Amazon Prime lets you download some movies to your device, but not all of them

Amazon Prime Video offers a download feature that works on phones, tablets, and some Fire devices. When you download a movie, you can watch it without an internet connection — useful for travel, commutes, or places where your connection is unreliable. The catch: not every movie in the Prime catalog supports downloading. Studios and rights holders decide which titles allow it, so availability varies by title and sometimes by region.

The download stays on your device for a limited time — usually 30 days from when you download it, or 48 hours after you start watching it, whichever comes first. Once that window closes, the file deletes itself automatically. You cannot transfer downloaded movies to other devices or keep them permanently.

Key Takeaways

  • Open the Amazon Prime Video app on your phone or tablet, find the movie you want, and tap the download icon (usually a downward arrow) if it appears next to the title.
  • Downloaded movies expire after 30 days or 48 hours of playback, whichever comes first, and the file removes itself automatically.
  • Not all movies support downloading — if you do not see a download button, that title cannot be saved to your device.
  • Downloaded content uses storage space on your device; check your available space before downloading multiple movies.

Finding the download button in the Prime Video app

Open the Amazon Prime Video app on your phone or tablet. Search for or browse to the movie you want to download. On the movie's detail page, look for a downward-pointing arrow icon — this is the download button. It usually appears near the play button or in a menu of options.

If you do not see a download icon, that movie does not support offline viewing. This is a rights restriction, not a technical limitation, so there is no workaround. You can still stream it online if you have an internet connection.

What happens when you tap download

Tap the download icon. The app begins transferring the movie file to your device's storage. The download happens in the background, so you can close the app or use your phone for other things while it works. A progress indicator shows how much of the file has transferred.

Download speed depends on your internet connection. A two-hour movie typically takes 5 to 15 minutes on a standard home Wi-Fi network, though this varies. Downloading over cellular data is possible but uses significant data — expect 500 MB to 2 GB per movie depending on video quality.

Watching your downloaded movie

Once the download finishes, go to the Downloads section of the Prime Video app. You will see all your downloaded content listed there. Tap the movie to play it. You do not need an internet connection to watch downloaded movies, though the app may check your account status occasionally.

The movie plays in the same video player as streaming content. You can pause, rewind, and adjust subtitles the same way. Downloaded movies respect the same parental controls and account restrictions as streamed content.

Understanding expiration and storage limits

Downloaded movies have two expiration timers running at once. The first is 30 days from the download date — after 30 days, the file deletes automatically whether you have watched it or not. The second is 48 hours from when you first press play — after 48 hours of playback time, the file deletes. Whichever limit you hit first determines when the movie disappears.

Downloaded files take up storage space on your device. A typical movie uses 500 MB to 2 GB depending on video quality and length. Check your device's available storage before downloading multiple titles. If your device runs low on space, the Prime Video app may warn you or prevent new downloads until you free up room.

Devices that support downloading

The download feature works on iPhones, iPads, Android phones, and Android tablets running current versions of the Prime Video app. It also works on Amazon Fire tablets and Fire TV devices. Downloading does not work on web browsers, smart TVs, or streaming devices like Roku or Apple TV.

If you want to watch offline on a device that does not support downloads, your only option is to stream the content while connected to the internet. Some devices allow screen mirroring or casting, but this still requires an active connection.

Troubleshooting common download problems

If the download button does not appear, the title does not support offline viewing. This is permanent and cannot be changed. Try searching for an alternative version of the same movie — sometimes different editions or releases have different download permissions.

If a download stalls or fails, close the Prime Video app completely and restart it. Delete the partial download and try again. Make sure you have a stable internet connection and at least 2 GB of free storage space. If the problem persists, uninstall and reinstall the Prime Video app.

If a downloaded movie disappears before the 30-day window, you may have hit the 48-hour playback limit. The timer starts when you first press play, not when you download. If you want to watch it again, download it a second time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I download movies to watch on a different device later?

No. Downloaded movies stay on the device where you downloaded them. You cannot transfer them to another phone, tablet, or computer. If you want to watch on a different device, you must download it again on that device.

What if my download expires before I finish watching?

If the 30-day window closes while you are watching, the file deletes after your current playback session ends. You can download the movie again if you want to continue watching it, but you start from the beginning.

Do downloaded movies use my Prime membership?

Yes. You must have an active Prime Video subscription to download movies, and the download respects the same content restrictions as streaming. If your membership ends, downloaded movies become unwatchable.

Can I download movies in different video qualities?

The Prime Video app chooses video quality automatically based on your device and available storage. You cannot manually select HD, 4K, or standard definition before downloading. Larger files take longer to transfer and use more storage space.

What happens if I delete a downloaded movie and want to watch it again?

You can download it again at any time, as long as your Prime membership is active and the title still supports downloading. There is no limit to how many times you can download the same movie.