A detailed guide to solving the problem of can't download Amazon Prime Video, showing you how to easily download videos on your PC (Windows and Mac).
Quick Answer:
- Subscription Status: Ensure your Prime membership or Prime Video subscription is active.
- Technical Glitches: Most issues stem from outdated apps, insufficient storage, or VPN interference.
- Official Limits: Amazon restricts downloads to 15-25 titles per account across all devices, with strict 30-day/48-hour expiration windows.
Despite having "downloaded" the entire season, the app demanded an internet connection just to "verify" the license. It was a classic "Why can't I download Amazon Prime video?" moment that many of you are likely facing right now.
The truth is that Prime Video has a lot of great content, but its offline feature is full with technical problems, DRM (Digital Rights Management) issues, and draconian expiration limits. I've dealt with similar problems and found both official fixes and more dependable options, whether you're seeing a missing download button or an error code like 1016.
Troubleshooting "Can't Download Amazon Prime Video" on Different Devices
Note:
- Mobile: Clearing the app cache and checking "Download on Wi-Fi only" settings usually fixes 80% of issues.
- Desktop: Official downloads are only supported on the native Windows/macOS apps, not via web browsers like Chrome or Safari.
Mobile App Fixes (Clear Cache & App Updates)
If you find can't download Amazon Prime Video on your iPhone or Android, your first move should be the cache. I've noticed that if the app cache exceeds 500MB, the download engine often stalls.
Pro Tip: Go to Settings > Apps > Prime Video > Storage and tap "Clear Cache." Do not "Clear Data" unless you want to lose your current downloads.
Desktop Limitations: Why the Download Button is Missing?
I often see users asking why can't I download Amazon video on their laptops. As of 2025, Amazon still prohibits downloading directly via a browser to prevent piracy. To download on a Mac or PC, you must use the official Prime Video app from the Mac App Store or Microsoft Store. If you are using Chrome, the download button simply won't exist.
Decoding Common Error Codes (Error 1016 & 8056)
When Prime Video download error codes pop up, they usually point to specific hardware issues:
- Error 1016: This is a network timeout. I recommend toggling Airplane Mode on and off.
- Error 8056: Usually means your device storage is full or the SD card is no longer being recognized by the app's security handshake.
Amazon's Official Download Limits
Note:
- The Clock is Ticking: You have 30 days to start watching a download and 48 hours to finish it once started.
- Device Cap: You can only download titles on two devices at once per account.
The 30-Day and 48-Hour Expiry Rule
The biggest limit I hear in the Reddit community (r/AmazonPrimeVideo) is the "disappearing movie." Amazon uses "heartbeat" checks. Even if you are offline, the DRM file has a built-in self-destruct timer. If you start a movie and don't finish it within 48 hours, it deletes itself. This is why many users search for how to keep Amazon Prime downloads forever.
DRM and Licensing Constraints
Not every title is available for download. According to Statista, roughly 15% of licensed content on streaming platforms in 2025 lacks offline rights because the original studio (like Sony or Paramount) didn't grant them to Amazon. If there is no download icon, it's a licensing wall, not a technical bug.
Advanced Fixes: When the Standard Methods Fail
Note:
- Storage Management: Ensure at least 2GB of free space. External SD cards must be formatted as "Internal Storage" on Android.
- DRM Issues: Widevine L1 security levels are required for HD downloads. Older or rooted devices may be restricted to SD quality or blocked entirely.
In 2025, Amazon upgraded its security to Widevine L1 for 4K and HD content. If your device only supports Widevine L3 (common in budget tablets), you might find Prime Video not downloading in high quality, or the download failing mid-way. You can check your DRM level using the "DRM Info" app from the Play Store.
The Best Alternative: How to Keep Amazon Prime Downloads Forever?
If you have tried these solutions and still cannot download, or if you prefer to download on your PC, the StreamGaGa Amazon Downloader can help. This tool is designed with user privacy as a top priority, with an emphasis on safety. It also allows users to download videos in high quality, such as 1080p and 4K.
With this tool, you can safely download high-quality videos without worrying about the download restrictions mentioned above. It also supports you to transfer videos to any device, including mobile devices such as iPhone and Android phones. However, you must be an Amazon Prime member to use this tool.
- Enjoy a crystal-clear viewing experience with 1080p HD resolution;
- Experience fast download with GPU Acceleration and Turbo Speed;
- Easily play and enjoy various formats such as MP4 and MKV;
- Use a single account across 5 PCs for added convenience;
- Download separate subtitle files;
- Efficiently download multiple files with batch download feature;
- Navigate seamlessly with the ad-free and user-friendly interface;
- Try it out with a free trial, allowing you to download up to 3 files in 30 days.
StreamGaGa supports you to keep your downloaded videos forever. There are no download limits, such as expiration time, compared to the official download feature.
Downloading videos from Amazon Prime Video using the StreamGaGa Downloader is very easy. Below are detailed instructions on how to do this on your PC or Mac.
1. Install StreamGaGa Downloader
First of all, download the StreamGaGa downloader and install it. This software is available for macOS and Windows, so download the version appropriate for your device.
2. Access Amazon Prime Video
Next, access the Amazon Prime Video website using StreamGaGa's built-in browser.
3. Select Download Settings
Once the video starts playing, the download settings screen will appear. Here, you can select the video format (e.g., MP4), quality, and whether or not to include subtitles.
4. Downloading the Video
Once all settings are complete, click the "Download" button to begin downloading the video.
Comparison: Official App vs. StreamGaGa
| Feature | Official Prime Video App | StreamGaGa Downloader |
| Expiration | 48 Hours (after start) | Permanent |
| Format | Encrypted (App only) | MP4 / MKV |
| Device Limit | 2-3 Devices | Unlimited |
| Ads | Includes "Prime Lite" Ads | Ad-Free |
Conclusion
These are the solutions to the problem of can't download Amazon Prime Video and how to use the StreamGaGa Amazon Prime Video downloader. We hope this information will help you solve your can't download Amazon Prime Video problem.
StreamGaGa can easily download videos on your PC and transfer to mobile device because you can save Amazon Prime Video to MP4 format.
However, it is important that you comply with copyright laws when using it and that you download only for personal viewing purposes. In addition, unauthorized reproduction or commercial use of downloaded videos is a violation of the law and should be avoided at all costs.
FAQs
Q1. Why can't I download Amazon Instant Video on my SD card？
A1. Amazon needs SD cards that are "High Speed" (Class 10 or UHS-1). The software will reject your card if it is too slow so that playing doesn't stutter.
Q2. How many devices can I use for Amzon downloads？
A2. Officially, you can download titles on a maximum of two devices. If you try a third, you'll get a "Download Limit Exceeded" error. However, StreamGaGa can download MP4 format Amazon videos and you can save them on any device.
Q3. Why does my Amzon download say "Expired" even though I haven't watched it？
A3. If your membership renewed or changed (e.g., switching from Student to Regular), Amazon often flushes the offline cache for security.
