Downloading movies from Amazon Prime Video for offline viewing is a fantastic way to enjoy your favorite content on the go, whether you’re on a long flight or simply want to save on data usage. The process is straightforward, but understanding the specifics, device limitations, and troubleshooting potential issues is key to a seamless experience.
Downloading Movies: A Step-by-Step Breakdown
The ability to download Amazon Prime Video titles depends on a few factors: your Prime membership, the device you’re using, and the licensing agreements for the specific movie or TV show you want to download. Generally, if a title is included with your Prime membership or available for purchase/rental on Prime Video, you can download it to watch offline. However, content availability varies by region, so keep this in mind when traveling.
Here’s the general process for downloading:
- Open the Amazon Prime Video App: Ensure you have the latest version installed on your iOS, Android, or Fire tablet device.
- Browse or Search for the Title: Find the movie or TV show episode you want to download.
- Locate the Download Icon: Look for the download icon (usually a downward-pointing arrow with a line underneath) on the title’s details page. For TV shows, you’ll often see download options for individual episodes or entire seasons.
- Select Download Quality (if prompted): You might be asked to choose the video quality (Standard, Good, or Best). Higher quality downloads will consume more storage space.
- Start the Download: Tap the download icon or select the desired quality to begin the download process. You can monitor the progress in the “Downloads” section of the app.
- Watch Offline: Once downloaded, the title will be available in your “Downloads” section for offline viewing.
Understanding Device Limitations
While downloading movies from Amazon Prime Video is convenient, there are some limitations to be aware of:
- Device Compatibility: Downloads are primarily supported on the Amazon Prime Video app for iOS, Android, and Fire tablets. Downloading on computers (Windows or Mac) is generally not directly supported through the Amazon Prime Video app, although some third-party tools may exist with varying legality and reliability.
- Download Limits: Amazon imposes limits on the number of titles you can download at any given time. These limits vary depending on your location and the number of devices registered to your account.
- Rental Periods: If you’ve rented a movie, you typically have a limited time (usually 30 days to start watching and 48 hours after you begin) to view it. Downloaded rentals follow the same time constraints.
- Expiration Dates: Downloaded titles may have expiration dates, even if they are part of your Prime membership. This is due to licensing agreements. The app will notify you when a download is about to expire.
- Geographic Restrictions: Downloaded content might not be available in all geographic locations. If you travel to a different country, some of your downloads may be unavailable.
Troubleshooting Common Download Issues
Encountering problems while downloading from Amazon Prime Video can be frustrating. Here are some common issues and their solutions:
- Insufficient Storage Space: Ensure your device has enough storage space to accommodate the download. Delete unnecessary files or transfer them to an external storage device.
- Poor Internet Connection: A stable and strong internet connection is crucial for downloading. Try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network or using a wired connection if possible.
- App Errors: Restarting the Amazon Prime Video app or your device can often resolve minor glitches. Also, make sure the app is updated to the latest version.
- Geographic Restrictions: Verify that the title is available for download in your current region. Licensing agreements vary by country.
- Download Limits Reached: Check the number of devices registered to your account and the number of titles you’ve already downloaded. You may need to remove devices or delete existing downloads.
- DRM Issues: Digital Rights Management (DRM) protects copyrighted content. Ensure your device and the Amazon Prime Video app meet the DRM requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Downloading Amazon Prime Movies
Here are some common questions users have about downloading Amazon Prime movies:
FAQ 1: Can I download Amazon Prime movies to my computer?
Unfortunately, there’s no official Amazon Prime Video app for computers (Windows or Mac) that allows direct downloading for offline viewing. The download functionality is primarily designed for mobile devices like iOS, Android, and Fire tablets. Some third-party software claims to offer this functionality, but their legality and reliability can be questionable.
FAQ 2: How many movies can I download from Amazon Prime Video at once?
The exact number of titles you can download simultaneously varies depending on your region and the number of devices registered to your account. Generally, it’s around 15-25 titles across all your registered devices. Check your account settings or Amazon’s help resources for the specific limits applicable to your region.
FAQ 3: Do downloaded Amazon Prime movies expire?
Yes, downloaded movies and TV shows can expire. This is due to licensing agreements. The Amazon Prime Video app will usually display an expiration date for each downloaded title. Once expired, you’ll need to download the title again if it’s still available.
FAQ 4: Can I watch downloaded Amazon Prime movies without Wi-Fi?
Yes, that’s the whole point! Once a movie or TV show is downloaded, you can watch it offline without a Wi-Fi or cellular data connection. Make sure you download the content before you lose connectivity.
FAQ 5: What happens if I travel to another country? Will my downloaded movies still work?
Downloaded titles might not be available in all geographic locations. Licensing agreements differ by country, so a movie that’s available for download in one region might not be in another. You might find that some or all of your downloads are unavailable when traveling.
FAQ 6: How do I delete a downloaded Amazon Prime movie?
To delete a downloaded movie or TV show, go to the “Downloads” section of the Amazon Prime Video app. Locate the title you want to remove, and you’ll typically find a “Delete” or “Remove Download” option associated with it. The exact wording may vary depending on the device.
FAQ 7: What video quality options are available for downloads?
Amazon Prime Video usually offers different video quality options for downloads, such as Standard, Good, and Best. “Best” provides the highest resolution and quality but requires more storage space. Choose the option that best balances quality and storage availability on your device.
FAQ 8: Why can’t I download certain movies on Amazon Prime Video?
Several reasons could prevent you from downloading a movie:
- The title might not be included with your Prime membership and requires purchase or rental.
- The title might not be available for download in your region due to licensing restrictions.
- You might have reached your download limit.
- There could be technical issues with the Amazon Prime Video app or your device.
FAQ 9: Can I share downloaded Amazon Prime movies with others?
No, you cannot share downloaded Amazon Prime movies with others. The downloads are linked to your Amazon account and are intended for personal offline viewing only. Sharing downloaded content violates Amazon’s terms of service and copyright laws.
FAQ 10: What is the difference between streaming and downloading on Amazon Prime Video?
Streaming requires an active internet connection to watch movies and TV shows directly from Amazon’s servers. Downloading allows you to save the content to your device for offline viewing, without needing an internet connection. Streaming consumes data in real-time, while downloading consumes data upfront but allows for offline viewing later.
FAQ 11: How do I know if a movie is available for download on Amazon Prime Video?
Look for the download icon (usually a downward-pointing arrow with a line underneath) on the title’s details page in the Amazon Prime Video app. If the icon is present, the movie is generally available for download. If the icon is missing or greyed out, it means the title is not available for download in your region or under your current subscription.
FAQ 12: Does downloading movies from Amazon Prime Video cost extra?
Downloading movies that are included in your Amazon Prime membership doesn’t cost extra. However, if you download a movie that requires purchase or rental, you’ll be charged the corresponding price. Data charges may apply if you’re downloading over a cellular network.