Suppose you are trying to figure out how to download from Crunchyroll to watch your favorite anime offline. In that case, you have likely encountered a frustrating limitation: the official download service comes with various limits, both hidden and obvious.
While Crunchyroll offers a seamless offline mode for mobile users via its Mega Fan subscription, it completely excludes PC and Mac browsers from this feature. This creates a significant gap for users who want to archive series or watch on larger screens without a constant internet connection.
This guide clarifies exactly what the rules of Crunchyroll video download are, what you can do (not), and most importantly, how to legally bypass these hardware restrictions for personal viewing.
Quick Guide: How to download video from Crunchyroll?
On Mobile: Use the official app to directly download videos on Android/iOS. But you need to follow the rules. For more details 👉🏻 check Section 1
On PC/Mac: There is no official download option for laptops. You need an extra tool to do it. But in this way, there are no limits. 👉🏻 Check Section 2
On TV/Gaming Console: Get the MP4/MKV video files and use a USB drive or SD card to move the downloaded Crunchyroll videos to TVs or consoles. 👉🏻 Check Section 3
How to Download Crunchyroll Videos on Mobile? (Official)
If you are strictly using a smartphone, tablet, or Nintendo Switch, Crunchyroll provides a built-in offline viewing feature. This is the most direct method for mobile users, though it comes with significant strings attached regarding what you can watch and how long you can keep it.
Prepare to Download Videos
Before you look for a download button, check your subscription tier. The standard Fan plan ($7.99/mo) allows for ad-free streaming but does not support offline viewing. To unlock downloads, you must upgrade to:
- Mega Fan ($9.99/mo)
- Ultimate Fan ($14.99/mo)
How to Download from Crunchyroll on Mobile?
Once you have the correct subscription, the process is straightforward:
- Open the Crunchyroll app and ensure you are logged in.
- Navigate to the anime series you wish to save.
- Look for the gray arrow icon (↓) next to the specific episode.
- Tap the arrow. It will turn orange to indicate the download is in progress.
- Once finished, access your content by tapping My Lists > Offline.
Official Download Limitations
While convenient for a quick subway ride, the official method has three major flaws that frustrate long-term collectors and desktop users:
1. The 48-Hour Rule: Unwatched downloads stay on your device for 7 days. However, the moment you press play, a 48-hour timer starts. If you don't finish the episode within that window, it expires and requires an internet connection to renew.
2. Mobile-Only Ecosystem: As mentioned earlier, you cannot download episodes on a Mac or PC browser. The official app for Windows has been discontinued or is often unstable, leaving laptop users with no official recourse.
3. DRM Encryption: The files you download are encrypted cache files, not standard MP4s. You cannot move them to an SD card to save space, nor can you play them on a bigger screen (like a non-smart TV) via USB.
4. Simultaneous Streaming Devices: With the Mega Fan subscription, you're only allowed to have up to 4 simultaneous streams. The number will be 6 (in the US only) if you subscribe to Ultimate Fan.
Note: Yes. Crunchyroll can be downloaded directly from the Nintendo eShop. You can download Crunchyroll videos on your NS for a long trip or commuting. The progress is similar to that of iOS or Android.
How to Download Crunchyroll Videos on PC/Mac (No Expiry)
This is the solution for the rest of us—those who prefer to watch anime on laptops, manage media servers, or simply refuse to let a license expiration date control our offline viewing.
Since Crunchyroll blocks browser-based downloads, we need a tool that can interface with the stream directly. I have tested several video grabbers and browser extensions, but most fail because they cannot handle Crunchyroll's specific DRM protection. The most consistent tool I’ve used for this is KeepStreams.
Steve
One-Punch Man season 3 is now released on Crunchyroll! The last episode (Ep12) will be released on 28th December 2025. Use the following method to download the newly added episodes automatically!
Why Use a Desktop Downloader?
