjoyed the Kobo operating system. Less marketing and more choices. Makes up for any slight contrast loss. Also, once you get used to the color covers and in-book images it really is pleasant.
At least half the books I want to read aren’t available as an ebook at my library
There‘s DRM on the Kobo as well, surely?
Renting from a library is a neat thing for those who want it, but a different thing altogether.
DRM on Kobo books is Adobe Digital Editions, which is easy to remove.
Good to know that there are possibilities for those on kindle firmware 5.18.1 and above! Thanks for sharing this, Nathan!
I wonder if this will make Amazon remove ad support from Kindles, or possibly future models. They seem to put more time and money into strengthening the DRM then any other part of the software.
Of course it won’t, ads and selling ebooks are the only two things Amazon cares about when selling you an ereader. They’ll just patch it again, then someone will find something to exploit and the cycle continues.
The night after I’d manually updated my Scribe to 5.18.5, it automatically updated to 5.18.5.0.1
Wonder what it really does…
Bummer, I would’ve liked to install this but I have a Colorsoft, so I guess it’s a no go. I guess I can install it on my old Oasis, though.
Thanks for the tip, I’ve just successfully done this on my paperwhite 6 – koreader has a bit of a steep learning curve but totally worth it.
There is a way to access the hidden key. Buddy of mine has a python script. I have a tutorial on my Discord. Just dont wanna post publicly but those interested can PM me on Reddit @RomantasyFaerie.