How to Download Amazon Videos: A Comprehensive Guide
Amazon Prime Video offers a vast library of movies and TV shows, making it a go-to streaming service for many. While streaming is convenient, sometimes you want to download videos for offline viewing, whether you’re traveling, have limited internet access, or simply want to conserve data. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the various methods for downloading Amazon Prime Video content on different devices.
## Understanding Amazon Prime Video Downloads
Before diving into the how-to’s, it’s essential to understand a few key points about Amazon Prime Video downloads:
* **Prime Membership Requirement:** Downloading videos is typically a perk for Amazon Prime members. While some content might be available for purchase or rental, downloading usually requires an active Prime subscription.
* **Download Limits:** Amazon imposes certain limits on the number of titles you can download at a time and the number of devices on which you can download content. These limits vary depending on your location and the specific titles.
* **Download Expiration:** Downloaded videos have an expiration date. Once expired, you’ll need to renew the download (if available) while connected to the internet.
* **Regional Restrictions:** Download availability can vary by region due to licensing agreements. A video available for download in one country might not be available in another.
* **Offline Viewing Period:** Once a video is started, there’s typically a limit to how long you can watch the downloaded content offline before it expires. This is usually around 48 hours, but it can vary.
* **Content Availability:** Not all titles are available for download. Some content is only available for streaming.
## Downloading Amazon Prime Videos on Mobile Devices (Android & iOS)
The easiest and most common way to download Amazon Prime videos is through the official Amazon Prime Video app on your Android or iOS device. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
**Step 1: Download and Install the Amazon Prime Video App**
* **Android:** Open the Google Play Store, search for “Amazon Prime Video,” and tap “Install.”
* **iOS:** Open the App Store, search for “Amazon Prime Video,” and tap “Get” followed by “Install.”
**Step 2: Sign In to Your Amazon Account**
* Open the Amazon Prime Video app.
* Enter the email address or phone number associated with your Amazon Prime account.
* Enter your password.
* Tap “Sign In.”
**Step 3: Browse and Select a Video to Download**
* Once you’re logged in, you can browse the Amazon Prime Video library.
* You can search for specific titles or browse by category (e.g., movies, TV shows, genres).
* Tap on the video you want to download to view its details.
**Step 4: Check for Download Availability**
* On the video details page, look for a “Download” icon. This icon typically looks like a downward-pointing arrow with a line underneath it.
* If you don’t see a download icon, the video is likely not available for download. This could be due to licensing restrictions or other factors.
**Step 5: Start the Download**
* Tap the “Download” icon.
* A pop-up window may appear, asking you to select the download quality (e.g., Good, Better, Best).
* Choose your desired quality. Higher quality downloads will take up more storage space and may take longer to download.
* Tap “Start Download” or “Download.”
**Step 6: Monitor the Download Progress**
* The download will begin in the background.
* You can monitor the download progress by tapping the “Downloads” icon at the bottom of the app (it usually looks like a downward arrow).
* This will take you to a screen showing all your active and completed downloads.
**Step 7: Watch Your Downloaded Videos**
* Once the download is complete, the video will be available for offline viewing.
* To watch your downloaded videos, tap the “Downloads” icon at the bottom of the app.
* Select the downloaded video you want to watch.
* Tap the “Play” icon.
## Downloading TV Shows on Mobile Devices
Downloading TV shows is similar to downloading movies, but with a slight variation:
**Step 1-3:** Follow steps 1-3 from the previous section (Download the app, sign in, and browse for the TV show).
**Step 4: Download Options for TV Shows**
* When you select a TV show, you’ll typically see options to download individual episodes or entire seasons.
* **Download Individual Episodes:** Tap the “Download” icon next to the specific episode you want to download.
* **Download Entire Seasons:** Look for a “Download Season” button or icon. This will download all available episodes in the season.
**Step 5-7:** Follow steps 5-7 from the previous section (Select quality, monitor progress, and watch your downloaded episodes).
## Managing Download Settings on Mobile Devices
The Amazon Prime Video app allows you to customize your download settings to control video quality, storage location, and more.
**Accessing Download Settings**
1. Open the Amazon Prime Video app.
2. Tap the “My Stuff” icon (usually located at the bottom of the screen, and might look like a profile icon).
3. Tap the “Settings” icon (usually a gear icon in the top right corner).
4. Select “Downloads.”
**Available Download Settings**
* **Download Quality:** Choose the default video quality for your downloads (Good, Better, Best). Keep in mind that higher quality videos require more storage space.
* **Download Location:** Select where you want to store your downloaded videos (internal storage or SD card, if available). If you have limited internal storage, using an SD card is recommended.
* **Download on Wi-Fi Only:** Enable this option to prevent downloads from using your mobile data. This is recommended to avoid incurring data charges.
* **Delete All Downloads:** This option allows you to quickly delete all downloaded videos from your device.
