You can’t directly “buy” movies included with Amazon Prime Video. Instead, you are paying for access to a library of streaming content as part of your Prime membership. However, you can purchase or rent movies not included in that streaming library directly from Amazon through their digital storefront. This article will explain how to purchase or rent movies, access them, and understand the nuances of Amazon’s video ecosystem.
Understanding the Amazon Prime Video Ecosystem
Amazon Prime Video offers several ways to access movies. It’s crucial to differentiate between content included with your Prime membership and content available for rental or purchase. Prime members get access to a rotating selection of movies and TV shows as part of their subscription. Think of it like Netflix; the content is included, but you don’t own it. Movies available for purchase or rent are not included in this Prime library and require a separate transaction.
Amazon’s storefront operates like a digital video store. You can buy movies to own them permanently (in your digital library) or rent movies for a limited viewing window (usually 30 days to start watching, and 48 hours to finish once you press play). Both purchases and rentals are accessible through your Amazon account on various devices.
How to Purchase or Rent Movies on Amazon
The process for buying or renting movies on Amazon is straightforward, but it can vary slightly depending on the device you’re using.
Purchasing on the Amazon Website
- Navigate to Amazon Prime Video: Go to Amazon.com and click on “Prime Video” in the navigation bar or type “Amazon Prime Video” in the search bar.
- Search or Browse for Your Desired Movie: Use the search bar to find a specific title or browse the available movies by genre, popularity, or new releases.
- Select the Movie: Click on the movie title to view its details page.
- Choose “Buy” or “Rent”: On the movie’s details page, you’ll see options to “Buy” or “Rent.” The price for each option will be clearly displayed. Note that purchase options may include SD (Standard Definition), HD (High Definition), and UHD (Ultra High Definition) versions. Renting may only offer HD or SD.
- Complete Your Purchase: Click the “Buy” or “Rent” button and follow the prompts to complete the transaction. You’ll likely need to confirm your payment method.
- Access Your Purchase: After successful completion, you can access your purchased or rented movie in the “My Stuff” or “Purchases & Rentals” section of Amazon Prime Video.
Purchasing on the Prime Video App (Mobile and TV Devices)
The process is very similar on the Prime Video app across different devices.
- Open the Prime Video App: Launch the app on your mobile device (iOS or Android) or TV device (smart TV, Roku, Fire TV Stick, etc.).
- Search or Browse for Your Desired Movie: Use the search function or browse through the categories.
- Select the Movie: Tap or click on the movie title to view its details.
- Choose “Buy” or “Rent”: Similar to the website, you will see options to “Buy” or “Rent” with their respective prices.
- Complete Your Purchase: Select your preferred option and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the purchase using your linked Amazon account payment method.
Important Note: On some devices like iOS, due to Apple’s in-app purchase policies, you may be redirected to the Amazon website to complete the purchase.
Differences Between Buying and Renting
- Buying: You own the movie permanently (though in a digital format tied to your Amazon account). You can watch it as many times as you want, whenever you want, as long as Amazon retains the rights to stream it.
- Renting: You have a limited time to watch the movie. Typically, you have 30 days to start watching after renting, and then 48 hours to finish watching once you press play. After that, the rental expires.
Accessing Purchased and Rented Movies
After purchasing or renting a movie, it will be stored in your Amazon account. Here’s how to access it:
- Website: Navigate to the “My Stuff” or “Purchases & Rentals” section on the Amazon Prime Video website.
- Prime Video App: In the app, look for sections like “My Stuff,” “Purchases,” “Library,” or similar. The exact wording may vary depending on the device.
- Download: You can often download purchased movies (and sometimes rentals, depending on the title and your region) to watch offline on mobile devices. Look for the download icon next to the movie title.
Key Takeaway: Always check the expiration date for rented movies to avoid losing access before you have a chance to watch them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: What happens to my purchased movies if I cancel my Amazon Prime membership?
Your purchased movies are not tied to your Prime membership. Even if you cancel Prime, you’ll still have access to your purchased movies as long as you have an active Amazon account. You will need to access them through the Prime Video website or app by logging in with your Amazon credentials.
FAQ 2: Can I share my purchased movies with family members?
Yes, Amazon offers a feature called Amazon Household, which allows you to share Prime benefits, including access to purchased movies, with up to two adults and four children. Each member has their own Amazon account, but they are linked together in a Household.
FAQ 3: How do I download movies for offline viewing?
Not all titles are available for download. If a movie can be downloaded, you’ll see a download icon (usually a downward-pointing arrow) on the movie’s details page or within the viewing options. Downloading is typically only available on mobile devices (phones and tablets) using the Prime Video app.
FAQ 4: What is the difference between SD, HD, and UHD quality?
SD (Standard Definition) offers the lowest picture quality. HD (High Definition) provides a significantly sharper and clearer picture. UHD (Ultra High Definition, also known as 4K) offers the highest picture quality, with even greater detail and resolution, provided your TV and device support it. UHD usually comes with a higher purchase price.
FAQ 5: Can I return a movie I accidentally purchased or rented?
Amazon’s return policy for digital purchases varies. Generally, you can request a refund for a rental or purchase within a limited time frame (usually 48 hours) if you haven’t started watching it. Contact Amazon customer support for assistance with refund requests.
FAQ 6: What if a movie I purchased disappears from my library?
This is rare, but it can happen due to licensing agreements. If a movie is removed from Amazon’s streaming service, they will typically provide a refund or offer a comparable replacement. Contact Amazon customer support immediately if you encounter this issue.
FAQ 7: Are there any discounts on buying movies on Amazon?
Yes, Amazon frequently offers discounts and deals on movies for purchase or rent. Keep an eye on the Amazon Prime Video homepage and promotional emails for special offers.
FAQ 8: Can I watch my purchased or rented movies on different devices?
Yes, you can watch your purchased or rented movies on any device that supports the Amazon Prime Video app, including smart TVs, computers, smartphones, tablets, and streaming devices like Roku and Fire TV Stick, as long as you’re logged in with the same Amazon account.
FAQ 9: How do I find out if a movie is included with Prime or if I need to buy or rent it?
On the movie’s details page, if the movie is included with Prime, it will say “Included with Prime.” If you need to buy or rent it, you’ll see the “Buy” and “Rent” options with their respective prices.
FAQ 10: Can I gift a movie to someone on Amazon?
Yes, you can gift movies on Amazon. Look for the “Give as a Gift” option on the movie’s details page. You will need the recipient’s email address.
FAQ 11: What payment methods are accepted for purchasing movies on Amazon?
Amazon accepts a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, Amazon gift cards, and Amazon Rewards points.
FAQ 12: Are there parental controls available for preventing children from purchasing movies?
Yes, Amazon offers parental controls that allow you to restrict access to certain content based on ratings and require a PIN for purchases. These controls can be configured in your Amazon account settings under “Parental Controls” or “Restrictions” within the Prime Video settings. This helps prevent unauthorized purchases.