Note: Official offline downloads on Crunchyroll are supported on iOS/Android and the original Nintendo Switch for eligible titles, and you’ll need a Mega Fan or Ultimate Fan plan to access the feature.
There’s no official offline mode on Windows/Mac or on most TVs. MP4 files you can move anywhere are not the same as in-app offline cache. You can download Crunchyroll to MP4 via third-party tools such StreamGaGa Crunchyroll Downloader.
When I searched “how to download from Crunchyroll,” I found conflicting advice: some articles push a “crunchyroll video downloader mp4,” others gloss over what’s actually allowed.
My goal here is simple—explain the official options first, then lay out realistic alternatives (pros, cons, legal/tech risks) so you can decide. I’ll also troubleshoot the dreaded download button greyed out error.
What is Crunchyroll?
Crunchyroll is an American subscription-based streaming service mainly focused on anime, owned by Sony Group Corporation. Most of the movies and TV shows it provides are from East Asian media, such as Japanese anime.
You can watch classic and new anime series, but the free plan with ads has some limitations. In this article, you can learn how to download any videos from Crunchyroll to MP4 to enjoy videos from any of your devices.
Is Crunchyroll Free to Watch?
Crunchyroll offers a free plan with advertisements. It limits access to simulcasts (new episodes shortly after Japan) and the full library. For a brief period, though, you can view a "seasonal sampler" including the first three episodes of recently launched shows.
You can also subscribe to Crunchyroll to enjoy more great features. However, you need to pay for these features.
Fan
Fan ($7.99/month) is the most popular option. It allows you to watch everything ad-free, including simulcasts (new episodes shortly after Japan), but you can only stream on one device at a time. You also get 5% off on some items in the Crunchyroll store.
Mega Fan
Mega Fan ($11.99/month) plan offers everything in Fan, but you can stream on up to 4 devices simultaneously and download shows for offline viewing. You get access to Crunchyroll Game Vault (free games) and 10% off on select Crunchyroll store items with additional member perks.
Ultimate Fan
Ultimate Fan ($15.99/month) plan with everything in Mega Fan, but you can stream on up to 6 devices at once. You get an exclusive swag bag after a year of subscription and 15% off on Crunchyroll store items with additional member perks like free shipping.
Can You Download Crunchyroll Videos Offline Officially?
Note: Mega Fan & Ultimate Fan can download Crunchyroll videos on Android/iOS mobile apps and the original Switch. There is no official offline on desktop.
Offline downloads are available on the Crunchyroll mobile apps (Android/iOS) and the original Nintendo Switch. You’ll need Mega Fan or Ultimate Fan—that’s how the feature is unlocked. Windows/Mac and most TV apps do not support official offline. Switch 2 currently doesn’t run the Crunchyroll app.
You can’t save videos for offline on desktop browsers, and you can’t export the in-app downloads as portable MP4 files. TV platforms are for streaming, not storing.
You can follow the guide to download Crunchyroll videos to your mobile device.
On Switch (original), highlight an episode → press X → Download Episode → check the Downloads menu. (If you’re on Switch 2, the app will not launch.)
MP4 vs. In-App Offline
Note: The in-app download lives inside the Crunchyroll app and follows its rules (license windows, device limits). A transferable MP4 is a file you can move to any device or player; obtaining this from protected streams often conflicts with ToS/DRM. Always check the terms.
In-app downloads keep Crunchyroll’s supported tracks within the app. If you’re considering a “crunchyroll to mp4 converter,” be aware that not all tools preserve soft subtitles, multiple audio tracks, or the original bitrate reliably—and some may break with DRM changes.
Circumventing DRM or saving content outside permitted uses can violate the Crunchyroll Terms or local law. When in doubt, stick to the official offline feature.
Troubleshooting of Download Button Greyed Out, Errors & Limits
When the download button is greyed out, it’s usually one of these:
- Membership: verify you’re on Mega Fan/Ultimate Fan. (Fan plan doesn’t include offline.)
- App version/OS: update both; retry the download.
- Quality/space: lower Download Quality setting; ensure storage is available.
- Network: switch Wi-Fi/cellular; some networks throttle big media.
