Downloading movies from Amazon Prime Video allows you to enjoy your favorite films offline, whether you’re on a long flight or simply want to save on data. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about downloading movies from Amazon Prime Video, ensuring seamless offline viewing.
The Simple Answer: How to Download Movies from Amazon Prime
Downloading movies from Amazon Prime Video is a straightforward process. You’ll need the Amazon Prime Video app on a compatible device (smartphone, tablet, or Fire tablet). Open the app, find the movie you want to download, and look for the download icon (a down-pointing arrow). Tap it. That’s it! Your movie will start downloading and can be accessed later in the app’s Downloads section.
Devices That Support Downloads
Amazon Prime Video allows downloads on a range of devices, offering flexibility for offline viewing:
- Smartphones and Tablets: Both iOS (iPhone and iPad) and Android devices are supported. Make sure your device is running the latest version of the Amazon Prime Video app.
- Fire Tablets: Amazon’s own Fire tablets are naturally compatible with Prime Video downloads.
- Windows and macOS: You can download videos to PCs running Windows and Mac OS using the Amazon Prime Video app, although this functionality came later than mobile.
Important Limitation: You cannot download movies from Amazon Prime Video directly to your computer’s file system through a web browser. Downloads are strictly confined to the Amazon Prime Video application.
Step-by-Step Guide to Downloading on Different Devices
The process is fundamentally the same across devices, but slight variations exist:
Downloading on Smartphones and Tablets (iOS and Android)
- Open the Amazon Prime Video App: Locate and launch the app on your device.
- Browse or Search for a Movie: Find the movie you want to download using the search bar or browsing through categories.
- Select the Movie: Tap on the movie’s title to open its details page.
- Locate the Download Icon: On the movie details page, look for the down-pointing arrow icon. It’s usually located near the play button.
- Choose Download Quality (Optional): Depending on your device and settings, you might be prompted to select the download quality (Standard, Good, Better, Best). Higher quality downloads consume more storage space.
- Tap the Download Icon: Start the download process. A progress indicator will appear.
- Find Your Downloads: Once complete, your downloaded movies will be available in the “Downloads” section of the Amazon Prime Video app.
Downloading on Fire Tablets
The process on Fire tablets mirrors that of smartphones and tablets:
- Open the Amazon Prime Video App: The app should be pre-installed on your Fire tablet.
- Browse or Search: Find your desired movie.
- Select the Movie: Tap to open the details page.
- Find the Download Icon: Look for the familiar down-pointing arrow.
- Choose Download Quality (Optional): Select your preferred video quality if prompted.
- Tap the Download Icon: Begin the download.
- Access Downloads: Find your movies in the “Downloads” section.
Downloading on Windows and macOS (using the Amazon Prime Video App)
- Download and Install the Amazon Prime Video App: Get it from the Microsoft Store (Windows) or the Mac App Store (macOS).
- Sign In: Log in with your Amazon account credentials.
- Browse and Select: Locate the movie you want.
- Find the Download Icon: Look for the download button.
- Select Download Quality: Choose your preferred video quality.
- Start Downloading: Click the button to download.
- Access Downloads: Find the downloaded titles under the “Downloads” tab within the app.
Understanding Download Limits and Restrictions
Amazon Prime Video imposes certain restrictions on downloads to protect copyright and maintain distribution rights:
- Download Limits: You can typically download a limited number of titles at any given time. This limit varies by region and account type. Check your Amazon Prime Video account settings for specific details.
- Rental Restrictions: Downloaded rentals have a limited viewing window. Once you start watching a downloaded rental, you usually have a specific period (e.g., 48 hours) to finish it. The rental period begins from the moment you press play, not the moment of download.
- Expiration Dates: Downloaded movies may have an expiration date, even if they are part of your Prime membership. This date is determined by Amazon’s licensing agreements with the content providers.
- Device Limits: You might be limited to downloading movies on a certain number of devices associated with your Amazon account.
- Geographic Restrictions: Some titles may not be available for download in certain regions due to licensing agreements.
