Downloading movies on the Prime Video app allows you to enjoy your favorite content offline, whether you’re on a plane, commuting, or simply want to conserve data. This comprehensive guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough and answers frequently asked questions, ensuring a seamless viewing experience.
Understanding Prime Video Downloads
Prime Video offers the flexibility to download select movies and TV shows for offline viewing. This feature is invaluable for anyone with limited or unreliable internet access. However, there are certain restrictions and considerations to keep in mind.
Eligibility for Downloads
Not all content on Prime Video is available for download. Licensing agreements dictate which titles can be downloaded and for how long they remain available after downloading. Typically, movies and TV shows offered as part of your Prime membership are eligible, while rentals or purchases may have different rules.
Device Compatibility
Prime Video downloads are primarily supported on mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets running iOS or Android, as well as Fire tablets. While you can stream Prime Video on computers, downloading content directly onto a desktop or laptop is generally not supported through the Prime Video app.
Storage Considerations
Downloaded movies can consume a significant amount of storage space on your device. Before downloading, check your device’s available storage and select a lower video quality option if necessary to minimize file size.
Step-by-Step Guide to Downloading
Here’s a detailed guide on how to download movies and TV shows on the Prime Video app:
- Open the Prime Video App: Launch the app on your compatible device (iOS, Android, or Fire tablet).
- Browse or Search for Content: Find the movie or TV show you want to download. You can browse through categories, use the search function, or select a title from your Watchlist.
- Look for the Download Icon: On the movie or TV show’s detail page, look for a download icon. This icon typically appears as a downward-pointing arrow with a line underneath. If you don’t see a download icon, the content might not be available for download.
- Select Download Quality: Tap the download icon. A pop-up window will appear, allowing you to choose the video quality. Higher quality downloads will use more storage space. Options usually include “Best,” “Better,” and “Good.”
- Initiate the Download: Choose your desired quality and tap “Download.” The download will begin automatically. You can monitor the progress in the “Downloads” section of the app.
- Access Your Downloads: Once the download is complete, you can access the movie or TV show in the “Downloads” section of the app. Tap on the downloaded title to begin playback.
- Managing Multiple Downloads: You can download multiple titles simultaneously. Prime Video will manage the queue. For TV shows, you can choose to download individual episodes or entire seasons.
Downloading TV Show Episodes
To download individual episodes of a TV show, navigate to the season page and look for the download icon next to each episode. You can also choose to download an entire season by selecting the “Download Season” option (if available).
Managing Your Downloads
The “Downloads” section of the Prime Video app allows you to manage your downloaded content. You can view the download progress, pause or cancel downloads, and remove downloaded titles from your device.
Troubleshooting Download Issues
If you encounter issues downloading movies on Prime Video, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Check Your Internet Connection: Ensure you have a stable internet connection (Wi-Fi recommended) while downloading.
- Verify Available Storage: Make sure your device has enough free storage space.
- Update the App: Ensure you are using the latest version of the Prime Video app.
- Restart Your Device: Sometimes, a simple device restart can resolve download issues.
- Clear App Cache: Clearing the Prime Video app’s cache can also help. (Settings -> Apps -> Prime Video -> Storage -> Clear Cache)
- Contact Amazon Support: If the problem persists, contact Amazon Prime Video support for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about downloading movies on the Prime Video app:
FAQ 1: Can I download movies on my computer?
No, the Prime Video app for computers (if available) typically doesn’t support downloads. Downloads are primarily for mobile devices like smartphones, tablets, and Fire tablets.
FAQ 2: How many devices can I download content on simultaneously?
You can download titles on a limited number of devices, typically between two and three, depending on your Prime membership and region. This prevents unauthorized sharing of downloaded content.
FAQ 3: How long do downloaded movies remain available?
Downloaded movies and TV shows have an expiration date. The expiration period varies depending on the title and licensing agreements. Typically, you have 30 days to begin watching a downloaded title, and once started, you may have 48 hours to finish watching it.
FAQ 4: Can I watch downloaded movies offline without an internet connection?
Yes, that’s the primary purpose of downloading! Once downloaded, you can watch movies and TV shows offline without an internet connection.
FAQ 5: How do I delete downloaded movies from my device?
In the “Downloads” section of the Prime Video app, tap the edit icon (usually a pencil or three dots) next to the downloaded title. Then, select the title(s) you want to remove and tap the “Delete” button.
FAQ 6: What does “download quota exceeded” mean?
This message indicates that you have reached the maximum number of devices allowed to download content simultaneously. You’ll need to remove downloads from one device before downloading on another.
FAQ 7: Can I transfer downloaded movies to another device?
No, downloaded movies and TV shows are encrypted and tied to the device they were downloaded on. You cannot transfer them to another device.
FAQ 8: Why is the download button missing for some movies?
The download button might be missing because the title is not available for download due to licensing restrictions, or it might be a rental title with specific download policies.
FAQ 9: How do I change the download quality settings?
In the Prime Video app, go to “My Stuff” or “Settings,” then navigate to “Stream & Download.” You can adjust the download quality settings there.
FAQ 10: Does downloading movies use data?
Yes, downloading movies uses data. It’s recommended to download content over a Wi-Fi connection to avoid using your mobile data allowance.
FAQ 11: What happens if a downloaded movie expires?
If a downloaded movie expires, it will no longer be playable offline. You’ll need to re-download it if it’s still available for download.
FAQ 12: Can I download purchased content on Prime Video?
Yes, purchased content can usually be downloaded, but it’s subject to specific licensing terms. The availability and expiration policies may differ from titles included with your Prime membership. Check the individual title’s details for more information.