- DRM or title restrictions: some episodes simply aren’t downloadable in certain regions; watch online instead. (See DRM guidance.)
Membership, title rights, region, or app state can cause the button to be greyed out.
Best Ways to Save Crunchyroll Videos
Below is a comparison of three common paths people consider when they look for a crunchyroll downloader or find how to download Crunchyroll episodes.
Criterion | Official App | Screen Record | Crunchyroll to MP4 Converter |
---|---|---|---|
Quality | High (within app) | Variable | Variable (DRM-dependent) |
Subs/Audio | In-app only | Usually burned-in | Mixed; tool-dependent |
Portability | App-sandboxed | MP4 file | MP4 file |
Compliance Risk | Low | High (ToS/DRM) | Low |
Difficulty | Low | Medium | Medium/High |
Cost | Included in plan | Free/paid | Often paid |
Stability | High | High (manual) | High |
Batch/Auto | Limited | No | Often yes |
Failures | Storage/rights | Time/quality | DRM/updates |
Safari/DRM and OS protections can block capture; even when a tool claims support, updates frequently break it. If you must try, test with a short clip first and verify subtitles/audio tracks. StreamGaGa can help you download Crunchyroll on Mac safely.
How to Download Crunchyroll to MP4?
Not all of your favorite anime movies and shows can be watched when you're not online from Crunchyroll app. The download button will be grayed out if you can't download.
Moreover, the official download function only supports you to download Crunchyroll videos with mobile app (Android & iOS) and Nintendo Switch, which means you cannot download and watch Crunchyroll videos on other devices.
To solve these limitations of the official download function, you can try StreamGaGa Crunchyroll Downloader which can download Crunchyroll to MP4 and transfer the downloaded videos to any devices you want to use.
StreamGaGa Crunchyroll Downloader has a built-in browser, so you can watch and download Crunchyroll videos when you play the videos in StreamGaGa Downloader. It supports you to download Crunchyroll to MP4 or MKV format in up to 1080p quality.
Steps to Download Crunchyroll to MP4 with StreamGaGa
To break all Crunchyroll download limits for your Windows/Mac PC by using the StreamGaGa Crunchyroll Downloader, you can follow the simple instructions below:
Watching Crunchyroll Videos on TVs (Samsung/Android TV/Fire TV)
Most TV apps support streaming only; offline storage on a TV is rare, and USB-playback of protected content won’t work. Use casting/HDMI or stream natively on the TV app with a stable connection. The official offline mode remains mobile and original Switch only.
Is there a way to watch “offline” on a TV? Pre-download on mobile, then cast a local file you legally own—or just download the videos with StreamGaGa and then watch them on the TV. You can check how to watch Crunchyroll on TV to find detailed steps.
Conclusion
Crunchyroll offers different subscription plans to fit your needs. With a paid subscription, you can enjoy anime ad-free, watch new episodes right after they air in Japan, and even download shows to watch offline!
However, the official download function of Crunchyroll has some limits. To overcome these limits, you can choose StreamGaGa Crunchyroll Downloader, which can download Crunchyroll to MP4 in a fast speed. You can also read how to screen record Crunchyroll.
FAQs
Q1. Can I download on PC (Windows/Mac)?
A1. No official offline mode exists on desktop. However, StreamGaGa Crunchyroll Downloader can help you download Crunchyroll to MP4 and watch your downloaded videos on any device.
Q2. Is converting to MP4 legal/safe?
A2. It may violate ToS/DRM—review the terms. This article is for information purposes only and is not legal advice. Please exercise your right to make a personal copy correctly. Do not use it to bypass DRM. Never share the downloads or use them for commercial purposes.
Q3. How long do downloads last?
A3. Depends on the license in the official app, and you need to renew as prompted in the app. StreamGaGa Crunchyroll Downloader can keep your downloads forever without an expiration time. You can watch your downloaded videos whenever you want.
Q4. How many devices can I stream on?
A4. Fan: 1; Mega Fan: up to 4; Ultimate Fan: up to 6 (US-only for Ultimate).
Q5. Can I download Crunchyroll videos in the official app?
A5. If you are a Mega Fan & Ultimate Fan, you can download Crunchyroll videos on Android/iOS mobile apps and the original Nintendo Switch.