Hulu lets you download episodes to your phone or tablet, but only if you have a paid subscription that includes the download feature
Not all Hulu plans support downloads. The basic ad-supported plan does not allow downloads at all. If you have Hulu with ads, Hulu (No Ads), or Hulu + Live TV, you can download episodes — but the feature works only on the Hulu mobile app for iPhone, iPad, or Android devices. You cannot download to a computer or web browser, and you cannot download from live TV channels.
Downloaded episodes stay on your device for a set amount of time. Most shows let you keep a download for 30 days, though some content has shorter windows. Once you start watching a downloaded episode, you typically have 48 hours to finish it before it expires. After that, you need to download it again or stream it online.
Key Takeaways
- Download is available only on the Hulu mobile app for iPhone, iPad, or Android — not on computers or the web version.
- Your Hulu plan must be Hulu (No Ads), Hulu with ads, or Hulu + Live TV; the basic ad-supported plan does not include downloads.
- Downloaded episodes expire after 30 days, or 48 hours after you start watching, whichever comes first.
- You need an active internet connection to download; once downloaded, you can watch offline without reconnecting.
Check your Hulu plan before you try to download
Open the Hulu app on your phone or tablet and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Select "Account" and then "Subscription" to see which plan you have. If you see "Hulu (With Ads)" or "Hulu (No Ads)" listed, downloads are available to you. If your plan says "Hulu (With Ads) — Limited Ads" or you have only the basic tier, you will not see a download option when you try to save an episode.
If your plan does not support downloads and you want the feature, you can change your subscription through the Account menu. Hulu will show you which plans include downloads and what the price difference is.
How to download an episode on the Hulu app
Open the Hulu app and find the show or movie you want to download. Tap on the episode or title to open its details page. Look for a download icon — it looks like a downward-pointing arrow inside a circle. Tap that icon, and Hulu will begin downloading the episode to your device.
The download will use your current internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data). Downloading over mobile data will count toward your phone's data limit, so use Wi-Fi when possible. A small progress indicator will show while the download is in progress. Once it finishes, the download icon will change to show a checkmark or a filled circle, meaning the episode is ready to watch offline.
You can download multiple episodes at once. Go through each episode you want and tap the download icon for each one. Hulu will queue them and download them in the background.
Where to find your downloaded episodes
Tap the profile icon in the bottom right of the Hulu app and select "Downloads." This shows all the episodes and movies you have saved to your device. You can watch them from this list without an internet connection. The list also shows how much time each download has left before it expires.
Downloaded content takes up storage space on your phone or tablet. If you are running low on storage, you can delete a download by swiping left on it (iPhone) or long-pressing it (Android) and selecting delete. You can always download it again later if you want to watch it.
What happens when a download expires
Hulu shows you an expiration date next to each download in your Downloads list. Most shows expire 30 days after you download them. If you start watching before the expiration date, the 48-hour timer begins — you have 48 hours from when you press play to finish watching before the download becomes unwatchable.
When a download expires, you cannot watch it offline anymore. You will need to download it again if you want to watch it, or you can stream it online if you have an internet connection. Some licensed content has shorter expiration windows than 30 days, so check the expiration date shown in your Downloads list.
Troubleshooting downloads that do not work
If the download icon does not appear when you tap on an episode, the content may not be available for download. Some shows, movies, and live TV content cannot be downloaded even if your plan supports it. This is usually because of licensing restrictions from the content provider.
If a download starts but gets stuck, check your internet connection. A weak Wi-Fi signal or interrupted connection can pause or fail a download. Move closer to your router or switch to a stronger network. You can also try closing the Hulu app completely and opening it again — this sometimes resumes a stalled download.
If you have plenty of storage space but downloads are failing, try uninstalling and reinstalling the Hulu app. This clears out any corrupted files that might be blocking downloads. Log back in with your Hulu account, and your subscription information will sync automatically.
Storage and data considerations for downloads
Each episode takes up between 300 MB and 1 GB of storage depending on the video quality and length. A full season of a typical show can use 5 to 10 GB. Check how much free space your phone or tablet has before downloading a lot of content. You can see your device's storage in your phone's Settings app.
Downloading uses your internet connection, so if you have a limited data plan, download over Wi-Fi only. A single episode can use 300 MB to 1 GB of data depending on quality. Hulu does not have a setting to limit download quality, so the app downloads at whatever quality your device and connection support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download Hulu content on my computer?
No. Downloads are only available on the Hulu mobile app for iPhone, iPad, and Android. The web version and desktop app do not have a download feature. If you want to watch Hulu offline on a computer, you would need to stream it while connected to the internet.
What if my downloaded episode expires before I finish watching it?
Once a download expires, you cannot watch it offline. You will need to download it again or stream it online. If you are in the middle of watching and the 48-hour window is about to close, finish watching before the time runs out, or you will have to download it again to continue.
Do downloaded episodes use data when I watch them offline?
No. Once an episode is downloaded to your device, watching it uses no internet connection and no data. You can watch downloaded content on an airplane, in a location with no signal, or anywhere without Wi-Fi or mobile service.
Can I download live TV shows from Hulu + Live TV?
No. The download feature works only with on-demand shows and movies in the Hulu library. Live TV broadcasts and recorded programs from your DVR cannot be downloaded. You can only stream those while connected to the internet.
How do I delete a download to free up space?
Open your Downloads list, find the episode or movie you want to remove, and swipe left on it (iPhone) or long-press it (Android). Select delete or remove. The file will be erased from your device immediately, and you can download it again anytime.