Tubi does not have a built-in download feature for most viewers

Tubi, the free ad-supported streaming service, does not offer an official way to download movies to your phone, tablet, or computer for offline viewing. The platform is designed for streaming only — you watch while connected to the internet, and the video plays from Tubi's servers rather than from your device's storage.

This is true across Tubi's apps for iOS, Android, Roku, Fire TV, and web browsers. If you want to watch a Tubi movie without an internet connection, you will need to use a method outside Tubi's official tools, or you can check whether the same movie is available through another service that does offer downloads.

Key Takeaways

  • Tubi's official apps and website do not include a download option, so you cannot save movies directly through the platform.
  • Some third-party screen recording tools can capture video from Tubi, but this may violate Tubi's terms of service and copyright law depending on your location and the content.
  • Many movies available on Tubi are also on other free or paid services that do support downloads, such as Pluto TV, Plex, or your library's digital collection.
  • Streaming Tubi over a mobile data connection uses significant bandwidth, so downloading from an alternative source is often more practical than recording.

Why Tubi does not offer downloads

Tubi licenses movies from studios and independent filmmakers under agreements that typically do not include offline viewing rights. The studio or filmmaker controls what Tubi can do with the content, and most licensing deals for free ad-supported services restrict downloads to protect the copyright holder's control over the work.

This is the same reason most free streaming services — including Pluto TV, Freevee, and Peacock's free tier — do not offer downloads. Paid services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video can negotiate download rights because they pay higher licensing fees. Tubi's business model depends on keeping costs low, which means accepting more restrictions on what viewers can do with the content.

Recording Tubi video with screen capture tools

Third-party screen recording software can capture video and audio from Tubi while you watch. On Windows, built-in tools like the Xbox Game Bar (press Windows key + G) or third-party programs like OBS Studio can record your screen. On Mac, QuickTime Player has a screen recording feature. On Android and iOS, both operating systems include native screen recording — swipe down from the top on Android and swipe down from the top-right corner on iPhone to find the screen record button.

However, recording Tubi content raises legal concerns. Tubi's terms of service prohibit downloading or recording movies without permission. Additionally, most movies on Tubi are protected by copyright, and recording them may violate copyright law in your country, even for personal use. The legality depends on your location, the specific content, and how you use the recording. Before recording, understand that you are responsible for complying with both Tubi's terms and your local copyright laws.

Finding the same movies on services with download options

Many films available on Tubi are also on other platforms that do support downloads. Check your local library's digital collection first — most public libraries offer free access to services like Hoopla, Kanopy, or Libby, all of which let you download movies to your device. These services are free if you have a library card, and the content is already licensed for offline viewing.

Plex is another free option with a large catalog of older films and independent movies. It allows downloads on mobile devices. Pluto TV, also free and ad-supported like Tubi, does not officially support downloads but has a smaller catalog overall. Paid services like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play let you rent or buy individual movies with download rights, typically for $3 to $6 per film.

Streaming Tubi without downloading

If you want to watch Tubi movies away from home without downloading, you can stream over a mobile data connection, but this uses significant bandwidth — roughly 1 GB per hour for standard definition and 3 GB per hour for HD. If your phone plan has limited data, this can be expensive. Downloading from an alternative source is usually more practical.

Another option is to watch Tubi at home on a device connected to Wi-Fi, then plan your offline activities around that. Many people use Tubi as a casual browsing service rather than for intentional offline viewing, since the catalog is large and constantly changing.

What to do if you need a specific movie offline

If a particular movie matters to you and you need it offline, start by searching your library's digital services. If it is not there, search Plex, Hoopla, or Kanopy. If none of those have it, check whether you can rent or buy it on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, or Google Play. These paid options are usually cheaper than the data cost of streaming the same movie multiple times over mobile data.

If the movie is only on Tubi and you need it offline, you have reached the limit of what Tubi's service model allows. Recording it yourself carries legal risk and is not recommended. In that case, accepting that you will watch it only when you have an internet connection is the safest choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I download Tubi movies on my phone or tablet?

No. Tubi's official apps for iOS and Android do not include a download feature. The service is designed for streaming only, and the licensing agreements Tubi has with studios do not permit downloads.

Is it legal to record Tubi movies with screen recording software?

Recording Tubi content violates Tubi's terms of service. Whether it violates copyright law depends on your location and local fair use rules. In most countries, recording copyrighted movies for personal use is not permitted. The safest approach is to assume it is not legal without consulting a lawyer familiar with your country's copyright law.

What free services let me download movies legally?

Your public library's digital collection is the best option — services like Hoopla and Kanopy let you download movies for free with a library card. Plex also offers free downloads on mobile devices. Both have smaller catalogs than Tubi but do not require payment.

How much data does streaming Tubi use?

Streaming uses roughly 1 GB per hour for standard definition and 3 GB per hour for HD video. If your phone plan has limited data, streaming Tubi repeatedly can add up quickly. Downloading from a service that supports it, or watching over Wi-Fi, is more economical.

If a movie is on Tubi, is it on other services too?

Often, yes. Many older films and independent movies appear on multiple free and paid services. Check your library first, then Plex, then paid rental services. Tubi's catalog overlaps significantly with other platforms, so the movie you want may be downloadable elsewhere.