Yes, you absolutely can download movies from Amazon, but the process differs depending on whether you’re renting, purchasing, or accessing content through a Prime Video subscription. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough, addressing common questions and troubleshooting potential issues.
Understanding Amazon Movie Downloads
Amazon offers several avenues for accessing its vast movie library. The most common are:
- Purchasing: Permanently owning a digital copy of the movie.
- Renting: Paying for a limited-time viewing period, typically 30 days to start watching, then 48 hours to finish once you’ve begun.
- Prime Video: Accessing included movies and TV shows as part of your Amazon Prime membership.
The method for downloading differs slightly depending on which option you’ve chosen. Importantly, downloading is not possible on web browsers. You must use the Amazon Prime Video app on a compatible device.
Downloading Purchased or Rented Movies
This is the most straightforward method for enjoying your Amazon video content offline.
Downloading on the Amazon Prime Video App (Mobile & Tablet)
- Open the Amazon Prime Video app on your iOS or Android device. Make sure you’re logged in with the Amazon account used for the purchase or rental.
- Navigate to your “My Stuff” section. This usually appears as a dedicated tab or icon at the bottom of the screen.
- Locate the movie you want to download. Movies you’ve purchased or rented will be listed here.
- Tap the movie title. This will open the movie’s details page.
- Look for the “Download” button. This button is typically located near the movie’s description or playback options.
- Choose your download quality. You’ll often be presented with options like “Good,” “Better,” or “Best,” which correspond to standard definition, high definition, and sometimes even Ultra HD (4K). Higher quality downloads require more storage space.
- The download will begin automatically. A progress bar will indicate the status of the download. You can pause and resume downloads as needed.
- Access your downloaded movies in the “Downloads” section. This is usually found within the “My Stuff” section.
Downloading on the Amazon Prime Video App (Computer)
- Download and install the Amazon Prime Video app for Windows or macOS from the Microsoft Store or the Apple App Store, respectively.
- Open the app and log in using your Amazon credentials.
- Navigate to “My Stuff” or “Purchases & Rentals”. The exact wording may vary slightly depending on the app version.
- Find the movie you want to download.
- Click on the movie title to open the movie’s details page.
- Click the “Download” button.
- Select your desired video quality.
- The download will begin automatically.
Downloading Prime Video Content
Downloading movies and TV shows that are included with your Prime Video subscription follows a similar process to downloading purchased or rented content. The key difference is that you’re not “buying” the content; you’re accessing it as part of your subscription benefits.
Downloading Prime Video Content (Mobile, Tablet, & Computer)
Follow the exact steps outlined above for downloading purchased or rented movies, but instead of finding the movie in “Purchases & Rentals,” look for it directly within the Prime Video catalog. You’ll find the “Download” button on the movie’s details page.
Important Note: Not all Prime Video content is available for download. This is due to licensing restrictions imposed by the content owners. If you don’t see a download button, it’s likely that the movie or show is not available for offline viewing.
Downloading Limitations and Considerations
- Device Limit: Amazon typically limits the number of devices on which you can download content. This limit can vary, but it’s often around two or three devices.
- Download Expiration: Rented movies have a limited viewing window (typically 48 hours after you start watching). Once the rental period expires, the downloaded movie will no longer be accessible.
- Internet Connection: You’ll need a stable internet connection to download movies from Amazon.
- Storage Space: Ensure your device has sufficient storage space before initiating a download. High-definition and Ultra HD downloads can be quite large.
- Region Restrictions: Downloaded content may be subject to region restrictions. You might not be able to watch downloaded movies in certain countries.
FAQs: Diving Deeper into Amazon Movie Downloads
FAQ 1: Can I download movies from Amazon Prime Video to my Smart TV?
No, you cannot directly download movies from Amazon Prime Video to most Smart TVs. Smart TV apps typically only support streaming, not offline downloads. You can, however, cast or mirror content from your phone or tablet to your Smart TV after downloading.
FAQ 2: How long do I have to watch a rented movie after downloading it?
The viewing window for rented movies varies. Generally, you have 30 days from the rental date to start watching the movie. Once you begin watching, you typically have 48 hours to finish it before the rental expires. Always check the specific rental terms for the movie you’ve rented.
FAQ 3: Why is the “Download” button missing for a Prime Video title?
The absence of a “Download” button usually indicates that the movie or TV show is not available for offline viewing due to licensing agreements. This is a common occurrence, especially with content from major studios. Also, ensure you are using a supported device (Prime Video App for Mobile, Tablet, or Computer – web browsers do not support downloads).
FAQ 4: Can I share downloaded Amazon movies with my family?
Downloaded movies are tied to your Amazon account and are subject to the device limit. While you can share your Amazon account with family members, they will need to log in with your credentials to access downloaded content on their own devices, staying within the device limit. Amazon Kids+ also provides options for age appropriate content for children.
FAQ 5: What happens to my downloaded movies if I cancel my Amazon Prime subscription?
If you cancel your Amazon Prime subscription, you will lose access to any movies or TV shows you downloaded that were included with Prime Video. Content you purchased outright will remain accessible.
FAQ 6: How do I delete downloaded movies from the Amazon Prime Video app?
Within the Amazon Prime Video app, go to “My Stuff” then “Downloads.” You should see an option to “Edit” or “Remove” downloaded content. Select the movies you want to delete and confirm the removal.
FAQ 7: Can I download movies in 4K Ultra HD?
Yes, you can download movies in 4K Ultra HD if the movie is available in that format and your device supports it. However, 4K downloads require significantly more storage space and a faster internet connection.
FAQ 8: Is there a limit to the number of movies I can download?
Amazon imposes a limit on the number of devices you can simultaneously download content to, typically around two or three. The exact number may vary. There’s generally no strict limit on the total number of movies you can download across those devices, as long as you have sufficient storage space.
FAQ 9: Can I watch downloaded movies without an internet connection?
Yes, that’s the entire point of downloading! Once a movie is successfully downloaded, you can watch it offline without an active internet connection.
FAQ 10: What video quality should I choose when downloading?
The ideal video quality depends on your device’s screen resolution and your storage capacity. “Best” offers the highest quality (typically HD or 4K), while “Good” offers a lower quality that consumes less storage space. If you’re watching on a small screen (like a smartphone) and are concerned about storage, “Good” might be sufficient.
FAQ 11: Why is my download stuck or taking a long time?
Slow downloads are often caused by a weak internet connection. Try moving closer to your Wi-Fi router or switching to a faster network. Also, make sure no other devices are heavily using your internet bandwidth. Restarting the Amazon Prime Video app or your device can sometimes resolve the issue.
FAQ 12: Can I download movies from Amazon Prime Video to an external hard drive?
Downloading directly to an external hard drive is not officially supported by the Amazon Prime Video app on most devices. While there might be workarounds using third-party software, these methods often violate Amazon’s terms of service and may be illegal. It’s best to download to your device’s internal storage and then transfer the files to an external drive, if permitted by the app and your device’s operating system, understanding this may invalidate playback.