Quick Answer: You can download movies from myCANAL. The official app allows temporary offline viewing on mobile (Part 3) and Windows (Part 2) but expires in 48h.
However, if you are a Mac user or want to keep 4K HDR videos forever as MP4 files to watch on any TV, you need a specialized tool like StreamGaGa. (Part 1) This guide compares both methods to help you choose.
Friday night came, and I saw "Content Unavailable." on CANAL+ (formerly myCANAL). The licensing rights had expired quietly on Thursday.
Furthermore, streaming bitrates often frustrate me. On my 4K setup, the web player's compression artifacts in dark scenes (like in Dune) are distracting. I needed a way to get the pristine source file directly to my hard drive, without the buffering and without the "expiration date."
Here is how I download myCANAL videos, comparing the tool I use daily against the official method.
How to Download MyCANAL Videos on Mac?
Note: Since I switched to a MacBook Pro M3 as my daily driver, I hit a wall: there is no official myCANAL app for macOS. I physically couldn't download anything legally provided by the platform. That's why I started using StreamGaGa.
Although the official download feature support Windows PC and mobile devices, the subscribers who prefer enjoy movies on TV, mac and many other devices can't download myCANAL videos using the official function. Don't worry, StreamGaGa myCANAL Downloader got your back!
Tool Required: StreamGaGa myCANAL Downloader
StreamGaGa myCANAL Downloader can download myCANAL videos on the external storage and transfer them onto any devices for offline viewing as you prefer, even on TVs.
Detailed Steps to Download Movies on myCANAL
To download myCANAL videos on my own Mac with StreamGaGa, all I need to do is follow these simple 4 steps, then I can enjoy my favorite myCANAL content without any limits:
StreamGaGa myCANAL Downloader is available for both Windows and Mac. It's recommended to get it from the official website to ensure safer installation. Once you install StreamGaGa, launch it and locate "CANAL+" in the "VIP Services" section.
Sign in to your myCANAL account using the built-in browser. Locate the video that you want to download and play it. StreamGaGa will analyze the URL and prepare for the download in no time.
When the analysis is done, an on-screen prompt will follow for you to customize the download settings, including video, audio, subtitle, and so on (depending on the original video). Complete the settings as you prefer and click on "Download Now".
Once the video has been downloaded, you can use a USB cable to transfer the file onto any devices, such as TV and consoles. Enjoy your favorite myCANAL shows on big screen with friends!
The Official Way to Download MyCANAL Videos on Windows
Note: Do not try to download from Chrome or Edge. It won't work. You must use the dedicated app.
I do still keep the official app on my Surface tablet for one specific reason: it's free. If I'm running out the door and just need something to watch on the train, and I don't care about quality or expiration dates, this is the way to go.
Using the Microsoft Store MyCANAL App
If you are on Windows 10 or 11, here is exactly how to do it officially:
- Install the App: Visit the Microsoft Store and download the myCANAL application. Launch it and log in with your credentials.
- Start the Download: Navigate to the film or episode you want. Click the arrow icon located to the right of the title. The circle will indicate progress.
- Access Your Library: Once finished, look at the top right of your screen. Click on "My Videos" and then select the "Downloads" tab.
- Play or Manage: Click on your downloaded material. A window will pop up giving you three choices: "start playback," "delete," or "get program information."
The Hidden Limitations of MyCANAL Official Way
While convenient, you need to be aware of the "ticking clock" that I find so frustrating:
- The 48-Hour Rule: Once you click "start playback," you have exactly 48 hours to finish watching before the file deletes itself.
- The 30-Day Rule: Even if you never watch it, the download expires 30 days after you downloaded it.
- DRM Lock: You cannot copy these files to a USB drive. They are encrypted cache files hidden deep in your system folders.
How to Download MyCANAL Videos on Mobile Devices?
Note: You must have a valid Canal+ subscription and the official myCANAL app (iOS/Android). Look for the downward arrow icon (↓) next to any movie or episode title.
If you're wondering how to download videos from myCANAL on mobile devices, here is the official way with detailed steps.
Ensure you have the official app installed. Open the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android), search for "myCANAL," and install it. Log in with your Canal+ credentials.
Browse the catalog or use the search bar to find the movie or series you want to watch. Tap on the program's thumbnail to open its details page. Look for the Download icon (a downward arrow) next to the "Play" button.
Select the quality of your downloads from the options provided, such as High, Intermediate, or Low quality. Keep in mind that higher quality will result in larger file sizes, so ensure that you have enough storage space on your smartphone.
Monitor the download progress of your selected program. You can do this by observing the blue circle or by navigating to the "My downloads" section. Please note that downloading high-quality videos may take longer to complete.
Once the program is downloaded, you can find and play it by going to the "My videos" tab via the MENU button. Then, select "My downloads" to access your downloaded content. Finally, tap on "Play" to start watching the program you have downloaded.
