Downloading shows from Hulu requires a Hulu subscription with the download feature
Not every Hulu subscription includes the ability to download shows. You need either the ad-supported plan with the download add-on, or the ad-free plan — both of which cost extra compared to Hulu's basic tier. Once you have the right subscription, you can download episodes directly to your phone or tablet using the Hulu app, then watch them without an internet connection.
Downloads work only on mobile devices running the Hulu app. You cannot download shows on a web browser or on a TV. The downloaded files stay on your device for a limited time — usually 30 days from when you download them, though some content expires sooner. After that window closes, the file deletes automatically and you need to download it again if you want to watch it offline.
Key Takeaways
- Hulu's ad-supported plan with the download add-on and the ad-free plan both include download capability; the basic ad-supported plan does not.
- Downloads only work on the Hulu mobile app for iPhone, iPad, or Android — not on web browsers or streaming devices.
- Downloaded episodes expire and delete automatically after 30 days, so you cannot keep them permanently on your device.
- To download, open the show or episode in the Hulu app, tap the download icon, and wait for the file to finish saving before closing the app.
- Downloaded content uses storage space on your phone or tablet, so check how much free space you have before downloading multiple shows.
Check your Hulu subscription plan first
Open the Hulu app on your phone or tablet and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Select "Account" and then look for your current plan name. If you see "With Ads" or "No Ads" followed by "Download Add-On" or similar language, you have download access. If your plan says only "With Ads" or "No Ads" with no mention of downloads, you do not have this feature yet.
To add the download feature, stay in your Account settings and select "Manage Plan" or "Subscription". Hulu will show you the available plans and their prices. The download add-on typically costs a few dollars per month on top of your current subscription. Choose the plan you want and follow the prompts to update your payment method. The change takes effect immediately, and you can start downloading right away.
Find a show or episode that can be downloaded
Not every title on Hulu is available for download. Licensing agreements with studios and networks determine which shows and movies you can save offline. Search for a show you want to watch and open its page. Look for a download icon — usually a downward-pointing arrow or a cloud with an arrow — next to the episode title or the play button.
If you do not see a download icon, that content is not available for offline viewing. This is common with newer releases, live sports, and some licensed content. Try searching for a different show, or check back later — Hulu sometimes adds download access to titles over time. You can still watch these shows on Hulu with an internet connection; you just cannot save them to your device.
Download an episode step by step
Open the Hulu app and navigate to the show you want to download. Tap on the episode you want to save. On the episode details screen, look for the download icon — it usually appears near the play button or in the top right corner of the screen. Tap it once.
Hulu will begin downloading the episode to your device. A progress bar or percentage will appear next to the download icon, showing how much of the file has been saved. Do not close the Hulu app while the download is in progress, as this may interrupt it. Depending on your internet speed and the episode length, the download can take anywhere from a few seconds to a few minutes. Once the progress bar disappears and the download icon changes appearance (often to a checkmark or filled-in icon), the episode is ready to watch offline.
Access your downloaded shows and manage storage
To find your downloaded episodes, open the Hulu app and tap the profile icon in the bottom right. Select "Downloads" or look for a Downloads section in the main menu — the exact location varies slightly between iPhone and Android. You will see a list of all episodes you have downloaded. Tap any episode to start playing it, whether or not you have an internet connection.
Downloaded files take up storage space on your phone or tablet. If you download many full seasons, you may run low on available space. To delete a downloaded episode and free up space, find it in your Downloads list, tap and hold it (or swipe it, depending on your device), and select "Delete" or "Remove Download". The episode will be removed from your device, but you can download it again later if you want to watch it once more before the 30-day window closes.
Understand expiration and re-download limits
Downloaded episodes automatically delete from your device 30 days after you download them. This is a licensing restriction, not a Hulu error. You do not need to do anything — the file simply disappears. If you want to watch the episode again after it expires, you can download it once more, as long as your subscription remains active and the show is still available on Hulu.
Some content has a shorter expiration window than 30 days. Live events, sports, and certain licensed shows may expire in 7 days or less. When you download an episode, Hulu displays the expiration date on the download details screen, so you know exactly when it will disappear. Plan your viewing around these dates if you are downloading time-sensitive content.
Troubleshoot common download problems
If a download keeps failing or gets stuck, first check your internet connection. A weak or unstable connection can interrupt downloads. Move closer to your Wi-Fi router or switch to a stronger network, then try downloading again. If the download still fails, close the Hulu app completely and reopen it. This refreshes the app and often clears temporary glitches.
If you see a message that says the show cannot be downloaded, the content is not available for offline viewing in your region or on your device type. Some shows are only downloadable on certain devices — for example, an episode might be downloadable on iPhone but not on Android, or vice versa. Try downloading a different episode or show to confirm your subscription has download access. If other shows download fine but one specific show does not, that title simply is not available for download.
If you have plenty of free storage space but downloads are running very slowly, restart your device. Close all other apps that might be using your internet connection, such as video streaming apps or large file transfers. Downloads typically run faster on Wi-Fi than on cellular data, so switch to Wi-Fi if you are currently on mobile data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download Hulu shows on my computer or TV?
No. The Hulu app only supports downloads on phones and tablets running iOS or Android. You cannot download on a web browser, computer, or TV. If you want to watch Hulu offline on other devices, you would need to watch the downloaded episode on your phone or tablet and then transfer it, which Hulu does not officially support.
What happens if my Hulu subscription expires?
Downloaded episodes will no longer play once your subscription ends. The files remain on your device, but the Hulu app will not let you open them without an active subscription. If you reactivate your subscription later, you can watch the downloaded episodes again without re-downloading them.
Do downloaded shows use a lot of battery?
Playing a downloaded episode uses less battery than streaming the same episode over the internet, since your device is not constantly communicating with Hulu's servers. However, the battery drain is similar to watching any other video file on your phone or tablet. Brightness, screen timeout settings, and background app activity have a bigger effect on battery life than whether the video is downloaded or streamed.
Can I share downloaded episodes with someone else?
No. Downloaded episodes are tied to your Hulu account and device. Someone else cannot watch a downloaded episode on your phone unless they log into your Hulu account on that device. Sharing your login credentials violates Hulu's terms of service.
Why is the download icon grayed out or missing?
This usually means either your subscription does not include downloads, or that specific show is not available for download. Check your subscription plan in Account settings. If your plan includes downloads but the icon is still missing, the content may not be available in your region, or Hulu may not have download rights for that particular episode.