Hulu lets you download TV shows and movies to watch without an internet connection, but only on phones and tablets
Hulu's download feature works on iPhones, iPads, and Android devices. You cannot download to a computer or Roku. Downloaded content stays on your device for a set number of days — usually 30 days from when you start watching, though some titles expire sooner. You need an active Hulu subscription to download, and the app must be installed on your device.
The download button appears next to most shows and movies in the Hulu app, but not all titles support downloading. Newer releases, live TV, and some licensed content cannot be downloaded. If you do not see a download button next to a title, that show or movie is not available for offline viewing on Hulu.
Key Takeaways
- Downloads work only on the Hulu mobile app for iPhone, iPad, and Android — not on computers, web browsers, or streaming devices.
- Look for the download icon (usually a downward arrow) next to the play button on any show or movie detail page.
- Downloaded episodes and movies expire after 30 days from the date you first watch them, though some content expires faster.
- You need enough storage space on your device, and downloads use your phone or tablet's local storage, not cloud storage.
- Downloaded content requires an active Hulu subscription to play — if your subscription lapses, downloaded files become unwatchable.
How to download a show or movie on Hulu
Open the Hulu app on your phone or tablet and search for or navigate to the show or movie you want to download. Tap on the title to open its detail page. Look for a download icon — it usually appears as a downward-pointing arrow next to the play button or in the title's menu. Tap the download icon.
The app will begin downloading the episode or movie to your device. A progress indicator shows how much of the download is complete. Once finished, the download icon changes to show that the content is stored locally. You can now watch it without an internet connection by opening the Hulu app and going to your Downloads section.
For TV series, you can download individual episodes or entire seasons. Tap the download icon next to a single episode to download just that one, or look for a download option on the season page to download multiple episodes at once. Downloading a full season takes longer and uses more storage space than downloading one episode.
Where to find your downloaded content
Open the Hulu app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom of the screen. Select "Downloads" from the menu. Your downloaded shows and movies appear here, organized by title. Tap any title to start watching.
The Downloads section shows how much time remains before each download expires. If a download is about to expire, you will see a countdown — for example, "Expires in 3 days." Once the expiration date passes, the file is automatically removed from your device and you cannot watch it without an internet connection to stream it instead.
Storage space and device requirements
Downloaded content takes up space on your phone or tablet's internal storage. A single episode of a TV show typically uses 300 MB to 1 GB of storage, depending on video quality and episode length. A full movie can use 1 GB to 4 GB. Check your device's available storage before downloading large amounts of content.
You can manage storage by deleting downloaded titles you have already watched. Open the Downloads section, find the title you want to remove, and swipe left (on iPhone) or long-press (on Android) to delete it. This frees up space for new downloads. Deleting a download does not affect your Hulu account — you can download the same title again later if you want.
Expiration dates and subscription requirements
Most downloaded content expires 30 days after you first press play on it. Some titles expire sooner — check the expiration date shown in your Downloads section. Once the expiration date passes, the file is automatically deleted and you cannot watch it offline anymore. You must stream it instead, which requires an internet connection.
Downloaded files only work while your Hulu subscription is active. If your subscription ends or you cancel, downloaded content becomes unplayable even though the files remain on your device. Renewing your subscription makes them playable again. This is different from purchasing content — Hulu downloads are tied to your subscription, not owned by you.
Why some titles cannot be downloaded
Hulu does not allow downloads for live TV, sports events, or breaking news. Recent theatrical releases and some licensed movies also lack download options due to licensing agreements with studios. Premium add-ons like Hulu + Live TV have different download rules than the base Hulu service.
If you want to download a specific show or movie and do not see a download button, that title is not available for offline viewing on Hulu. You can still stream it with an internet connection. Check back later — sometimes Hulu adds download support to titles after their initial release window.
Downloading on different devices
The Hulu app for iPhone and iPad works the same way — search for content, tap the download icon, and access downloads from the menu. Android phones and tablets use the same process. Make sure you have the latest version of the Hulu app installed from the App Store (iPhone/iPad) or Google Play Store (Android).
You cannot download Hulu content to a computer, even though you can watch Hulu through a web browser. Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, and other streaming devices do not support downloads either. If you need offline viewing on a computer, you would need to use a different streaming service that offers computer downloads, such as Netflix or Disney+.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download Hulu content to my computer?
No. Hulu downloads only work on the mobile app for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. You cannot download to a Mac, Windows PC, or web browser. If you want to watch Hulu offline on a computer, you would need to use a different streaming service.
What happens to my downloads if I cancel my Hulu subscription?
Downloaded files remain on your device but become unplayable once your subscription ends. The files are not deleted automatically, but the Hulu app will not let you watch them. If you resubscribe later, the downloads become playable again without needing to re-download them.
How long do downloads stay on my device?
Most downloads expire 30 days after you first watch them. Some titles expire sooner depending on licensing agreements. You can check the exact expiration date in your Downloads section. Once expired, the file is automatically deleted and you cannot watch it offline.
Can I download the same show on multiple devices?
Yes. You can download the same title to an iPhone, iPad, and Android device all at the same time if you want. Each device stores its own copy of the download. Deleting a download from one device does not affect downloads on other devices.
Do downloads use my mobile data?
Yes, downloading uses data from your phone or tablet's internet connection. To avoid using mobile data, connect to Wi-Fi before downloading. Once downloaded, watching the content does not use any data because it plays from your device's local storage.