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How to Read PDF Files Protected with .ACSM on a Kindle Fire

Viewing a rights managed PDF E-Book (which is accessible only through an .acsm file) on a Kindle Fire is possible, but it requires some extra steps due to Amazon's proprietary software. The Bluefire Book Reader is a free, third-party application that allows you to view protected PDF files on your Kindle Fire.

Installing Bluefire Book Reader directly to your Kindle Fire

  1. Tap “Settings” on your Kindle Fire (it’s the icon that looks like a gear)
  2. Tap “More”
  3. Scroll down until you see “Device”
  4. In the Device tab, set “Allow installation of Applications” to ON, and tap OK when you see the Warning prompt
  5. Tap here http://www.bluefirereader.com/files/BluefireReader.apk to download the Bluefire Reader APK (the Android app)
  6. Once the app has finished downloading, tap the Menu icon at the bottom of the screen and tap Downloads
  7. Tap on the file named “BluefireReader.apk”
  8. The Fire will ask if you are sure you want to install the app…
  9. Tap “Yes”
  10. The installation process will start…
  11. After the installation is complete, look for Bluefire Reader in your Apps collection

    12. Downloading Your E-Book(s) to the Kindle Fire

    1. If you haven't already done so, download and install Adobe Digital Editions software on your computer
    2. From your computer, download the E-Book(s) you wish to view on your Kindle Fire. You should see an .acsm file being downloaded in your browser window
    3. Open Adobe Digital Editions on your computer to download the E-Book(s)
    4. Attach your Kindle Fire to your computer via USB cable
      Note: Make sure your Kindle is turned ON before plugging it in with the USB cable, otherwise you will receive a "missing device driver" error.
    5. Click the Windows icon in the lower left corner of your computer screen, then click Documents
    6. Double click on the Kindle icon under the Computer menu
    7. Click the Windows icon again, click Documents again, then double click the My Digital Editions folder located in the Documents Library
    8. You should now have two windows open; one that shows the Kindle's Internal Storage, and one that lists the contents of your Digital Editions library. If not, repeat steps 5-7
    9. Drag and drop your book(s) from the Adobe Digital Editions Library to your Kindle
    10. Open the Bluefire app on your Kindle (located under your Apps menu)
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