How to Download Movies and Shows on Hulu: A Comprehensive Guide
Hulu has become a staple for many seeking on-demand entertainment, boasting a vast library of movies, TV shows, and original content. While streaming is the primary way to enjoy Hulu, there are times when downloading content for offline viewing is incredibly convenient. Whether you’re planning a long flight, commuting in an area with spotty internet, or simply want to save data, knowing how to download from Hulu is a valuable skill. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about downloading content on Hulu, from the requirements to detailed step-by-step instructions.
## Understanding Hulu Download Features and Limitations
Before diving into the how-to, it’s essential to understand the limitations and nuances of Hulu’s download feature. Not all Hulu subscriptions and content are created equal when it comes to downloading.
### Hulu (No Ads) Plan Requirement
Firstly, downloading content is **exclusively available** to subscribers on the **Hulu (No Ads) plan**. If you have the standard Hulu plan with ads, you won’t have the download option. This is a crucial difference and a primary reason why many users opt for the ad-free version. Unfortunately, even with the Hulu (No Ads) plan, you cannot download content if you also have a live TV package in your plan; the download feature is simply not available when you have live TV included in your subscription.
### Supported Devices
Downloads are only accessible on **supported mobile devices**, specifically:
* **iOS Devices:** iPhones, iPads, and iPod Touch running iOS 13 or later.
* **Android Devices:** Smartphones and tablets running Android 5.0 or later.
Currently, you cannot download content on smart TVs, web browsers, or other streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, or game consoles. This is a key restriction to keep in mind.
### Downloadable Content Availability
Not all titles available on Hulu can be downloaded. Download rights are dictated by licensing agreements, and some content may be restricted. While Hulu’s selection of downloadable shows and movies is continually growing, always check for the download icon before you assume a title is available offline. Usually, the download icon is a small arrow pointing downwards above a line.
### Download Limits and Expiration
Hulu imposes limits on how many downloads you can have at once, and how long downloads last. Typically:
* **Simultaneous Downloads:** You can typically download up to 25 titles across all your registered mobile devices at a time. Once you reach this limit you will have to delete existing downloads to make space for new ones.
* **Download Expiration:** Downloaded content usually expires within 30 days of downloading. Furthermore, once you start watching a downloaded title, you typically have 48 hours to complete it before it expires. Keep in mind that some titles may have shorter expiration periods than others.
### Geographic Restrictions
Like streaming, downloads are restricted by geographic location. If you are travelling outside of your home region, then you will not be able to access downloads while you are outside of your home region. Downloads are for use only in the area of your billing zip code.
## Preparing for Downloads: Pre-requisites
Before you start downloading your favorite shows, there are a few pre-requisites you’ll want to take care of:
1. **Hulu (No Ads) Subscription:** Ensure you have an active Hulu (No Ads) subscription. This is non-negotiable for accessing the download feature. If you do not have this subscription, you will not see the option to download any titles in the Hulu app.
2. **Supported Device:** Use an iOS or Android device running a compatible operating system version as mentioned above. Downloads are not available on any other platform than these two mobile platforms.
3. **Hulu App:** Make sure you have the latest version of the Hulu app installed on your mobile device. Check for updates in the App Store (for iOS) or Google Play Store (for Android).
4. **Sufficient Storage:** Verify that your device has sufficient storage space to accommodate your downloads. The file sizes of videos can vary, with movies typically being larger than episodes of TV series. You can check your available storage in your devices settings, this will be different for each brand of phone, or if you are using an apple product.
5. **Stable Internet Connection:** While you’ll eventually watch the downloaded content offline, you’ll need a stable internet connection to perform the downloads initially. A Wi-Fi network is generally recommended for large downloads to avoid using up all your cellular data. In some rare cases, some titles may refuse to download if you do not have a stable connection.
## Step-by-Step Guide to Downloading on Hulu
Once you have all the pre-requisites in check, downloading content on Hulu is a relatively simple process:
### Step 1: Open the Hulu App and Login
Launch the Hulu app on your mobile device and ensure you are logged into your account with the Hulu (No Ads) subscription. If you aren’t already logged in, you will be prompted to do so.
### Step 2: Find the Content You Want to Download
Use the search function or browse through the various categories to find the movie or TV show you want to download. Keep in mind that not all content will have the option to download, as discussed above.
### Step 3: Look for the Download Icon
When you find a show or movie you like, navigate to the details page for that title. Look for the **download icon** which appears as a down arrow over a line. This icon will appear in slightly different places depending on whether it is a movie, or an episode of a TV show. If the download icon is not present, it means that the title cannot be downloaded for offline viewing, unfortunately you can’t circumvent this, and must either choose to watch it while connected to the internet, or choose to watch another title that is available for download.
