Where to get CapCut and what device you need

CapCut is a free video editing app made by ByteDance. You can download it on iPhone, Android phones, Mac, or Windows computers. The steps differ slightly depending on what you're using, but the process is straightforward on all of them.

Before you start, make sure your device has enough storage space — CapCut takes up roughly 200 to 400 MB depending on your device type. If you're on an older phone or computer, check that your operating system is recent enough. iPhone users need iOS 14 or later; Android users need Android 5.0 or later; Mac users need macOS 10.15 or later; Windows users need Windows 7 or later.

Key Takeaways

  • CapCut is a free video editor available on iPhone, Android, Mac, and Windows, downloaded from the official app store for your device.
  • On iPhone, open the App Store, search for CapCut, and tap Get; on Android, use Google Play Store and tap Install.
  • On Mac, download CapCut from the Mac App Store; on Windows, download it from the Microsoft Store or from CapCut's official website.
  • After download completes, CapCut opens with a blank project — you do not need to create an account to start editing, though you can sign in to save projects to the cloud.
  • If the download fails or stalls, restart your device and try again; if the app crashes after installation, uninstall it and download a fresh copy.

Downloading CapCut on iPhone

Open the App Store on your iPhone. Tap the search icon at the bottom of the screen (it looks like a magnifying glass). Type "CapCut" in the search box and tap Search.

When CapCut appears in the results, tap the cloud icon with a downward arrow next to it. If you see a price instead of that icon, you have found a different app — scroll down and look for the one that says "CapCut" with ByteDance listed as the developer. Your phone will ask you to confirm with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password. Complete that step, and the download begins. The icon will show a progress circle as it installs. Once it finishes, the button changes to "Open" — tap it to launch CapCut for the first time.

Downloading CapCut on Android

Open Google Play Store on your Android phone. Tap the search icon at the bottom (it looks like a magnifying glass). Type "CapCut" and tap Search.

The official CapCut app shows ByteDance as the developer. Tap the app name or icon to open its page. Tap the "Install" button. Your phone may ask for permission to access your storage and camera — tap "Allow" or "Accept" to proceed. The download and installation happen automatically. Once finished, the button changes to "Open" — tap it to start using CapCut.

Downloading CapCut on Mac

Open the Mac App Store (you can find it in Applications or search for it using Spotlight). Click the search icon in the top right corner. Type "CapCut" and press Enter.

Click the CapCut result made by ByteDance. Click the "Get" button. Your Mac will ask you to sign in with your Apple ID. Complete that step, and the download begins. The button will show a progress indicator. Once installation finishes, the button changes to "Open" — click it to launch CapCut.

Downloading CapCut on Windows

You have two options on Windows. The easiest is to use the Microsoft Store. Open the Microsoft Store app (search for it in your Start menu). Click the search box at the top and type "CapCut". Click the official CapCut app by ByteDance. Click the "Install" button. The download and installation happen automatically. Once finished, click "Launch" to open CapCut.

If you prefer not to use the Microsoft Store, you can download CapCut directly from ByteDance's website. Go to capcut.com in your web browser, look for the Windows download link, and click it. A file will download to your computer — usually to your Downloads folder. Double-click the file to run the installer, then follow the on-screen prompts to complete the installation. Once finished, CapCut will appear in your Start menu and on your desktop.

What happens after you download CapCut

When you open CapCut for the first time, you see a blank project screen with options to create a new video or import existing footage. You do not need to create an account or sign in to start editing — the app works immediately. If you want to save your projects to the cloud so you can access them from another device, you can sign in with an email, phone number, or social media account, but this is optional.

CapCut stores your projects on your device by default. If you close the app and reopen it, your recent projects appear in the home screen. If you uninstall CapCut without backing up your projects, they will be deleted, so consider signing in if you are working on something you want to keep.

Troubleshooting download and installation problems

If the download stalls or fails, the most common fix is to restart your device and try again. Close the app store completely, restart your phone or computer, then open the store and attempt the download once more. This clears temporary files that sometimes interfere with installation.

If CapCut crashes immediately after you open it, uninstall it completely and download a fresh copy. On iPhone or Android, hold down the app icon and select "Remove App" or "Uninstall", then confirm. On Mac, drag CapCut from Applications to the Trash and empty the Trash. On Windows, go to Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, find CapCut, and click "Uninstall". After uninstalling, download CapCut again using the steps above. A fresh installation usually resolves crash problems.

If you see a message that your device does not have enough storage space, you will need to delete other files or apps to make room. On phones, check your Photos or Downloads folder for videos or files you no longer need. On computers, empty your Trash or Recycle Bin and consider moving large video files to an external drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for CapCut?

No. CapCut is free to download and use on all devices. There are no hidden charges or premium features you must pay to unlock. You can edit and export videos without spending money.

Can I download CapCut on a tablet?

Yes. iPad users can download CapCut from the App Store using the same steps as iPhone. Android tablet users can download it from Google Play Store. The app works the same way on tablets as on phones.

What if CapCut is not showing up in my app store search?

CapCut may not be available in all countries or regions. If you cannot find it in your app store, your location may be restricted. You can also try searching for "CapCut - Video Editor" (with the full name) instead of just "CapCut". If it still does not appear, check that your device's operating system is up to date.

Will downloading CapCut slow down my phone or computer?

CapCut uses storage space and memory while it is running, but it should not significantly slow down your device. If your phone or computer is already running slowly, closing other apps before using CapCut can help. Restarting your device periodically also helps it run faster.

Can I use CapCut offline?

Yes. CapCut works without an internet connection once it is installed. You only need internet to sign in, save projects to the cloud, or download templates. Basic editing and exporting work offline.