Before we start, you’ll need an internet connection to be able to download videos for offline playback. Ideally, you’re connected via Wi-Fi. (Make sure you also have enough free space on your device; you can usually check that in storage settings.) Some apps will let you download via cellular data too, which might be fine if you have an unlimited plan, but it will count toward your monthly data allowance, and your speeds could be throttled if you go over the limit. Updated January 2023: We added instructions for Paramount+ and checked existing instructions for accuracy.
How to Download YouTube VideosHow to Download Netflix VideosHow to Download HBO Max VideosHow to Download Disney+ VideosHow to Download Hulu VideosHow to Download AppleTV+ VideosHow to Download Prime VideosHow to Download Paramount+ VideosHow to Get Extra Storage Space
YouTube Premium subscribers can download videos on a computer, phone, or tablet, provided they sign in to their account. Here’s how:
Open the YouTube app or visit youtube.com and find a video you want.Tap or click Download (the icon is a downward arrow) under the video.The icon turns into a blue tick when the video is downloaded.You can access downloaded videos by opening the Menu (the icon is three horizontal lines) in your browser or via the Library tab in the app and then choosing Downloads.Downloaded videos can be played offline for up to 29 days (in some countries, they are only available for 48 hours).To set download video quality, go to Settings (via your profile pic), Downloads, and choose Download Quality.
Open the HBO Max app and find the content you want to download.Tap Download (the icon is a downward arrow) next to the movie or TV episode you want.To find and watch downloaded videos, go to your profile and choose Downloads.HBO Max allows you to have 30 downloads at a time across all of your profiles and devices.Downloads are available for 30 days. Once you start watching, you have 48 hours until a downloaded video expires.To set the video quality for downloads, tap on your profile picture and choose Settings, Video Options, and Download Quality.
Open the Hulu app and find the content you want to download. You can go to Search and choose Downloadable from the menu to see a list of what is available.Tap Download (the icon is a downward arrow) next to the movie or TV episode you want. You will see a checkmark when it has been downloaded.To watch downloaded videos, go to the Downloads tab (the icon is a downward arrow).Downloads are available for 30 days. Once you start watching, you have 48 hours until a downloaded video expires.To set the video quality for downloads, on an Android device, tap on Account, Settings, Downloads, Video Quality. On an iOS device, tap Downloads, Settings, Video Quality.
You can download TV shows and movies on your iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, or Mac with an AppleTV+ subscription. Here’s how:
Open the Apple TV app and find a movie or show you want.Tap or click Download (the icon is a downward arrow).To watch your videos, go to the Library tab, then tap or click Downloaded.Downloads are available for up to 30 days.To change the video quality on a Mac, click on TV > Preferences > Playback and set Download Options. On an iPhone or iPad, you go to Settings > TV to find Download Options.
Open the Paramount+ app on your device, and find the show or movie you want to download.Tap Download (the icon is a downward arrow). You will see a checkmark when it has been downloaded.To find your downloaded content, tap More and choose Downloads.You can have a maximum of 25 videos in your download library at a time. Downloads are available for up to 30 days. Once you start watching, you have 48 hours until a downloaded video expires.
Whatever device you are downloading to, you may find you need extra storage space. Our Best Portable External Storage Drives and Best USB Flash Drives guides can help, and you can always find deals on SD cards and other storage options. Here are a few we like:
SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD 2 terabytes for $240Kingston DataTraveler Max USB-C Flash Drive 1 terabyte for $179Samsung EVO Plus MicroSD Card 128 gigabytes for $18
If you are looking to download to a MicroSD card or some other attached storage, you may need to dip into settings to change the download location. For example, on Netflix, you have to tap on your profile picture and choose App Settings and then Download Location. Unfortunately, not every platform or service allows you to specify the download location, and some services, like HBO Max, won’t let you download to SD cards. Special offer for Gear readers: Get a 1-year subscription to WIRED for $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com and our print magazine (if you’d like). Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.