Troubleshooting Common Download Issues
Encountering problems? Here are some solutions:
- Insufficient Storage: Ensure your device has enough free storage space for the download. Delete unnecessary files or apps to free up space.
- Poor Internet Connection: A stable and reliable internet connection is crucial for downloading movies. Switch to a faster Wi-Fi network or try downloading later when the connection is better.
- App Errors: Try closing and reopening the Amazon Prime Video app. You might also need to clear the app’s cache and data (check your device’s settings).
- Account Issues: Make sure your Amazon Prime membership is active and in good standing.
- Software Update: Ensure that your operating system and the Amazon Prime Video app are up-to-date. Outdated software can cause compatibility issues.
- Device Limit Reached: Check the number of devices authorized to download content on your account, remove unused devices, and try again.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions regarding Amazon Prime Video downloads:
FAQ 1: Can I download Amazon Prime Video movies to my external hard drive?
Answer: No, Amazon Prime Video downloads are encrypted and can only be accessed through the Amazon Prime Video app. You cannot transfer them to an external hard drive or other devices.
FAQ 2: How long do downloaded Amazon Prime Video movies last?
Answer: Downloaded movies have an expiration date, which varies depending on the title and Amazon’s licensing agreements. Some downloads may expire after 30 days, while others may expire sooner, especially for rentals. You’ll see the expiration date within the app.
FAQ 3: What is the maximum number of devices I can download movies to on my Amazon Prime account?
Answer: Amazon typically allows downloads to a limited number of devices (often around 2-3) simultaneously. The exact number can vary based on your region and Amazon Prime plan. Check your account settings for specifics.
FAQ 4: Can I watch downloaded Amazon Prime Video movies offline without any internet connection?
Answer: Yes, that’s the primary purpose of downloading! Once a movie is fully downloaded, you can watch it without an internet connection.
FAQ 5: Why can’t I find the download button for a particular movie on Amazon Prime Video?
Answer: Several reasons could explain this. The movie might not be available for download due to licensing restrictions in your region, or you might be trying to download a title that is only available for streaming. The title may also be a live event and not available for offline viewing.
FAQ 6: How do I delete downloaded movies from Amazon Prime Video to free up storage space?
Answer: In the Amazon Prime Video app, go to the “Downloads” section. Locate the movie you want to delete, and look for a delete icon (usually a trash can or an “X”). Tap the delete icon to remove the movie from your device.
FAQ 7: Can I download movies in 4K UHD from Amazon Prime Video?
Answer: Downloading in 4K UHD depends on several factors: whether the movie is available in 4K, if your Amazon Prime subscription supports 4K streaming and downloads, and if your device is compatible with 4K playback. Select “Best” quality in download options, if available.
FAQ 8: What happens if I try to watch a downloaded rental movie after the rental period expires?
Answer: The downloaded rental movie will no longer be playable after the rental period expires. You’ll need to rent or purchase the movie again to watch it.
FAQ 9: Does Amazon Prime Video use data when I watch a downloaded movie?
Answer: No, watching a downloaded movie does not use any data because it is stored locally on your device. Data is only used during the download process.
FAQ 10: Can I pause and resume downloads on Amazon Prime Video?
Answer: Yes, you can usually pause and resume downloads. The download progress will be saved, and you can continue downloading later.
FAQ 11: Why is my download speed so slow on Amazon Prime Video?
Answer: Slow download speeds can be caused by a poor internet connection, network congestion, or limitations on Amazon’s servers. Try switching to a faster Wi-Fi network, closing other applications that are using bandwidth, or downloading at a different time.
FAQ 12: If I cancel my Amazon Prime subscription, will I lose access to my downloaded movies?
Answer: Yes, if you cancel your Amazon Prime subscription, you will lose access to the movies you downloaded as part of your Prime membership. Purchased movies will still be accessible, but those included with Prime will require an active subscription.
By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to download and enjoy your favorite movies from Amazon Prime Video offline, whenever and wherever you want.