## Downloading Amazon Prime Videos on a Computer (Windows & macOS)
While the Amazon Prime Video app is primarily designed for mobile devices, you can also download videos on your computer using the Amazon Prime Video app for Windows or macOS. However, this feature is less reliable than downloading on mobile and may have more restrictions.
**Step 1: Download and Install the Amazon Prime Video App for Windows/macOS**
* **Windows:** You can download the Amazon Prime Video app from the Microsoft Store. Search for “Amazon Prime Video” and click “Get” to install.
* **macOS:** The Amazon Prime Video app is not directly available for macOS. You’ll likely need to use a third-party screen recorder (mentioned later) or a workaround involving Android emulators, which can be complex and may violate Amazon’s terms of service.
**Step 2: Sign In to Your Amazon Account**
* Open the Amazon Prime Video app.
* Enter the email address or phone number associated with your Amazon Prime account.
* Enter your password.
* Tap “Sign In.”
**Step 3: Browse and Select a Video to Download**
* Once you’re logged in, you can browse the Amazon Prime Video library.
* You can search for specific titles or browse by category.
* Tap on the video you want to download to view its details.
**Step 4: Check for Download Availability and Start the Download**
* On the video details page, look for a “Download” icon. If you don’t see it, the video isn’t available for download.
* Tap the “Download” icon.
* Select the download quality if prompted.
* The download will begin.
**Step 5: Monitor the Download Progress and Watch Your Downloaded Videos**
* The app should have a section for managing downloads, where you can monitor progress.
* Once complete, navigate to the Downloads section to watch your videos. However, location may vary between operating systems.
**Important Considerations for Computer Downloads**
* **App Stability:** The Amazon Prime Video app for computers can be less stable than the mobile app and may experience glitches or errors.
* **Download Restrictions:** The number of videos you can download and the devices you can use to download them may be more restricted on computers.
* **DRM Protection:** Downloaded videos are heavily DRM-protected, meaning you can only play them within the Amazon Prime Video app and cannot transfer them to other devices.
## Alternative Methods: Screen Recording (Use with Caution)
While not a direct download method, you can use screen recording software to capture Amazon Prime Video content. However, this approach has several drawbacks and should be used with caution:
**Risks and Considerations**
* **Legality:** Recording copyrighted content without permission may be illegal in some jurisdictions. It’s essential to be aware of copyright laws in your region.
* **Terms of Service:** Screen recording may violate Amazon Prime Video’s terms of service, potentially leading to account suspension.
* **Quality:** Screen recording typically results in lower video quality compared to direct downloads.
* **Time-Consuming:** Recording videos in real-time can be time-consuming.
* **DRM Circumvention:** Attempting to bypass DRM (Digital Rights Management) is often illegal and unethical.
**If you choose to use screen recording, do so responsibly and be aware of the potential risks involved.**
**Screen Recording Software Options**
* **Windows:** OBS Studio (free and open-source), Camtasia (paid), Filmora (paid)
* **macOS:** QuickTime Player (built-in, basic), OBS Studio (free and open-source), ScreenFlow (paid)
**General Steps for Screen Recording**
1. Install and launch your chosen screen recording software.
2. Configure the recording settings, such as video resolution, frame rate, and audio source.
3. Open Amazon Prime Video in a web browser or the Amazon Prime Video app.
4. Start playing the video you want to record.
5. Begin recording using the screen recording software.
6. Once the video has finished playing, stop the recording.
7. Save the recorded video file.
## Troubleshooting Common Download Issues
If you’re experiencing problems downloading Amazon Prime videos, here are some common issues and troubleshooting steps:
* **Insufficient Storage Space:** Ensure you have enough free storage space on your device. Check your device’s storage settings and delete unnecessary files or apps if needed.
* **Poor Internet Connection:** A stable and fast internet connection is required for downloading videos. Try connecting to a different Wi-Fi network or using a wired connection if possible.
* **Download Limits Reached:** Amazon imposes limits on the number of titles you can download and the number of devices you can use. Check your Amazon Prime Video account settings or contact customer support for more information.
* **Regional Restrictions:** The video you’re trying to download may not be available in your region due to licensing agreements. Try using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to change your virtual location, but be aware that this may violate Amazon’s terms of service.
* **App Glitches:** The Amazon Prime Video app may be experiencing glitches or errors. Try closing and reopening the app, restarting your device, or reinstalling the app.
* **DRM Issues:** DRM protection can sometimes interfere with downloads. Ensure your device’s operating system and the Amazon Prime Video app are up to date.
* **Account Issues:** Verify your Amazon Prime membership is active and in good standing. Also, check if there are any payment issues or restrictions on your account.
## Conclusion
Downloading Amazon Prime videos is a convenient way to enjoy your favorite movies and TV shows offline. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can easily download content to your mobile devices or computers and watch them anytime, anywhere. Remember to be mindful of download limits, expiration dates, and regional restrictions. And, if you consider using screen recording, be fully aware of the legal and ethical implications. Enjoy your offline viewing experience!