Downloading Movies from Amazon Prime Video: A Comprehensive Guide

Downloading movies and TV shows from Amazon Prime Video for offline viewing is straightforward, enabling you to enjoy your favorite content even without an internet connection. This feature is available on the Prime Video app for smartphones, tablets, and certain other devices, providing a convenient way to consume entertainment on the go.

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What Devices Allow You to Download From Amazon Prime Video?

Amazon Prime Video downloads are exclusively available through the Prime Video app on compatible devices. This means you cannot download movies or shows directly from the Prime Video website on your computer. The supported devices include:

iOS devices: iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touch.
Android devices: Smartphones and tablets running Android.
Fire Tablets: Amazon’s own line of tablets designed for media consumption.

While you can watch Amazon Prime Video on smart TVs, streaming devices like Roku and Apple TV, and even through web browsers on computers, downloading is restricted to the apps on mobile devices and Fire tablets. This limitation is primarily due to digital rights management (DRM) restrictions designed to protect copyrighted content.

Downloading Movies: A Step-by-Step Guide

Downloading content from Amazon Prime Video is a simple process once you have the app installed on a compatible device. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Open the Amazon Prime Video app: Launch the Prime Video application on your smartphone, tablet, or Fire Tablet.
Browse for the movie: Use the search function or browse through the available categories to find the movie you wish to download.
Access the movie details page: Tap on the movie’s title or poster to open its details page.
Locate the download icon: On the movie details page, you’ll usually find a download icon, typically represented by a downward-pointing arrow. For movies available in multiple resolutions (e.g., SD and HD), you may see a button labeled “Download” instead.
Select the download quality (if applicable): If prompted, choose your desired video quality. Higher quality settings (e.g., HD) result in larger file sizes and may take longer to download. Lower quality settings (e.g., SD) use less storage space and download more quickly.
Start the download: Tap the download icon or button to initiate the download process. A progress bar will appear, indicating the status of the download.
Monitor the download: You can monitor the progress of your downloads in the “Downloads” section of the Prime Video app. This section is usually accessible through a menu or a dedicated icon within the app.
Access your downloaded movies: Once the download is complete, the movie will be available for offline viewing in the “Downloads” section.

Managing Your Downloaded Movies

After downloading movies, it’s essential to manage them effectively to conserve storage space and keep your downloads organized.

Viewing Downloaded Content

To watch your downloaded movies:

Open the Prime Video app.
Navigate to the “Downloads” section.
Select the movie you want to watch.
Tap the play button to begin playback.

Deleting Downloaded Content

To delete a downloaded movie:

Open the Prime Video app.
Navigate to the “Downloads” section.
Locate the movie you want to delete.
Long-press on the movie title (on some devices) or tap on the three dots (ellipsis) next to the movie title.
Select the “Delete Download” option (or a similar option).
Confirm the deletion.

Deleting downloaded content releases the storage space it was occupying on your device.

Managing Download Quality Settings

You can adjust the default download quality settings in the Prime Video app to control the quality and size of your downloads.

Open the Prime Video app.
Go to “Settings” (usually accessible through a menu or profile icon).
Look for the “Download Quality” or a similarly named option.
Choose your preferred download quality (e.g., Best, Better, Good, or Data Saver).

Selecting a lower quality setting helps conserve storage space and reduces data usage.

FAQs About Downloading Movies from Amazon Prime Video

Here are 12 frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of downloading movies from Amazon Prime Video:

Can I download movies from Amazon Prime Video on my computer?
No, you cannot download movies directly from the Amazon Prime Video website or app on your computer. Downloads are restricted to the Prime Video app on compatible iOS, Android, and Fire Tablet devices.
How many devices can I download movies to with my Amazon Prime account?
You can typically download content to a limited number of devices simultaneously with your Amazon Prime account. The exact number varies, but it’s usually around 2-3 devices. Exceeding this limit may result in an error message.
How long do I have to watch a downloaded movie before it expires?
Downloaded movies have an expiration date. This date is typically a few weeks or months after the download date, depending on the specific title and licensing agreements. The exact expiration date is usually displayed within the Prime Video app.
What happens if I start watching a downloaded movie but don’t finish it before it expires?
If you start watching a downloaded movie, you typically have a limited time to finish watching it (e.g., 48 hours) before it expires, even if the original download hasn’t expired yet. The specific time frame is determined by licensing agreements.
Can I transfer downloaded movies from my phone to another device?
No, you cannot transfer downloaded movies from one device to another. Downloaded content is encrypted and tied to the specific Prime Video app installation on the device it was downloaded to. This is to prevent unauthorized copying and distribution.
What is the difference between ‘buying’ and ‘renting’ a movie on Amazon Prime Video in terms of downloading?
When you buy a movie, you own it and can typically download it as many times as you want (within the device limit) as long as it remains available on Amazon Prime Video. When you rent a movie, you have a limited time to watch it after downloading, and it will expire after that rental period.
Why is the download option missing for some movies on Amazon Prime Video?
The download option may be missing due to various reasons, including licensing restrictions, regional availability, or device compatibility. Not all movies are available for download in all regions or on all devices.
How much storage space do I need to download a movie from Amazon Prime Video?
The storage space required depends on the video quality and the length of the movie. HD movies typically require more storage space than SD movies. You can check the approximate file size before initiating the download.
Can I download Amazon Channels content (e.g., HBO, Showtime) through the Prime Video app?
Yes, if you subscribe to Amazon Channels through Prime Video, you can usually download content from those channels using the Prime Video app, just like regular Prime Video content, subject to the channel’s own licensing agreements.
What does “Data Saver” download quality mean?
“Data Saver” download quality typically refers to the lowest available video quality. It results in smaller file sizes, which conserves mobile data and storage space. It’s ideal for users with limited data plans or those who prioritize storage efficiency.
Is it possible to resume a paused download on Amazon Prime Video?
Yes, you can typically resume a paused download on Amazon Prime Video. The app will usually save the progress of the download and allow you to continue it later, provided your device has sufficient storage space and a stable internet connection.
Does Amazon Prime Video use my mobile data if I accidentally start watching a downloaded movie while connected to Wi-Fi?
No, Amazon Prime Video will not use your mobile data if you start watching a downloaded movie while connected to Wi-Fi. The app will automatically prioritize playing the downloaded version over streaming it using mobile data. However, it’s always a good practice to double-check that your Wi-Fi connection is active before starting playback.