Downloading movies you’ve purchased from Amazon Prime Video is surprisingly straightforward, granting you the freedom to enjoy your cinematic treasures offline. While not all titles are downloadable, most digital purchases on Amazon Prime Video can be downloaded for viewing on supported devices using the Amazon Prime Video app. This capability allows you to watch your favorite movies on airplanes, during commutes, or any location without internet access.
Understanding Download Availability
The ability to download purchased movies from Amazon isn’t universal. It’s governed by several factors including studio agreements, licensing rights, and the specific device you’re using. Amazon negotiates download permissions with each content provider individually. This means a movie available for download one week might not be the next, or might be downloadable on one device but not another.
DRM and Download Restrictions
A significant reason for download limitations is Digital Rights Management (DRM). DRM is technology used to protect copyrighted content from unauthorized copying and distribution. Amazon employs DRM to ensure users only watch content they’ve legally acquired. This often restricts the number of devices a downloaded movie can be accessed on and limits the time a downloaded movie remains available before it requires re-authorization (usually through an internet connection).
Downloading on Supported Devices
Downloading movies from Amazon Prime Video is primarily done through the Amazon Prime Video app. The specific steps vary slightly depending on the device.
Downloading on iOS and Android Devices
These are perhaps the most common devices used for offline viewing. Here’s how to download:
- Open the Amazon Prime Video app on your iOS or Android device.
- Locate the movie you want to download. You can find it in your “Purchases & Rentals” section or by searching directly.
- Look for the download icon. This is usually a downward-pointing arrow with a line underneath. It’s typically located near the movie title or within the movie’s details page.
- Tap the download icon. You may be prompted to choose a download quality. Higher quality downloads take up more storage space.
- Wait for the download to complete. You can monitor the progress in the “Downloads” section of the app.
Downloading on Fire Tablets
Fire Tablets offer a similar experience to iOS and Android:
- Open the Prime Video app on your Fire tablet.
- Find the movie you purchased.
- Tap the download icon (the downward arrow).
- Select your desired video quality.
- The download will begin and progress can be monitored in the app’s download section.
Downloading on Windows and Mac Computers (Important Note!)
Amazon stopped supporting downloads to Windows and Mac computers directly through the Prime Video website or app in 2022. This functionality was deprecated to streamline DRM and prevent piracy. While this change is disappointing for some users, it’s a security measure implemented by Amazon to protect content creators and adhere to licensing agreements. It is crucial to be aware of and adhere to the terms of service and copyright laws related to downloaded content.
Managing Your Downloads
Once you’ve downloaded movies, it’s important to manage them effectively.
Finding Your Downloads
In the Prime Video app, there is usually a dedicated “Downloads” section, often found within the app’s menu or settings. This is where you can find all the movies you’ve downloaded.
Deleting Downloads
To free up storage space, you can delete downloaded movies. In the “Downloads” section, you typically have the option to delete individual movies or all downloads at once. The process usually involves tapping a “delete” icon or selecting the movie and choosing a “remove from downloads” option.
Managing Storage Space
Downloaded movies can consume a significant amount of storage space. Regularly check your device’s storage settings to ensure you have enough space for new downloads. Consider deleting movies you’ve already watched or selecting a lower download quality for future downloads.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 12 common questions about downloading purchased Amazon Prime Video movies, along with detailed answers:
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Why can’t I download a specific movie I purchased?
- Download availability is dependent on studio licensing agreements. Some titles simply aren’t available for download. Check the movie’s details page in the app; if there’s no download icon, it’s not downloadable. Additionally, it could be due to regional restrictions or device compatibility issues.
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How many devices can I download a movie to?
- Amazon typically allows downloads to a limited number of devices simultaneously. This number varies, but it’s usually around two or three. Exceeding this limit may result in download restrictions.
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How long do I have to watch a downloaded movie?
- Once you start watching a downloaded movie, you usually have a limited time (typically 48 hours) to finish it before it expires. Even if you haven’t started watching, the download itself may expire after a certain period (e.g., 30 days) if you haven’t connected to the internet to re-authorize.
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Can I download movies to my computer?
- As of 2022, direct downloads to computers via the Prime Video app or website are no longer supported. You must use supported mobile devices or Fire tablets.
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What video quality options are available for downloads?
- Amazon typically offers options such as “Good,” “Better,” and “Best” (or similar variations). “Best” quality downloads offer the highest resolution and detail but require more storage space. “Good” quality is suitable for smaller screens or when storage is limited.
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Does downloading movies cost extra?
- No. Downloading purchased movies doesn’t incur additional charges. You’ve already paid for the digital license. The only cost is the storage space used on your device and any potential data charges if you download over a mobile network.
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Can I watch downloaded movies on my TV?
- You can watch downloaded movies on your TV by connecting your mobile device or Fire tablet to your TV via HDMI cable or by using screen mirroring technologies (e.g., Chromecast or AirPlay, if supported by your device and TV).
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What happens if my Prime membership expires? Does that affect my purchased movies?
- Your Prime membership status does not affect your purchased movies. You own them outright. They are tied to your Amazon account, not your Prime subscription. Expired Prime memberships only impact access to Prime Video content that’s part of the Prime subscription (i.e., included with Prime).
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How do I troubleshoot download errors?
- Common solutions include ensuring you have sufficient storage space, checking your internet connection, restarting the Prime Video app, or restarting your device. Also, ensure your app is updated to the latest version. If problems persist, contact Amazon customer support.
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Can I download movies to an SD card?
- On some Android devices and Fire tablets, you can configure the Prime Video app to download movies to an SD card. This requires enabling SD card storage within the app’s settings.
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Why does my downloaded movie disappear from my device?
- This could be due to several reasons: the download license expired (requiring re-authorization via internet connection), you accidentally deleted the file, your device’s storage became corrupted, or there was a system error.
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What happens to my downloads if I change my Amazon account password?
- Changing your Amazon account password should not automatically delete your downloaded movies. However, it’s always recommended to re-authorize your downloads after a password change by connecting your device to the internet and opening the Prime Video app. This ensures your downloads remain valid and associated with your updated account credentials.
By understanding the factors that govern download availability and following the steps outlined above, you can effectively download and enjoy your purchased Amazon Prime Video movies offline. Remember to manage your downloads efficiently to optimize storage space and adhere to licensing restrictions.