I have tested both the official Windows app and the StreamGaGa downloader extensively. Here is my honest breakdown of where each one fits into my life:
| Feature | StreamGaGa | Official App |
| My Use Case | Archiving for Plex/Emby & Watching on TV | Quick viewing on a Laptop |
| Visuals | True 4K UHD, HDR10, Dolby Vision | Max 1080p (often drops to 720p) |
| Audio | Dolby Atmos (My soundbar loves this) | Standard Stereo / 5.1 |
| Longevity | Forever (MP4 files don't expire) | Expires in 48 hours |
| Platform | Mac & PC | Windows 10/11 Only |
| Storage Efficiency | H.265 (HEVC) – Saves ~40% disk space | Standard H.264 (Files are bulky) |
| Ad Experience | Auto-Removed (Even on ad-supported plans) | Ads included (On Replay & Basic tiers) |
| Region Support | Global | Strict Geo-Lock (France/EU focused) |
| Updated on 13/02/2026 | ||
What is MyCANAL?
Note: CANAL+ is the subscription service (the content provider), while myCANAL (now rebranded as the CANAL+ App) is the platform/player you use to watch that content.
To understand how to download videos, it is essential to distinguish between the service and the app.
CANAL+ vs. The App
- CANAL+ (The Service): Launched in 1984, CANAL+ is a premium French television channel and content aggregator. It produces original series (Création Originale) and holds exclusive rights to major sports and blockbuster movies.
- CANAL+ App (The Player): Formerly known as myCANAL, this is the streaming application that allows subscribers to watch live channels and on-demand content. It is the tool you use to download videos for offline viewing on your phone, tablet, or Windows PC. It replaces the need for a traditional TV decoder.
Through the app, you gain access to over 30 live channels (depending on your plan) and a vast library of 4K content, accessible while commuting, traveling, or relaxing at home.
CANAL+ Subscription Plans (2025/2026)
You must have an active subscription to use the download feature. Below are the current main subscription tiers. Note: Prices often vary based on commitment duration (12 vs. 24 months) and age (under 26 offers).
| Feature | CANAL+ (Basic) | CANAL+ SPORT | CANAL+ CINE SERIES | CANAL+ FRIEDNS & FAMILY |
| Price | 22.99€/mo. | ~€45.99/mo (Promo ~€34.99) | ~€39.99/mo (Promo ~€29.99) | ~€79.99/mo (Promo ~€49.99) |
| Channels | Canal+, Canal+ Box Office, Canal+ Grand Ecran | Includes Basic + beIN SPORTS, Eurosport | Includes Basic + Canal+ Cinéma, Ciné+, OCS | All Channels + Disney+, Netflix Standard |
| Apple TV+ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Download feature | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| simultaneous users/licenses | 2 Users | 2 Users | 2 Users | 4 Users |
You can choose the most suitable one for you to enjoy what you really love on myCANAL.
Supported Devices for Downloads
While you can watch CANAL+ on almost any screen (Smart TVs, Apple TV, Chromecast), the official download feature is restricted to specific mobile and desktop apps:
- iOS/iPadOS: iPhone and iPad.
- Android: Smartphones and Tablets.
- PC: Windows 10/11 (via the Microsoft Store app only).
- Mac: ❌ Not officially supported (Mac users must use streaming or third-party tools).
FAQs
Q1. Is it legal to use StreamGaGa to download myCANAL videos?
A1. In France and many regions, the "Private Copying" exception allows you to make a copy of media you have legally access to, provided it is for private use only. I never share my downloaded myCANAL files. I treat them like recording a TV show on a VHS tape in the 90s—it's for my personal time-shifting.
Q2. Can I move the official myCANAL downloads to my USB drive?
A2. I tried this, and it failed. The official app creates a folder full of encrypted, gibberish files that only the app can read. You cannot move myCANAL videos to a USB stick to play on your TV. This is the main reason I switched to StreamGaGa—I need my files to be portable MP4s.
Q3. Why is my 4K myCANAL download taking so long?
A3. In my tests, downloading a 4K HDR movie from myCANAL server takes bandwidth. Ensure you are using the High-Speed mode in StreamGaGa. Also, using the H.265 codec writes the file faster because the file size is smaller for the same quality.
Final words
Although myCANAL suppports multiple devices, it doesn't allow mac users to download shows. What's more, it's impossible to download myCANAL videos on TV through the app. StreamGaGa myCANAL Downloader is designed to solve such problems for you. Now try it out to download your favorite content and enjoy them offline on any devices, anytime.
And since you're here, you may also be interested in the way to watch and download Canal VOD videos and to download Movistar+ videos for offline viewing.

This post covers everything you should know about myCANAL download feature, including the way to download myCANAL videos on mobile devices, PC and TVS.

