Downloading movies on Hulu allows you to enjoy your favorite content offline, a lifesaver for commutes, travel, or areas with spotty internet. This guide will walk you through the process, limitations, and everything else you need to know to maximize your Hulu viewing experience.
The Short Answer: Downloading Movies on Hulu
Downloading movies on Hulu is relatively straightforward, but it’s exclusively available for Hulu (No Ads) and Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV subscribers. This feature is accessible through the Hulu app on supported mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.
How to Download Movies from Hulu: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how to download content on Hulu:
- Subscription Requirement: Ensure you have a Hulu (No Ads) or Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV subscription. The standard Hulu plan with ads does not offer download functionality.
- Device Compatibility: Verify that you’re using a supported mobile device. Downloading is typically available on iOS (iPhone, iPad) and Android smartphones and tablets.
- App Installation: Download and install the latest version of the Hulu app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
- Sign In: Open the Hulu app and sign in using your Hulu account credentials.
- Browse and Select: Browse the Hulu library or use the search function to find the movie you want to download.
- Check for the Download Icon: On the movie’s details page, look for the download icon (a downward-pointing arrow with a line beneath it). If the icon is not present, the movie is likely not available for download.
- Start the Download: Tap the download icon to begin the download process. The app will usually allow you to choose the download quality (higher quality means a larger file size).
- Track the Download: Monitor the download progress in the “Downloads” section of the Hulu app. This section is usually accessible through a dedicated tab or menu within the app.
- Watch Offline: Once the download is complete, the movie will be available for offline viewing in the “Downloads” section.
Important Considerations During Download
- Sufficient Storage: Make sure your device has enough storage space to accommodate the downloaded movie. High-quality downloads can consume a significant amount of storage.
- Stable Internet Connection: While downloading, maintain a stable Wi-Fi connection to avoid interruptions and data charges.
- Download Limits: Hulu imposes download limits. You can typically download a limited number of titles to your device at any given time.
Managing Your Downloads
Once you have downloaded movies, it’s important to manage them effectively.
Locating Your Downloads
Find all your downloaded movies and TV shows in the “Downloads” section of the Hulu app. This section allows you to play, delete, and manage your offline content.
Removing Downloads
To remove a downloaded movie and free up storage space:
- Navigate to the “Downloads” section of the Hulu app.
- Locate the movie you want to delete.
- Tap the “Edit” button (or a similar icon, depending on the app version).
- Select the movie you want to remove and tap “Delete” (or a similar option).
Download Expiration
Downloaded movies on Hulu have an expiration date. This is typically around 30 days after you initially download the content, or 48 hours after you begin watching it. Hulu will often notify you before a download expires. To keep watching, you may need to re-download the content.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are answers to common questions regarding downloading movies on Hulu:
FAQ 1: Why can’t I download certain movies on Hulu?
Not all titles on Hulu are available for download. Licensing agreements and content distribution rights restrict download availability for some movies and shows. Look for the download icon on the details page to confirm if a title is downloadable.
FAQ 2: How many downloads am I allowed on Hulu?
Hulu typically allows subscribers with the appropriate plan to download up to 25 titles across up to five devices. These limits can vary, so it’s always best to check the most current information on Hulu’s website.
FAQ 3: Can I download movies on Hulu on my computer?
No, downloading movies on Hulu is limited to the Hulu app on supported mobile devices (smartphones and tablets). You cannot download content directly to your computer.
FAQ 4: What happens if I try to download a movie on the basic Hulu plan with ads?
You won’t be able to. The download feature is exclusively available for Hulu (No Ads) and Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV subscribers. The download icon will not appear on the details page of any content.
FAQ 5: How do I change the download quality on Hulu?
The Hulu app usually provides options to adjust download quality within the app settings or on the movie’s details page before downloading. Higher quality downloads require more storage space. Navigate to Settings > Downloads > Download Quality (this may vary slightly depending on your device).
FAQ 6: What if my Hulu download keeps failing?
Possible causes include: insufficient storage space on your device, an unstable internet connection, app errors, or temporary issues with Hulu’s servers. Ensure you have adequate storage, a stable connection, and try restarting the app or your device. If the problem persists, contact Hulu support.
FAQ 7: Do Hulu downloads work internationally?
The availability of downloaded content can vary depending on your location. Some titles may not be available for download in certain regions due to licensing restrictions. It’s best to download your desired content before traveling internationally.
FAQ 8: Can I watch Hulu downloads without an internet connection at all?
Yes, that’s the point! Once a movie is successfully downloaded, you can watch it completely offline without any internet connection.
FAQ 9: How do I re-download a movie that has expired?
Simply go to the “Downloads” section of the Hulu app, select the expired movie, and tap the download icon again to re-download it (provided the title is still available for download).
FAQ 10: What if I switch Hulu plans? Will my downloads be affected?
If you switch from a Hulu plan with downloads to a plan without downloads (e.g., from Hulu (No Ads) to Hulu with ads), your downloaded content will no longer be accessible.
FAQ 11: Is there a limit to how many times I can re-download a movie?
While Hulu doesn’t explicitly state a hard limit on re-downloads, excessive re-downloading of the same title might be flagged. Stick to reasonable usage.
FAQ 12: How do I know when a downloaded movie is about to expire on Hulu?
Hulu typically sends notifications within the app when a downloaded title is nearing its expiration date. Pay attention to these notifications to avoid losing access to your downloads. Regularly checking the “Downloads” section can also display remaining viewing time.