Introduction
Amazon Prime Video offers an extensive collection of movies, TV shows, and original content. However, one common question users have is how they can download Amazon Prime Video content and store it on an external hard drive for offline viewing. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on whether and how this can be done, along with all the important details you need to know.
Can You Download Amazon Prime Videos?
Amazon allows users to download videos for offline viewing directly within the Amazon Prime Video app. However, these downloads are generally restricted to the app itself and cannot be transferred to an external hard drive or other devices due to digital rights management (DRM) restrictions. That being said, there are legal ways to store downloaded videos for offline viewing, which we will explore in the sections below.
Methods to Download Amazon Video to External Hard Drive
1. Using the Amazon Prime Video App
The most straightforward way to download videos from Amazon Prime is through the Amazon Prime Video app, but as mentioned, these downloads stay within the app. Here’s how to download:
- Install the Amazon Prime Video App: Download the app on your phone, tablet, or computer.
- Choose Your Video: Navigate to the movie or TV show you want to download.
- Download: Click the download button (a downward arrow) next to the episode or movie title.
- Watch Offline: You can now watch the content offline, but only through the app. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to move these files to an external drive.
2. Using Screen Recording Software
Due to Amazon’s DRM protections, downloading directly to an external hard drive is not officially supported. However, using screen recording software can be an alternative to saving videos to an external drive. Note that this method is not supported by Amazon and may breach the platform’s terms of service. Here’s how it works:
- Install a Screen Recording Tool: Tools like OBS Studio, Movavi, or Bandicam can record your screen while the video plays.
- Open Amazon Prime Video: Play the video you want to download.
- Record the Video: Set your screen recorder to capture the window where the video is playing. Make sure the resolution is high enough to avoid quality loss.
- Save to External Drive: Once the recording is complete, you can save the video file to your computer and transfer it to an external hard drive.
Important Notes:
- This method is often considered a legal gray area. Make sure to check local laws regarding video recording and storage.
- The quality of recorded videos may not match the original HD or 4K resolution offered by Amazon Prime.
3. Using Third-Party Downloaders (Note the Legal Implications)
Several third-party tools claim to allow users to download Amazon Prime Video content directly to their devices, such as TunePat, PlayOn, or Y2Mate. These tools work by bypassing the DRM protection, but they come with significant legal and ethical considerations.
Here’s a general process for using these tools:
- Install the Third-Party Tool: Choose a trusted third-party downloader (TunePat, for example).
- Log In to Amazon Prime: Log into your Amazon Prime Video account within the downloader tool.
- Select the Video: Choose the movie or episode you want to download.
- Download the File: Start the download process, and once finished, save the file to your external hard drive.
Legal Disclaimer:
Using third-party tools to download content from Amazon Prime Video violates Amazon’s terms of service and DRM laws in many regions. Be aware that this may result in penalties, including the suspension of your Amazon account.
How to Transfer Amazon Prime Videos to an External Hard Drive
Once you’ve successfully downloaded or recorded the videos, here’s how you can transfer them to an external hard drive:
- Connect Your External Hard Drive: Plug your external hard drive into your computer via USB.
- Locate the Video Files: Find the folder where the videos are stored on your computer. Screen recordings are typically saved in a designated folder by your recording software.
- Copy and Paste: Select the video files and drag them to the folder on your external hard drive. Alternatively, right-click the files, select “Copy,” and then “Paste” them into the hard drive folder.
- Verify the Transfer: Check your external hard drive to ensure the videos are properly transferred and can be played.
Pros and Cons of Downloading Amazon Prime Videos to an External Hard Drive
Pros:
- Offline Viewing Flexibility: Storing videos on an external hard drive gives you more flexibility to watch them anytime, anywhere, without internet access.
- Save Device Storage: Offloading videos to an external drive frees up valuable storage space on your primary device.
- Shareability: You can share the hard drive with family members or take it on trips where streaming is not an option.
Cons:
- DRM Restrictions: Amazon Prime heavily restricts the downloading and transfer of its content due to DRM, making it legally complicated to move videos to external drives.
- Legal Risks: Using third-party software or methods to bypass DRM could lead to account suspension or legal consequences.
- Quality Loss: Screen recording may reduce the video quality compared to the original streaming version.
Conclusion
While downloading Amazon Prime Video content directly to an external hard drive is not officially supported due to Amazon’s DRM protections, there are workarounds available for those determined to store their favorite shows and movies offline. Whether through legal app downloads, screen recording, or third-party tools, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons and ensure you’re complying with the platform’s terms of service.
