Renting movies on Fandango is straightforward and offers access to a vast library of films from the comfort of your own home. The process involves creating an account (if you don’t already have one), navigating the FandangoNOW platform (integrated directly within Fandango), selecting your movie, choosing your rental duration, and completing the purchase.
Getting Started with Fandango Movie Rentals
Fandango, widely known for its ticketing services for cinema showings, also boasts a robust video-on-demand service, FandangoNOW, now seamlessly integrated directly into the Fandango website and app. This integration allows users to conveniently purchase movie tickets and rent digital films all in one place. Here’s how to access the platform and initiate a rental:
Creating a Fandango Account (If Needed)
If you don’t already have a Fandango account, the first step is to create one. You can do this easily via their website or mobile app. The process involves providing basic information such as your name, email address, and a secure password. A Fandango account provides access to both movie ticket purchases and digital rentals/purchases. Once registered, you’ll receive a confirmation email, which you’ll need to use to verify your account.
Navigating the Fandango Platform
Once logged in, navigate to the “Movies” section (often found in the navigation bar or menu of the website or app). This section will display a curated selection of new releases, popular rentals, and featured titles. You can also use the search bar to find a specific movie title. Filter options help you narrow down your choices by genre, release date, or popularity. Familiarize yourself with the platform’s layout to easily find what you’re looking for.
Selecting Your Movie and Rental Options
Clicking on a movie title will bring you to the film’s detail page. Here, you’ll find a synopsis, cast information, reviews, and available viewing options. Look for the “Rent” button. Fandango typically offers different rental qualities (SD, HD, UHD) with varying prices. Choose the desired quality and proceed. You’ll also see the rental period clearly stated, usually 48 hours from the time you start watching the movie.
Completing the Purchase
After selecting your rental options, you’ll be prompted to enter your payment information or use a previously saved card. Fandango accepts major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) and often supports digital wallets like PayPal. Review your order summary carefully before confirming your purchase. Once completed, you’ll receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to start watching your rented movie.
Watching Your Rented Movie
Accessing your rented movie is straightforward. You can typically find it within your Fandango account under a section labeled “My Library,” “My Movies,” or something similar. Your rented movie will be available to watch from any compatible device logged into your account.
Compatible Devices
Fandango movies can be watched on a wide range of devices, including:
- Web Browsers: Most modern web browsers on computers and laptops.
- Mobile Devices: iOS (iPhone, iPad) and Android devices.
- Smart TVs: Select Samsung, LG, Vizio, and Roku TVs.
- Streaming Devices: Roku, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV.
Check the Fandango help section for the most up-to-date list of compatible devices.
Starting and Managing Your Rental
Click on the movie title in your library to start watching. Once you begin, the rental period (typically 48 hours) begins counting down. You can pause, rewind, and fast-forward the movie as needed. Note that once the rental period expires, the movie will no longer be available to watch unless you rent or purchase it again.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While the rental process is generally smooth, users sometimes encounter issues. Here are some common problems and how to address them:
Playback Errors
If you experience playback errors, such as buffering or freezing, try the following:
- Check your internet connection: Ensure you have a stable and sufficient internet speed.
- Restart your device: A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches.
- Update your browser or app: Make sure you’re using the latest version of the Fandango app or browser.
- Clear your browser cache and cookies: This can sometimes resolve conflicts with stored data.
Payment Issues
If you encounter problems with your payment, double-check that the information you entered is accurate. If the issue persists, try using a different payment method or contacting your bank or credit card company to ensure there are no blocks on the transaction.
Expired Rentals
Remember that rentals have a limited viewing window. If you try to watch a movie after the rental period has expired, you’ll need to rent it again. Fandango typically sends a reminder email before the rental expires.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about renting movies on Fandango:
FAQ 1: What happens if I don’t finish watching the movie within the rental period?
Once the rental period expires (usually 48 hours from when you start watching), the movie will no longer be accessible. You would need to rent it again to continue watching. Remember, the timer starts once you press play.
FAQ 2: Can I download the rented movie to watch offline?
No, Fandango does not allow you to download rented movies for offline viewing. They must be streamed through their platform. You need an active internet connection to watch your rentals.
FAQ 3: How many times can I watch the rented movie during the rental period?
You can watch the movie as many times as you want within the allotted rental period. There are no restrictions on the number of views.
FAQ 4: Can I share my Fandango account with family members to watch the movie?
While Fandango doesn’t explicitly state rules against this, simultaneous streaming on multiple devices may be restricted. Officially, Fandango accounts are intended for single-user access, and sharing might violate their terms of service.
FAQ 5: What if the movie I want to rent is not available on Fandango?
Fandango’s movie library is constantly being updated. If a movie isn’t available, check back later or consider using other video-on-demand services like Google Play Movies, Amazon Prime Video, or Apple TV.
FAQ 6: How do I cancel a rental before watching it?
Contact Fandango customer support immediately after making the rental and before you begin watching the movie. Cancellation requests are typically honored if you haven’t started playback.
FAQ 7: What is the difference between renting and buying a movie on Fandango?
Renting grants you temporary access to the movie for a specific period. Buying gives you permanent access to the movie in your digital library, allowing you to watch it anytime, as long as Fandango maintains the rights.
FAQ 8: What video quality options are available for rentals?
Fandango typically offers rentals in SD (Standard Definition), HD (High Definition), and sometimes UHD (Ultra High Definition) formats. The availability of each format depends on the movie and your device.
FAQ 9: How do I redeem a Fandango gift card for a movie rental?
During the checkout process, you’ll see an option to apply a gift card. Enter the gift card number and PIN to redeem the funds towards your rental purchase.
FAQ 10: Does Fandango offer refunds for rentals?
Refunds are generally not offered for rentals unless there’s a technical issue preventing you from watching the movie. Contact customer support if you encounter such a problem.
FAQ 11: How do I contact Fandango customer support for help with rentals?
You can contact Fandango customer support through their website or app. Look for a “Contact Us” or “Help” section. They typically offer support via email, chat, or phone.
FAQ 12: Are there any loyalty programs or discounts for frequent Fandango renters?
Fandango VIP is a rewards program that offers points for movie ticket purchases and rentals, which can be redeemed for discounts and other benefits. Check the Fandango website for details on the program and how to enroll.
By following these steps and consulting the FAQs, you can easily and enjoyably rent movies on Fandango and expand your cinematic horizons from the comfort of your own home. Remember to keep your device updated and your internet connection stable for the best viewing experience.