The simple answer: Downloading movies directly within Movies Anywhere is currently not possible. However, you can download purchased movies to watch offline via connected retailer apps like iTunes (Apple TV), Google Play Movies & TV, Vudu, Amazon Prime Video, and Microsoft Movies & TV. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to leverage these connected platforms to enjoy your Movies Anywhere library offline, addressing frequently asked questions along the way.
Understanding the Movies Anywhere Ecosystem
Movies Anywhere acts as a digital library that connects your movie purchases across various participating platforms. It doesn’t directly sell or host movie files. Instead, it grants you access to movies you’ve bought from connected retailers, making them viewable in one central hub. To download movies for offline viewing, you must utilize the apps of the retailers where you originally purchased the films.
Downloading Movies from Connected Retailers: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a breakdown of how to download movies from the most popular Movies Anywhere connected retailers:
Downloading from iTunes (Apple TV)
- Open the Apple TV app: This is where your iTunes movie purchases reside.
- Navigate to your library: Locate the “Library” tab at the bottom of the screen.
- Find the movie you want to download: Browse or search for the specific movie you wish to save offline.
- Tap the download icon: This icon typically resembles a cloud with a downward-pointing arrow. Tapping it will initiate the download process.
- Check the download progress: A progress indicator will appear, allowing you to monitor the download.
- Enjoy offline viewing: Once downloaded, the movie will be available for offline playback within the Apple TV app, even without an internet connection.
Downloading from Google Play Movies & TV
- Open the Google Play Movies & TV app: Ensure you’re logged in with the Google account linked to your Movies Anywhere account.
- Go to your library: Navigate to the “Library” tab.
- Select “Movies”: This will display all the movies in your Google Play library.
- Tap the download icon: Similar to iTunes, look for the download icon (a downward-pointing arrow) next to the movie title.
- Choose your download quality: Some movies offer different download quality options (e.g., standard definition, high definition). Select your preferred quality.
- Monitor the download: A download progress bar will appear.
- Watch offline: Once downloaded, the movie will be available for offline viewing within the Google Play Movies & TV app.
Downloading from Vudu
- Open the Vudu app: Make sure you’re logged in with your Vudu account that’s linked to Movies Anywhere.
- Go to “My Vudu”: This is where your purchased movies are stored.
- Find your movie: Browse or search for the movie you wish to download.
- Tap the “Download” button: Look for the “Download” button next to the movie title.
- Select download quality (optional): Vudu might offer different download quality options. Choose your preferred setting.
- Wait for the download to complete: A progress indicator will show the download status.
- Access your downloads: Go to “My Vudu” and then “Downloads” to find your offline movies.
Downloading from Amazon Prime Video
- Open the Amazon Prime Video app: Ensure you are logged in with the Amazon account linked to Movies Anywhere and that you have an active Prime membership or have purchased the movie.
- Navigate to “My Stuff”: This is where your purchased or rented movies are located.
- Select “Purchases & Rentals”: Filter your library to show only purchased and rented content.
- Find the movie: Browse or search for the film you want to download.
- Tap the download icon: Look for the downward-pointing arrow download icon.
- Choose the download quality: Select your preferred video quality.
- Monitor the download progress: A progress bar will appear during the download.
- Enjoy offline viewing: Once downloaded, access your movie in “My Stuff” under “Downloads”.
Downloading from Microsoft Movies & TV
- Open the Microsoft Movies & TV app: Ensure you’re signed in with your Microsoft account connected to Movies Anywhere.
- Go to your library: Navigate to the “Movies & TV” section and then to your “Collection” or “Purchased” movies.
- Find the movie you want: Browse or search for your desired movie.
- Click the “Download” button: Locate the download icon (usually a downward-pointing arrow).
- Wait for the download to finish: Track the download progress.
- Watch offline: Find the downloaded movie within your “Collection” for offline viewing.
Troubleshooting Download Issues
While downloading movies is generally straightforward, you might encounter occasional issues. Here are some common troubleshooting tips:
- Check your internet connection: Ensure you have a stable and reliable internet connection during the download process.
- Insufficient storage space: Make sure your device has enough available storage space to accommodate the movie file.
- App update required: Ensure you’re using the latest version of the retailer’s app.
- Device compatibility: Confirm that your device is compatible with the retailer’s app and download features.
- DRM restrictions: Some movies may have download restrictions due to digital rights management (DRM) policies.
Movies Anywhere FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Movies Anywhere and downloading content:
FAQ 1: Can I download directly from the Movies Anywhere app?
No. Movies Anywhere acts as a central aggregator. Downloads must be performed through the connected retailer apps like iTunes, Google Play Movies & TV, Vudu, Amazon Prime Video, and Microsoft Movies & TV.
FAQ 2: Are all movies purchased through connected retailers available for download?
Generally, yes. However, some films might be excluded due to studio licensing agreements or other restrictions. Check the availability of a specific title within the retailer’s app.
FAQ 3: How many devices can I download a movie to?
Each retailer has its own device limits. Typically, you can download a movie to multiple devices, but there might be restrictions on simultaneous playback. Check the terms of service for each retailer.
FAQ 4: Can I download movies in 4K resolution?
Yes, if the movie was purchased in 4K and your device supports 4K playback. However, not all retailers offer 4K downloads. Ensure the retailer offers 4K downloads, and your device is compatible.
FAQ 5: Do downloaded movies expire?
Downloaded movies generally do not expire as long as your account remains active and the movie remains in your library. However, rented movies will have an expiration date.
FAQ 6: What happens if a retailer disconnects from Movies Anywhere?
You will still own the movies you purchased from that retailer, but you will only be able to access them through that specific retailer’s app. They will no longer be visible within the Movies Anywhere app.
FAQ 7: Can I share downloaded movies with family members?
Movies Anywhere facilitates family sharing through connected retailers. If a family member is linked to your accounts on participating platforms, they can access your purchased movies, and potentially download them as well, depending on the retailer’s family sharing rules.
FAQ 8: What file format are downloaded movies in?
The file format varies depending on the retailer and the device. They are typically protected video formats designed to prevent unauthorized copying.
FAQ 9: How do I remove a downloaded movie from my device?
Within each retailer’s app, there is usually an option to delete or remove the downloaded movie from your device’s storage. The exact method varies depending on the app.
FAQ 10: What should I do if I am having trouble linking my accounts to Movies Anywhere?
First, ensure you are using the same email address for all your retailer accounts. If problems persist, contact Movies Anywhere customer support for assistance.
FAQ 11: Can I download bonus features or extras associated with a movie?
It depends on the retailer. Some retailers offer bonus features or extras along with the movie, and these might be downloadable. Check the specific movie listing within the retailer’s app.
FAQ 12: Is there a way to download movies in a standard, DRM-free format from Movies Anywhere?
No. Movies Anywhere does not offer DRM-free downloads. All downloads are protected by digital rights management (DRM) to prevent piracy. This is standard practice within the digital movie distribution industry.