Downloading a movie you’ve rented on iTunes is straightforward, primarily occurring automatically upon rental on compatible devices. However, understanding the nuances of this process across different platforms and troubleshooting potential issues is key to a seamless viewing experience.
Understanding iTunes Movie Rentals: A Prerequisite
Before diving into the download process, it’s essential to grasp the fundamental nature of iTunes movie rentals. Unlike purchased movies, rentals have a time limit. Once you begin watching a rented movie, you typically have 48 hours to finish it. If you don’t start watching it within 30 days of renting, the rental will expire. These constraints directly impact how and when you can download and access your rented content. Furthermore, downloading isn’t always a manual action; often, it’s handled automatically.
The (Mostly) Automatic Download Process
The good news is that often, you don’t need to manually download your iTunes rental. When you rent a movie via iTunes, the download typically begins automatically in the background. This is especially true on iOS devices (iPhones, iPads) and Apple TV. The movie will be stored locally on your device, ready for viewing.
Where to Find Your Downloaded Rental
Once the download (or partial download) is complete, you can find your rented movie in the TV app (formerly the Videos app).
- On iOS devices (iPhone, iPad): Open the TV app. Go to the “Library” tab, then select “Rentals.”
- On Apple TV: From the main menu, navigate to “Movies” or “TV Shows” (depending on the movie’s genre) and then select “Rentals.”
- On a Mac: Open the TV app. In the sidebar, look for “Rentals.”
If you don’t see a “Rentals” section, it could mean you don’t currently have any active rentals.
Troubleshooting Download Issues
Despite the automatic nature of the process, download issues can sometimes occur. Here’s how to address them:
Checking Your Internet Connection
A stable and reliable internet connection is crucial. Ensure you are connected to Wi-Fi or have a strong cellular data signal. Try resetting your router or modem if you suspect internet connectivity issues. Poor internet connectivity is the most common cause of download interruptions.
Managing Storage Space
Insufficient storage space on your device can prevent the download from completing. Check your available storage:
- On iOS: Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage (or iPad Storage).
- On Apple TV: Go to Settings > General > Manage Storage.
- On a Mac: Click the Apple menu > About This Mac > Storage.
If storage is low, delete unnecessary apps, photos, or videos to free up space.
Restarting Your Device
A simple restart can often resolve minor software glitches that may be interfering with the download process.
- On iOS: Turn off your device, wait a few seconds, and then turn it back on.
- On Apple TV: Go to Settings > System > Restart.
- On a Mac: Click the Apple menu > Restart.
Checking for Software Updates
Ensure your device is running the latest version of its operating system (iOS, tvOS, macOS). Outdated software can sometimes cause compatibility issues.
- On iOS: Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
- On Apple TV: Go to Settings > System > Software Updates.
- On a Mac: Click the Apple menu > System Preferences > Software Update.
Contacting Apple Support
If you’ve tried all the above troubleshooting steps and are still unable to download your rental, it’s best to contact Apple Support directly. They can provide more specific assistance based on your account and device configuration.
Downloading Rentals on Different Devices
While the general principle remains the same, there are slight variations depending on the device you’re using:
Downloading on iOS (iPhone & iPad)
As mentioned earlier, the download typically starts automatically. If it doesn’t, ensure you have sufficient storage and a stable internet connection. The TV app is your central hub for managing and watching your rentals.
Downloading on Apple TV
Similar to iOS, downloads on Apple TV should occur automatically. Check your storage space and internet connection if you encounter issues. The “Movies” or “TV Shows” section will display your available rentals.
Downloading on a Mac (using the TV app)
Rentals on a Mac also typically download automatically upon purchase. Open the TV app and look for the “Rentals” section in the sidebar. You can also manually check the download status.
Downloading on Windows (via iTunes – Support is End of Life)
Important Note: Apple has discontinued support for iTunes on Windows. While you might still be able to download previously rented movies if you haven’t updated to the latest version of Windows and still have iTunes installed, this is not a supported method anymore. The recommended alternative is to use an Apple device (iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac) for renting and downloading movies from iTunes. If you can still access iTunes on Windows, the process involved navigating to the “Movies” section, finding your rental, and initiating the download (if it hadn’t already started).
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions about downloading iTunes movie rentals:
FAQ 1: Can I download a rented movie onto multiple devices simultaneously?
No, a rented movie can only be downloaded and viewed on one device at a time. If you try to download it on another device while it’s already downloaded on one, you’ll likely encounter an error.
FAQ 2: Can I watch a rented movie offline after downloading it?
Yes, that’s the primary benefit of downloading it! Once the download is complete, you can watch the movie offline without requiring an internet connection. This is perfect for travel or situations with limited connectivity.
FAQ 3: What happens if my internet connection drops during the download?
The download will typically pause and resume automatically once your internet connection is restored. You may need to restart the TV app or your device if the download doesn’t resume automatically.
FAQ 4: How long does it take to download a rented movie?
The download time depends on your internet speed and the size of the movie file. A high-speed internet connection will obviously result in a faster download.
FAQ 5: Can I cancel a rental after I’ve downloaded it?
No, once you’ve rented a movie, you cannot cancel it and receive a refund, even if you haven’t watched it. The rental period begins immediately upon purchase.
FAQ 6: What happens if I don’t start watching the movie within 30 days?
The rental will expire, and the downloaded file will become inaccessible. You’ll need to rent the movie again if you want to watch it.
FAQ 7: What video quality options are available for downloaded rentals?
The video quality (e.g., SD, HD) is typically determined by the movie itself and the capabilities of your device. Some movies may be available in 4K HDR.
FAQ 8: Can I transfer a downloaded rental to another device?
No, you cannot transfer a downloaded rental to another device. It’s tied to the Apple ID used to rent the movie and can only be watched on the device it was downloaded to (one at a time, as mentioned earlier).
FAQ 9: Where can I see a list of my active movie rentals?
Within the TV app, the “Rentals” section (as described above) displays your currently active rentals.
FAQ 10: Is there a limit to the number of movies I can rent at one time?
While there isn’t a publicly stated hard limit, Apple may impose restrictions if they detect unusual activity. Generally, you can rent several movies simultaneously without issue.
FAQ 11: Can I rent movies using a gift card?
Yes, you can use an Apple Gift Card to rent movies on iTunes. The gift card balance will be used to pay for the rental.
FAQ 12: I accidentally deleted my downloaded rental. Can I re-download it?
Yes, as long as the rental period hasn’t expired, you can re-download the movie from the TV app. Navigate to your purchase history and initiate the download again.