Yes, you absolutely can download movies and TV shows from Amazon Prime Video for offline viewing. This feature, a cornerstone of the Prime Video experience, allows subscribers to enjoy their favorite content on the go, without relying on a stable internet connection. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough, tips, and troubleshooting advice to ensure seamless downloads every time.
Downloading Movies on Your Devices: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process for downloading content from Prime Video is remarkably straightforward, though it varies slightly depending on the device you’re using. Let’s break it down:
Downloading on Smartphones and Tablets (iOS & Android)
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Install the Amazon Prime Video App: Ensure you have the official Amazon Prime Video app installed from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
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Find Your Movie: Browse the Prime Video library or use the search function to locate the movie you wish to download.
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Tap the Download Icon: On the movie’s details page, you should see a “Download” icon (usually a downward-pointing arrow). Tap it.
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Choose Your Download Quality: Depending on the title and your device’s capabilities, you’ll be presented with options for download quality (e.g., Standard, Good, Better, Best). Higher quality means larger file size. Select your preferred option.
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Download Progress: A progress bar will appear, indicating the download’s status. You can monitor progress from the “Downloads” section of the app (usually found in the bottom navigation bar).
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Offline Viewing: Once the download is complete, the movie will be available in the “Downloads” section. Tap the movie to start watching offline.
Downloading on Fire Tablets
The process on Fire Tablets is virtually identical to that on smartphones and tablets.
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Open the Prime Video App: The app is pre-installed on most Fire Tablets.
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Select Your Movie: Navigate to the movie you want to download.
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Tap the Download Icon: Look for the download icon (downward arrow) on the movie’s details page.
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Choose Download Quality: Select your desired download quality if prompted.
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Track Download Progress: The download progress will be displayed.
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Enjoy Offline Viewing: Find the downloaded movie in the “Downloads” section and start watching.
Downloading on a Computer (Windows or macOS)
While direct movie downloads to computers were previously possible, Amazon has transitioned to a system relying heavily on the Prime Video app. Currently, direct downloads to a computer’s hard drive for general access aren’t permitted. You can only download within the Prime Video app itself.
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Download the Prime Video App: If you haven’t already, download and install the Amazon Prime Video app for Windows or macOS from the official Amazon website or relevant app store (Microsoft Store for Windows, Mac App Store for macOS).
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Log In: Launch the app and log in with your Amazon Prime credentials.
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Find Your Movie: Search for the movie you wish to download within the app.
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Tap the Download Icon: On the movie’s details page, click or tap the download icon (downward-pointing arrow).
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Select Download Quality: Choose your preferred download quality if prompted.
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Monitor Download Progress: The download progress will be displayed within the app.
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Watch Offline: Once complete, the movie will be available in the “Downloads” section of the app.
Maximizing Your Download Experience: Tips and Considerations
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable download experience, keep these points in mind:
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Storage Space: Ensure you have sufficient storage space on your device before initiating downloads, especially for high-quality video. Check your device’s storage settings.
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Download Quality: Experiment with different download qualities to find the best balance between visual quality and file size. Higher quality eats up more storage.
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Wi-Fi Connection: Always download movies over a stable Wi-Fi connection to avoid using mobile data and to ensure faster download speeds.
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Download Limits: Be aware that there may be limits on the number of titles you can download at any one time, or the number of devices you can download to. Amazon imposes restrictions to prevent copyright infringement.
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Playback Period: Downloaded titles have an expiration date. Once you start watching a downloaded title, you typically have 48 hours to finish it before it expires. Unwatched downloads often expire after 30 days.
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Device Restrictions: Not all titles are available for download on all devices. Licensing agreements dictate which titles can be downloaded where.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why can’t I download certain movies from Amazon Prime Video?
This usually happens due to licensing restrictions imposed by the content owners. Amazon must secure the rights to allow offline downloads, and these rights aren’t always available for every title. Another reason could be regional availability; a movie available for download in one country might not be in another.
2. How do I change the download quality on the Amazon Prime Video app?
Within the Prime Video app, navigate to Settings (often found under your profile icon). Look for a section labeled “Download Quality” or similar. Here, you can choose your preferred download quality (e.g., Standard, Good, Better, Best). Remember, this setting applies to all future downloads.
3. What happens when my downloaded movie expires?
When a downloaded movie expires, it will disappear from your “Downloads” section. You’ll need an active internet connection to re-download it (assuming it’s still available for download).
4. Can I watch downloaded movies on multiple devices simultaneously?
No, Amazon Prime Video imposes simultaneous viewing restrictions, even for downloaded content. The number of devices that can stream or play downloaded content simultaneously depends on your Prime membership. Typically, you can watch on two or three devices at the same time.
5. How do I delete downloaded movies from my device to free up storage space?
In the Prime Video app, go to the “Downloads” section. Tap the three dots (menu) next to the movie you want to delete. Select “Delete Download” or a similar option. This will remove the movie from your device.
6. Can I download movies from Amazon Prime Video to an external hard drive?
While technically possible on some devices by changing the default download location within the device settings, it is not officially supported by Amazon. The Prime Video app is designed to store downloads within its own designated folder, and moving these files manually can lead to playback issues.
7. What is the difference between renting and purchasing movies on Amazon Prime Video regarding downloads?
You can download both rented and purchased movies. However, the rules for viewing differ. Rented movies have a limited viewing window (typically 30 days to start watching, and 48 hours to finish once you begin). Purchased movies can be downloaded and watched whenever you want, as long as you maintain your Amazon Prime subscription (in some cases, purchased movies remain accessible even without Prime).
8. Why is my download stuck or not progressing?
Several factors can cause this:
- Poor Wi-Fi Connection: Ensure a stable and strong Wi-Fi signal.
- Insufficient Storage: Verify that you have enough free space on your device.
- App Issues: Try closing and reopening the Prime Video app. Restarting your device can also help.
- Server Issues: Rarely, Amazon’s servers might be experiencing temporary issues. Wait a while and try again.
9. Is downloading from Amazon Prime Video legal?
Yes, downloading movies and TV shows from Amazon Prime Video for offline viewing is perfectly legal, as long as you are a paying Prime subscriber and are using the official Prime Video app. It’s a feature specifically designed for subscribers.
10. Can I share my downloaded Amazon Prime Video movies with others?
No, sharing downloaded movies is strictly prohibited and violates Amazon’s terms of service. The downloads are intended for personal use only.
11. How do I find the “Downloads” section in the Amazon Prime Video app?
The location of the “Downloads” section varies slightly depending on the device and app version. Typically, it’s located in the bottom navigation bar (on smartphones and tablets) or within the app’s menu. Look for an icon that resembles a downward-pointing arrow or a section labeled “Downloads.”
12. Does Amazon Prime Video offer subtitles for downloaded movies?
Yes, subtitles are generally available for downloaded movies, mirroring the options available for streaming. Before starting playback, look for the subtitle/CC icon and select your preferred language. The subtitles should then appear during offline viewing. If the option isn’t available for a specific title while streaming, it likely won’t be available for download either.