Amazon Prime Video lets you download films to your device, but only certain titles and only to the Prime Video app

Not every film on Amazon Prime Video can be downloaded. The studio that owns the film decides whether downloading is allowed, and those rules vary by title. When a film is downloadable, you'll see a download icon (usually a downward arrow) next to the play button on its details page. If you don't see that icon, the film cannot be downloaded to your device.

Downloads work only in the official Prime Video app on phones, tablets, and some Fire devices. You cannot download films through a web browser, and downloads don't work on smart TVs or streaming sticks. The downloaded film stays on your device for a set period — usually 30 days from when you download it, or 48 hours after you first press play, whichever comes first. After that time, the file deletes itself automatically.

You need an active Prime membership to download, and your device must connect to the internet at least once every 30 days to keep the downloads valid. If your subscription lapses, your downloads stop working even if the files are still on your device.

Key Takeaways

  • Download buttons appear only on films the studio allows — if you don't see a download icon on the film's page, that title cannot be downloaded.
  • Downloads only work in the Prime Video app on phones, tablets, and Fire devices, not through a browser or on smart TVs.
  • Downloaded films expire automatically after 30 days or 48 hours of first playback, whichever comes first.
  • Your device must connect to the internet at least once every 30 days to keep downloads working, and you must have an active Prime membership.

How to download a film step by step

Open the Prime Video app on your phone or tablet. Search for or navigate to the film you want to download. On the film's details page, look for the download icon — it looks like a downward-pointing arrow, usually positioned to the right of the play button or in a menu of options.

Tap the download icon. The app will ask you to choose a video quality: typically Standard or High. Standard quality uses less storage space on your device; High quality looks sharper but takes up more room. Select your preferred quality, and the download begins. You'll see a progress bar showing how much of the film has downloaded. Most films take a few minutes to an hour depending on file size and your internet speed.

Once the download finishes, the download icon changes to show a checkmark or filled-in arrow. The film now appears in your library under a "Downloads" section or tab. You can watch it anytime without an internet connection, as long as the download hasn't expired.

Storage space and quality trade-offs

Standard quality typically uses 0.5 to 1.5 gigabytes per film, while High quality can use 2 to 4 gigabytes or more depending on the film's length and resolution. A phone with 64 gigabytes of storage might hold 40 to 80 standard-quality films, or 15 to 30 high-quality films, accounting for space your other apps and files need.

If your device is running low on storage, you can delete downloaded films manually to free up space. Open the Prime Video app, find the film in your Downloads section, and select the option to remove it. The film stays in your Prime Video library — you can download it again later if you want.

What happens when a download expires

The 30-day countdown starts the moment you download the film. If you download a film but never watch it, it expires and deletes itself after 30 days. If you start watching it, the 48-hour timer begins from that first play, and whichever limit comes first — 30 days or 48 hours after you press play — is when the file removes itself.

When a download expires, you see a message in the app saying the download is no longer available. You can download the same film again if you want to watch it, as long as your Prime membership is active and the studio still allows downloads for that title.

Keeping downloads valid on your device

Your device must connect to the internet at least once every 30 days for your downloads to remain playable. This doesn't mean you need to be online to watch the film — you only need to connect once a month so Prime Video can verify your membership is still active. If your device stays offline for more than 30 days, the downloaded films stop working until you connect to the internet again.

If your Prime membership ends, all your downloads stop working immediately, even if the files are still on your device. Renewing your membership reactivates them. If you cancel your membership and don't renew within a certain period, the files may delete themselves, depending on your device and Amazon's policies at that time.

Devices that support Prime Video downloads

The Prime Video app on iPhones and iPads supports downloads. On Android phones and tablets, downloads work in the official Prime Video app. Fire tablets (Fire 7, Fire HD 8, Fire HD 10, and newer models) support downloads. Kindle e-readers do not support video downloads.

Computers, smart TVs, streaming sticks like Fire TV Stick, and web browsers cannot download films. If you want to watch Prime Video offline on a computer, you would need to download the film to a phone or tablet first, then watch it there.

Troubleshooting download problems

If the download button doesn't appear on a film you want to download, the studio has not allowed downloads for that title. There's no way around this — you can only watch it while connected to the internet. Some films become downloadable later if the studio changes its policy, so you can check back periodically.

If a download starts but stops or fails, check your internet connection and make sure you have enough storage space on your device. Close other apps running in the background, then try downloading again. If the problem continues, try signing out of the Prime Video app and signing back in, then attempt the download once more.

If a downloaded film won't play, the download may have expired or your membership may have lapsed. Check the expiration date shown in the app, and verify your Prime membership is current. If the download is still valid and your membership is active, try deleting the film and downloading it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I download films to watch on a plane or during travel?

Yes, that's one of the main reasons to download. Once a film is downloaded, you can watch it without internet. Just remember the 30-day and 48-hour expiration rules — if you're traveling for longer than 48 hours after you first press play, the film will expire before you return home.

What's the difference between Standard and High quality downloads?

High quality has better picture sharpness and uses more storage space — typically two to three times as much as Standard. On a phone screen, many people don't notice the difference, but on a larger tablet screen, High quality looks noticeably better. Choose based on your device size and how much storage you have available.

If I download a film, can other people on my account watch it?

Downloads are tied to the device and the account that downloaded them. If someone else on your household account signs into the same device, they can watch your downloads. But if they use a different device, they would need to download the film themselves to that device.

Do I need to stay subscribed to Prime Video to keep watching my downloads?

Yes. Your membership must stay active for downloads to work. The app checks this at least once every 30 days when your device connects to the internet. If your subscription ends, your downloads stop playing until you renew.

Can I download films to my computer?

The Prime Video website and Windows or Mac apps do not support downloads. You can only download through the mobile app on phones and tablets, or on Fire tablets. If you need offline viewing on a computer, you would need to download to a phone or tablet first.