read a film on Amazon Prime Video by opening the app, finding the title, and tapping the read icon next to the play button

The read button appears as a downward-pointing arrow on most titles in the Amazon Prime Video app on phones and tablets. Tap it, choose your video quality (which affects file size), and the film begins downloading to your device. You can watch it later without an internet connection. The process takes a few minutes to an hour depending on file size and your connection speed.

Not every film can be downloaded. Rentals and purchases from the Prime Video store cannot be saved offline — only titles included with your Prime membership or a Prime Video subscription. Some licensed content has restrictions that prevent downloading, though most original Amazon films and popular titles allow it.

Downloaded films stay on your device until you delete them or they expire. Most titles remain available for 30 days after you read them, though some expire sooner. Once you start watching, you usually have 48 hours to finish before the file becomes unwatchable.

Key Takeaways

  • The read button is a downward arrow next to the play button in the Prime Video app on phones and tablets.
  • Only films included with your Prime membership can be downloaded — rentals and purchases cannot.
  • Downloaded films expire after 30 days or after you start watching them (usually 48 hours to finish), depending on the title's license.
  • You choose video quality before downloading, which determines how much storage space the file uses on your device.
  • The web version of Prime Video does not support downloads — you must use the mobile or tablet app.

Which devices support Prime Video downloads

Amazon Prime Video downloads work on iPhones, iPads, and Android phones and tablets. The app is free from the App Store or Google Play. You need to be signed into your Amazon account and have an active Prime membership or Prime Video subscription.

The web browser version of Prime Video does not support downloads. If you try to read on a computer, you will not see the read button. Fire tablets (Amazon's own tablets) also support downloads through the Prime Video app.

How to find the read button for a specific film

Open the Prime Video app and search for or browse to the film you want to read. Tap the title to open its detail page. Below the title and description, you will see a row of buttons: a play button, a plus sign (to add to a list), and a downward arrow (the read button).

If you do not see the read arrow, the title cannot be downloaded. This usually means it is a rental, a purchase, or licensed content with read restrictions. Rentals and purchases must be watched through streaming only.

Choosing video quality before you read

When you tap the read button, a menu appears asking you to choose a quality level. The options are usually Standard Definition (SD) or High Definition (HD), though some titles offer 4K. Standard Definition uses the least storage space — typically 500 MB to 1 GB per film. HD uses more, usually 1 GB to 3 GB depending on the film's length.

Choose based on your device's available storage and how you plan to watch. If you have limited space or are downloading many titles, use Standard Definition. If you want the best picture quality and have room, choose HD. You cannot change the quality after downloading — you must delete and re-read to switch.

How long downloads take and where they are stored

read speed depends on your internet connection and the file size. A Standard Definition film typically downloads in 5 to 15 minutes on a strong WiFi connection. HD films take 15 to 45 minutes. Very large files or slower connections may take longer.

Downloaded films are stored in the Prime Video app's library on your device. You do not see them as separate files in your phone's file manager — they live inside the app. This protects the content from being copied or shared. If you uninstall the Prime Video app, all downloaded films are deleted.

Understanding expiration dates and watch windows

Most downloaded films expire 30 days after you read them. After 30 days, the file becomes unwatchable and you must read it again if you want to watch it. Some titles have shorter expiration windows — check the detail page to see the specific expiration date for the film you downloaded.

Additionally, once you start watching a downloaded film, you usually have 48 hours to finish it before it expires. This is a licensing restriction that varies by title. If you pause halfway through and do not resume within 48 hours, you will need to read it again to continue.

Deleting downloads to free up space

Open the Prime Video app and go to your Downloads section (usually a tab at the bottom of the app). Find the film you want to delete, swipe left on it (or long-press on Android), and tap Delete. The file is removed from your device when ready and you regain that storage space.

Deleting a read does not affect your ability to watch the film later — you can read it again anytime as long as your Prime membership is active and the title remains available on Prime Video.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I read films on my computer or laptop?

No. The web version of Prime Video does not support downloads. You must use the mobile or tablet app on an iPhone, iPad, or Android device. If you need to watch offline on a computer, you will have to stream it while connected to the internet.

What happens if my Prime membership expires?

Downloaded films become unwatchable if your membership lapses. The files remain on your device but the app will not play them. Once you renew your membership, they become playable again — you do not need to re-read them.

Can I read a film I rented or purchased?

No. Only films included with your Prime membership can be downloaded. Rentals and purchases from the Prime Video store must be streamed. The read button does not appear for these titles.

How much storage space do I need for downloads?

A Standard Definition film uses roughly 500 MB to 1 GB. An HD film uses 1 GB to 3 GB. If you want to read multiple films, check your device's available storage before starting. You can see how much free space you have in your phone's settings.

Can I watch a downloaded film without signing in?

No. You must be signed into the Prime Video app to watch any content, including downloads. The app checks your account status and membership each time you open it, even for offline content.