["tools","audio","transcription"]
How to Download and Decrypt Audiobooks Using Audible CLI
Discover how to effortlessly manage your audiobooks with this step-by-step guide. Learn to download, decrypt, and convert Audible files using audible-cli and snowcrypt. Unlock the freedom to enjoy your audiobook collection anytime, anywhere!

Audiobooks are an excellent way to consume knowledge or entertainment on the go. This guide will walk you through downloading and decrypting audiobooks using audible-cli
and snowcrypt
.
Step 1: Download the Audible CLI Tool
We will use the Audible CLI to manage our audiobooks. Follow these steps:
- Download and Extract:
- Download the
audible-cli
tool from this link. - Extract the contents to a directory on your system.
- Download the
Step 2: Quickstart Setup
Get started with the Audible CLI tool by following these simple instructions:
- Initialize Audible CLI:
- Run
./audible quickstart
from the command line. - Follow the instructions provided by the tool.
- After setup, configuration details will be saved at
~/.audible
. You can review these files for additional information.
- Run
Step 3: Export Your Audible Library
Next, download the details of your Audible library:
- Export Library:
- Use the command:
./audible library export
. - This will generate a file named
library.tsv
, containing details about all your audiobooks.
- Use the command:
- Check the Contents:
- Open the
library.tsv
file to explore the information about your audiobooks, including their unique identifiers (asin
).
- Open the
Step 4: Download an Audiobook
Once you have identified the audiobook you want to download:
- Find the ASIN:
- Locate the
asin
for your desired audiobook inlibrary.tsv
.
- Locate the
- Download the Audiobook:
- Use the command:
./audible download -a <ASIN> --aaxc
. - Example: To download a specific book, you can run:
./audible download -a B079CBS9J5 --aaxc
.
- Use the command:
Step 5: Decrypt and Convert the Audiobook
Audible audiobooks are DRM-protected. To decrypt and convert them, use the snowcrypt tool:
Install Snowcrypt:
- Install the tool using pip:
pip install snowcrypt
.
- Install the tool using pip:
Decrypt the File:
Use the command:
snowcrypt <input-file>.aaxc -b <activation_bytes>
Example:
snowcrypt Living_Without_Stress_or_Fear_Essential_Teachings_on_the_True_Source_of_Happiness-AAX_22_64.aaxc -b d9d9c009
The
activation_bytes
can be found in theaudible.json
file located at~/.audible
.Your converted file with
.m4a.
extension will be available in the same folder after the decryption! (e.g.Living Without Stress or Fear/ Essential Teachings on the True Source of Happiness.m4a
)
Conclusion
With these steps, you can easily download, decrypt, and enjoy your audiobooks without limitations. The combination of audible-cli
and snowcrypt
provides a powerful and user-friendly approach to managing your audiobook collection.