Yes, you absolutely can watch movies offline on Hulu, but there are specific requirements and limitations. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding how the download feature works on Hulu, how to make the most of it, and answers to frequently asked questions to ensure you enjoy your favorite movies and shows even without an internet connection.
Understanding Hulu’s Download Feature
The ability to download content for offline viewing is a major perk for Hulu subscribers. However, it’s not a universal feature. Access to offline viewing depends primarily on your Hulu plan and the specific content you’re interested in watching.
Hulu Plans That Support Downloads
Only the Hulu (No Ads) plan allows you to download content to watch offline. The standard Hulu plan (with ads) and the Hulu + Live TV plans do not offer this functionality. This is a key differentiator to keep in mind when choosing your Hulu subscription.
Device Compatibility
Downloads are available through the Hulu app on supported mobile devices – smartphones and tablets running iOS or Android. You cannot download content to watch offline on computers, smart TVs, or game consoles. Ensure your device has enough storage space before initiating downloads.
Content Availability
Not all movies and TV shows on Hulu are available for download. Licensing agreements dictate which content can be downloaded. You’ll see a download icon (a downward-pointing arrow) next to titles that are eligible for offline viewing. If you don’t see the icon, that particular piece of content cannot be downloaded. This is crucial information as it can dictate your viewing choices for offline enjoyment.
Downloading Movies and Shows on Hulu
Once you have the right Hulu plan and a compatible device, downloading content is straightforward.
Step-by-Step Download Instructions
- Open the Hulu app on your iOS or Android device.
- Browse or search for the movie or TV show you want to download.
- Locate the download icon (downward-pointing arrow). It’s usually found next to the title or episode description.
- Tap the download icon to begin the download process.
- Monitor the download progress within the “Downloads” section of the app.
Managing Your Downloads
Hulu makes it easy to manage your downloaded content.
- Access the “Downloads” section within the Hulu app menu.
- View a list of all downloaded movies and TV show episodes.
- Watch downloaded content directly from this section, even without an internet connection.
- Remove downloaded content to free up storage space on your device. Simply tap the checkmark icon next to the downloaded title and select “Remove Download.”
Download Limits and Expiration
Understanding the limitations of Hulu’s download feature is essential.
- Download Limit: You can download a maximum of 25 titles across all your devices at any given time.
- Device Limit: Your downloaded content is tied to the device it was downloaded on and cannot be transferred to other devices.
- Expiration Date: Downloaded movies and TV shows have an expiration date, typically 30 days from the date of download or 48 hours after you start watching. Expired content will automatically be removed from your downloads. Keep an eye on the expiration dates displayed in the “Downloads” section.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are twelve frequently asked questions about watching movies offline on Hulu, providing comprehensive answers to common concerns:
FAQ 1: Why can’t I download certain movies or shows on Hulu?
The availability of downloads is governed by licensing agreements between Hulu and content providers. Some agreements don’t allow for downloads, while others do. This is entirely dependent on the specific contracts in place. There is also the rare case of a temporary glitch, in which case restarting the app and retrying can resolve the issue.
FAQ 2: Can I download content on my computer to watch offline?
No, the Hulu download feature is exclusively available on iOS and Android mobile devices through the Hulu app. Downloading content to computers is not supported.
FAQ 3: How do I check the expiration date of my downloaded movies and shows?
The expiration date is displayed within the “Downloads” section of the Hulu app. Select the downloaded title to see the remaining time before it expires.
FAQ 4: Can I extend the expiration date of my downloaded content?
Unfortunately, you cannot directly extend the expiration date. However, you can often re-download the content (if it’s still available) to get a new 30-day window.
FAQ 5: What happens if I start watching a downloaded movie and then lose internet connection?
As long as you started watching the downloaded movie while offline, you can continue watching it without an internet connection. The Hulu app only requires a connection to initiate playback of downloaded content.
FAQ 6: Can I download content while traveling internationally?
Yes, you can download content while traveling internationally, as long as you have a compatible device and a Hulu (No Ads) subscription. However, keep in mind that content availability may vary depending on the region. Be sure to download your selections before departing.
FAQ 7: How much storage space do I need to download movies and shows on Hulu?
The amount of storage space required depends on the length and quality of the content. A full-length movie can easily take up 1-2 GB of storage space. Check your device’s storage settings to ensure you have enough available space before downloading.
FAQ 8: Can I watch downloaded Hulu content on a plane without Wi-Fi?
Yes, that’s the whole point! Once the content is downloaded and saved to your device you can watch it on a plane without needing to worry about Wi-Fi.
FAQ 9: What happens if a movie I downloaded is removed from Hulu’s library?
If a movie or show is removed from Hulu’s library, the downloaded version will also be removed from your device, even if it hasn’t expired yet. This is because Hulu’s access to the content is dependent on licensing agreements.
FAQ 10: Can I change the download quality to save storage space?
Hulu does not allow users to manually select download quality (e.g., low, medium, high). The app automatically selects the optimal download quality based on your device and internet connection. Typically, it aims for the highest quality possible, which can consume more storage space.
FAQ 11: I have the Hulu (No Ads) plan, but I still don’t see the download icon for certain content. Why?
This could be due to licensing restrictions, as explained earlier. Not all content is available for download, even with the Hulu (No Ads) plan. Also, ensure you are using the Hulu app on a supported mobile device (iOS or Android). Check for app updates, as occasionally older versions may have bugs that prevent the download icons from appearing.
FAQ 12: If I cancel my Hulu (No Ads) subscription, what happens to my downloaded content?
Once you cancel your Hulu (No Ads) subscription, all downloaded content will be automatically removed from your device. You will no longer be able to access the downloaded movies and shows. This is because your access to the content is tied to your active Hulu subscription.