Downloading movies you purchased on Amazon Prime Video is possible, albeit with limitations. You can download select titles for offline viewing using the Amazon Prime Video app on compatible devices like smartphones, tablets, and Fire tablets, ensuring you can enjoy your favorite content even without an internet connection.
Understanding Amazon Prime Video Downloads
Downloading movies you’ve purchased on Amazon isn’t quite as straightforward as downloading a file from a website. Amazon primarily uses a streaming service model, designed to deliver content to your devices over the internet. However, recognizing the need for offline viewing, they’ve implemented a system that allows you to download certain titles through the Amazon Prime Video app.
The key to understanding this process is acknowledging that download availability varies based on licensing agreements and device compatibility. Not all movies are available for download, and even those that are might not be downloadable on all of your devices. For example, rentals usually aren’t available for download.
Downloading Movies on Your Device
The primary method for downloading movies purchased on Amazon is through the Amazon Prime Video app. Here’s a breakdown of how to do it on different devices:
Downloading on Smartphones and Tablets (iOS & Android)
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Download and Install the App: If you haven’t already, download the Amazon Prime Video app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
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Sign In: Open the app and sign in with your Amazon account credentials (the same one you used to purchase the movie).
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Navigate to Your Purchases: Locate the movie you want to download. You can typically find it under the “Purchases & Rentals” section, or by searching for the title.
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Tap the Download Icon: If the movie is available for download, you’ll see a download icon (usually a downward-pointing arrow). Tap this icon.
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Select Download Quality: You might be prompted to choose a video quality for the download. Higher quality will result in a larger file size. Choose the option that best suits your storage capacity and viewing preferences.
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Monitor the Download: The download will begin, and you can monitor its progress within the app.
Downloading on Amazon Fire Tablets
The process on Fire tablets is essentially the same as on smartphones and tablets:
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Open the Prime Video App: The app is pre-installed on Fire tablets.
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Sign In: Sign in with your Amazon account.
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Find Your Purchase: Locate the movie in your library.
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Tap the Download Icon: Look for and tap the download icon.
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Choose Download Quality: Select your preferred video quality.
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Track the Download: The download will commence, and you can track its status.
Why You Can’t Download Directly to a Computer (Usually)
It’s important to note that downloading directly to a computer (Windows or macOS) is generally not supported. The Amazon Prime Video app for computers primarily functions as a streaming platform. There are third-party software options claiming to enable downloading, but using these may violate Amazon’s terms of service and pose security risks. Stick to the official Amazon Prime Video app on supported mobile devices for the safest and most reliable download experience.
Managing Your Downloads
Once you’ve downloaded your movies, you can access them even without an internet connection.
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Access the Downloads Section: Within the Amazon Prime Video app, navigate to the “Downloads” section (usually found in the bottom navigation bar or side menu).
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Play Your Movie: Select the movie you want to watch and tap “Play.”
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Managing Storage: Keep an eye on your device’s storage space. Downloads can consume a significant amount of storage. You can delete downloaded movies from within the app to free up space.
Understanding Download Restrictions
It’s crucial to be aware of the limitations surrounding Amazon Prime Video downloads:
- Download Limits: There are often limits on the number of titles you can download at any given time, as well as the number of devices you can download to.
- Expiration Dates: Downloads often have an expiration date. Once the expiration date passes, you’ll need to reconnect to the internet and redownload the movie. Rental downloads typically have a short viewing window once you begin watching.
- Geographic Restrictions: Some titles might only be available for download in certain geographic regions.
- Offline Viewing Window: After you start watching a downloaded title, you typically have a limited time frame (e.g., 48 hours) to finish watching it before it expires.
- DRM Protection: Amazon uses Digital Rights Management (DRM) to protect its content. This means that downloaded movies are encrypted and can only be played within the Amazon Prime Video app. You cannot copy or transfer these files to other devices or media players.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the process:
FAQ 1: Why can’t I download every movie I’ve purchased?
A: Download availability depends on licensing agreements between Amazon and the movie studios. Not all studios grant permission for downloads.
FAQ 2: Can I download movies on my computer?
A: Generally, no. The Amazon Prime Video app for computers is primarily a streaming platform. Downloading to a computer is usually not officially supported, and third-party software can be risky.
FAQ 3: How many devices can I download movies to?
A: Amazon usually restricts the number of devices you can download to simultaneously. This limit is often three devices, but it’s best to check Amazon’s terms and conditions for the most up-to-date information.
FAQ 4: How long do downloaded movies last?
A: Downloaded movies can expire. This depends on the specific title and Amazon’s licensing agreements. Purchased movies generally have a longer expiry period than rentals. When you start watching a downloaded rental, it might expire within 48 hours.
FAQ 5: Can I share my downloaded movies with friends or family?
A: No. Downloaded movies are protected by DRM and are tied to your Amazon account. Sharing downloaded files is a violation of Amazon’s terms of service.
FAQ 6: How do I delete downloaded movies to free up space?
A: Within the Amazon Prime Video app, go to the “Downloads” section. Select the movie you want to delete and tap the “Delete” (or similar) option.
FAQ 7: What does it mean when a movie is “unavailable for download?”
A: This means that the movie studio has not granted Amazon permission to offer that particular title for download.
FAQ 8: Does downloading movies use data?
A: Yes. Downloading movies uses your internet data. It’s best to download movies when connected to Wi-Fi to avoid using your mobile data allowance.
FAQ 9: What if I have problems downloading a movie?
A: Ensure you have a stable internet connection, sufficient storage space on your device, and that the movie is actually available for download in your region. Try restarting the app or your device. Contact Amazon Customer Service if the problem persists.
FAQ 10: Is there a limit to how many movies I can download at once?
A: Amazon may impose a limit on the number of titles you can download concurrently. Check your Amazon Prime Video settings or account information for details.
FAQ 11: Why can’t I change the download quality settings?
A: Some titles may only be available in a single download quality. Additionally, older versions of the Amazon Prime Video app might have limited quality settings.
FAQ 12: What happens if my Amazon Prime membership expires?
A: If you cancel your Amazon Prime membership, you will lose access to movies that are included in Prime Video. Movies you purchased will still be accessible, but you may need to reconnect to the internet to verify your purchase.