Download a video directly from the Prime Video app
Open the Prime Video app on your phone or tablet — downloads only work on mobile devices, not on computers or Fire tablets. Find the show or movie you want to download, open it, and look for a download icon (usually a downward-pointing arrow). Tap it, and the app will ask you to pick a video quality: StandardHigh
The download starts immediately and appears in your library under a "Downloads" section. You can watch it anytime without an internet connection. Most downloads finish within a few minutes, though longer movies may take longer depending on your connection speed.
Not every video on Prime has a download button — some titles are only available to stream. If you don't see the download icon next to a title, that particular video cannot be downloaded.
Key Takeaways
- The download button appears on the video's detail page in the Prime Video app on phones and tablets, but not on computers.
- You can choose between Standard quality (smaller file size) and High quality (better picture) before each download starts.
- Downloaded videos stay on your device until you manually delete them, and you can watch them without internet.
- Your Prime membership must stay active to watch downloaded videos — they stop working if your subscription ends.
- Downloaded videos expire after a set period (usually 30 to 48 days depending on the title), and you will need to download them again to keep watching.
Check your device storage before downloading
Before you download, make sure your phone or tablet has enough free space. A Standard-quality download of a two-hour movie typically uses 500 MB to 1 GB of storage. High-quality downloads can use 2 to 4 GB or more. Open your device's Settings app, find Storage or Device Storage, and check how much space is available.
If you are running low on space, delete old downloads you no longer need. Open the Prime Video app, go to Downloads, find a video you have already watched, and swipe left (on iPhone) or long-press (on Android) to remove it. This frees up space immediately.
Understand expiration dates and membership requirements
Downloaded videos do not stay on your device forever. Amazon sets an expiration date on each download — typically 30 to 48 days from the date you downloaded it, though this varies by title. When the expiration date arrives, the video stops playing, and you must download it again if you want to watch it.
Your Prime Video membership must also stay active. If your subscription lapses, all your downloaded videos stop working immediately, even if they have not reached their expiration date. Once you renew your membership, you can download them again and watch normally.
Download videos on Wi-Fi to save mobile data
Downloading over cellular data (4G, 5G, LTE) uses your monthly data allowance quickly, especially for High-quality downloads. If you have a limited data plan, connect to Wi-Fi before downloading. Most homes have Wi-Fi, and many coffee shops, libraries, and airports offer free networks.
You can also change your download settings to prevent accidental downloads over cellular. In the Prime Video app, go to Settings, select Downloads, and toggle off "Download over cellular" or "Download on mobile networks." This forces the app to wait for Wi-Fi before starting any download.
Manage your downloads and free up space
The Downloads section in the Prime Video app shows all your downloaded videos in one place. You can see how much storage each one uses and delete any you no longer need. Swipe left on iPhone or long-press on Android to remove a download.
If you download the same video on multiple devices, each copy takes up storage space on that device. For example, if you download a movie on both your phone and your tablet, you are using storage on both. Delete downloads from devices where you do not plan to watch them to save space.
Troubleshoot downloads that fail or get stuck
If a download stops or fails partway through, first check your internet connection. Move closer to your Wi-Fi router or switch to a stronger network. Then open the Prime Video app and try downloading again — the app usually resumes where it left off rather than starting from the beginning.
If a download keeps failing, restart your phone or tablet completely. Close the Prime Video app, turn off your device for 30 seconds, turn it back on, and try downloading again. If the problem continues, uninstall and reinstall the Prime Video app from your device's app store.
Some videos fail to download because of licensing restrictions in your region. If you see an error message saying the video cannot be downloaded, that title is not available for offline viewing in your location, and there is no way around it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download videos on my computer or Fire tablet?
No. Downloads only work on phones and tablets running the Prime Video app for iOS or Android. Computers and Fire tablets do not support downloads, though you can stream videos on those devices.
What happens to my downloads if I cancel my Prime membership?
Downloaded videos stop playing immediately when your membership ends. They remain on your device taking up storage space, but you cannot watch them. If you reactivate your membership later, you can download them again.
Can I transfer a downloaded video to another device?
No. Downloaded videos are locked to the device where you downloaded them and cannot be moved, copied, or shared. If you want to watch a video on a different phone or tablet, you must download it separately on that device.
How long do I have to watch a downloaded video before it expires?
Most titles expire 30 to 48 days after you download them, though some may be shorter or longer. The Prime Video app shows the expiration date on each download. When it expires, you must download the video again to keep watching.
Why does the download button not appear on some videos?
Some titles on Prime Video are not available for download due to licensing agreements with studios. If you do not see a download icon, that video can only be streamed online and cannot be saved to your device.