### Step 4: Initiate the Download
* **For Movies:** If the title is a movie, the download icon will usually be found near the ‘play’ icon or under the details section. Tap on the download icon to initiate the download.
* **For TV Shows:** If the title is an episode of a TV show, the download option will generally be present next to the episode in the list of available episodes. You can choose to download individual episodes or entire seasons (if available). Tapping the download icon will begin the download of that specific episode, or every episode available, if you have selected to download all.
### Step 5: Monitor the Download Progress
Once the download process starts, a small circular progress indicator will appear on or near the icon. You can usually view all of your current downloads, their progress and manage your downloads by selecting the ‘downloads’ option from your profile icon menu. Depending on your internet speed, device performance and video file size, downloads will vary in speed and duration.
### Step 6: Access Your Downloads
Once downloads have completed, they will be available to view in the download section. To access your downloaded titles:
1. Go back to the main page within the Hulu app.
2. Tap on your **profile icon** which is usually at the bottom right of the app screen.
3. Select **’Downloads’** from the options.
4. Here, you’ll find a list of all your downloaded movies and TV shows. Simply tap on the title to begin watching offline.
## Managing Your Hulu Downloads
Managing your downloaded content is just as important as downloading it. Here’s how you can do it effectively:
### Deleting Downloads
* **Individual Deletion:** Go to the ‘Downloads’ section in your profile. Tap the three dots (or the similar context menu icon) next to the title you want to delete, and select the ‘Delete Download’ option.
* **Multiple Deletion:** You can select multiple downloads in the ‘Downloads’ page and delete them in bulk. To do this, tap the edit button at the top of the download screen, and then check the circles next to each title you wish to delete. Then, tap the ‘delete selected’ icon to remove all of the selected downloads from your device.
### Checking Download Status
From the ‘Downloads’ menu, you can see the download progress for all active downloads. You can also cancel individual downloads by selecting the cancel option from the available actions (usually context menu).
### Preventing Automatic Downloads
If you have started the download of a season of TV episodes, and do not wish for the next episode to automatically download when the previous has been completed, then you will need to disable the ‘auto downloads’ setting in the app. Go to the ‘downloads’ section, tap the settings icon near the top left of the screen, and toggle ‘auto downloads’ to the off position.
### Resolving Common Download Issues
Sometimes you might encounter issues while downloading content from Hulu. Here are some common issues and their potential solutions:
1. **Insufficient Storage:** If you get an error saying there is not enough storage space on your device, then you need to remove existing items to make space. Deleting unneeded downloads or other files can resolve this issue.
2. **Connection Issues:** Problems downloading may arise with an unstable internet connection. Try connecting to a more reliable Wi-Fi network, or if already connected to a Wi-Fi network, try restarting your router.
3. **Download Limits:** If you reach the 25 download limit, delete existing downloads to make space for new ones. Remember, you cannot download more than 25 titles across your registered mobile devices.
4. **Outdated App:** Make sure you are using the most recent version of the Hulu App. An outdated app may have bugs and errors that the new version addresses.
5. **Content Restrictions:** Remember that not all content is available for download. Look for the download icon before assuming a title can be downloaded offline.
6. **Device Issues:** Restart your device, clear the app cache, or reinstall the Hulu App as a final troubleshooting step. A restart can often fix many app based issues and bugs.
## Optimizing Your Hulu Download Experience
To make the most of your offline viewing experience, here are a few tips:
* **Download in Advance:** If you’re planning a trip or know you’ll be without internet access, download the content you want to watch well in advance. This gives you time to sort any possible problems, and ensures you will have the content you need when you need it.
* **Use Wi-Fi for Downloads:** Large downloads can quickly consume your cellular data. It is best to use Wi-Fi to download your shows and movies whenever possible.
* **Prioritize Downloads:** When downloading multiple titles, prioritise the content you most want to watch first. This can help reduce any potential delays caused by unexpected events or connection loss.
* **Check for Expiration:** Always be mindful of the expiration dates of your downloaded titles. Be sure to watch your content before it becomes unavailable. Plan ahead, and consider re downloading your content if you still want to view it.
* **Regularly Manage Downloads:** Regularly clear out downloads you’ve finished watching to free up storage space and stay within the download limit. This will ensure that you always have space for new content that you want to view offline.
## Conclusion
Downloading movies and shows on Hulu is a fantastic way to enjoy your favorite content offline. By following the step-by-step instructions and understanding the limitations and features of the download option, you can seamlessly enjoy your favourite Hulu titles anytime, anywhere. Remember to maintain an active Hulu (No Ads) subscription, use a supported device, and keep track of your download limits and expiration dates. With a bit of planning, you can avoid unexpected interruptions due to internet connectivity issues. Happy offline viewing!