Unlike the encrypted cache files on your phone, a desktop downloader saves the video as a standard file. This offers many distinct advantages for the serious anime fan:
Compared with the Crunchyroll official download service, KeepStreams performs better in permanent library, format freedom, and batch/schedule efficiency. Check the table:
| Feature | Crunchyroll Official App | KeepStreams Downloader |
| Supported Devices | Mobile & Switch | Windows & Mac |
| Offline Viewing Devices | Mobile & Switch | Laptop, TV, consoles, etc. |
| File Format | Encrypted cache | MP4/MKV |
| Expiration | Yes (7 days / 48 hours after play) | Never (Permanent copy) |
| Resolution | Up to 1080p | Up to 1080p |
| Storage Limit | Limited by internal device storage | Unlimited (HDD/SSD/External) |
| Batch Download | Manual | Yes |
| *Auto Download | No | Yes |
| Subs Extracting | No | Yes |
*With KeepStreams, you can queue up an entire season of Demon Slayer and download it overnight, rather than tapping Download on every single episode manually. If a new episode is going to be added, just schedule the download for, for example, 6 pm every Friday, and everything will be prepared automatically.
How to Download from Crunchyroll on PC with KeepStreams?
Here is how to bypass the browser restriction and download video from Crunchyroll directly to your computer:
1. Install and Launch: Download the KeepStreams client for Windows or macOS.
2. Access the Built-in Browser: On the home screen, select Crunchyroll from the VIP Services list. This opens a secure, internal browser instance.
3. Log In: Sign in to your Crunchyroll account. (Note: KeepStreams is not an illegal DRM remover. You still need a valid account to access the streams initially.)
4. Select Your Anime: Navigate to the video you want to capture. The software will automatically analyze the URL as soon as you click play.
5. Customize Output: A pop-up window will appear. Here, you can select:
- Resolution: Up to 1080p.
- Audio/Subtitles: Choose the language you prefer.
6. Download: Click Download Now for a single episode or Add to Queue to grab the whole season at once.
Is it legal to download content this way? Generally, in many jurisdictions, recording streaming media for personal, offline use (often called "time-shifting" or "format-shifting") falls under Fair Use doctrines, provided you do not distribute, share, or sell the files. However, you should always adhere to Crunchyroll’s Terms of Service and copyright laws in your specific region.
[Bonus] How to Watch Crunchyroll Offline on TV or PS5?
Smart TV apps can be notoriously buggy, and they usually lack an offline mode due to limited TV storage. If you want to watch your anime on the big screen without buffering or internet dependency, here is the workaround I use:
1. Download to PC: Use the method above to save your episodes as MP4 files.
2. Transfer to USB: Copy the files onto a high-speed USB flash drive.
3. Plug and Play: Insert the drive into your TV’s USB port. Most modern TVs (Samsung, LG, Sony) have built-in media players that will recognize the MP4 files immediately.
This method guarantees smooth 1080p playback with zero buffering, regardless of your Wi-Fi strength. Similarly, you can use the method to watch Crunchyroll offline on PS5 or other devices that have no offline mode.
Quick Troubleshooting About Crunchyroll Download
Even with the official app, things don't always go smoothly. Based on common complaints from the community, here are quick fixes for the most frequent hiccups you might encounter.
Problem 1
Why did my Crunchyroll downloads disappear?
This is the most common frustration for Mega Fan users. If your "Offline" tab is suddenly empty, it is usually due to the DRM renewal check. The app requires you to connect to the internet at least once every 7 days to verify your subscription status. If you have been offline for 8 days, your downloads are automatically wiped.
Fix: Connect to Wi-Fi and open the app to refresh the license. To avoid this entirely, use the PC download method (Method 2), which creates permanent files.
Problem 2
Can I download episodes to an SD card?
On Android, yes, but with restrictions. You can change the download location in the app settings (Settings > General > Sync to SD Card).
The Catch: The files are encrypted. You cannot take that SD card, put it in your laptop, and watch the files. They are readable only by the Crunchyroll app on that specific phone.
FAQs
Q1. Can I download from Crunchyroll for free?
A1. No. Official offline viewing is strictly locked behind the Mega Fan ($9.99/mo) paywall. The free, ad-supported tier requires an active internet connection. However, you can use the 14-day free trial of Mega Fan to download episodes temporarily for a specific trip.
Q2. How to rip anime from Crunchyroll in 1080p?
A2. The official mobile app adjusts quality based on your connection and device storage, often capping at 720p to save space. To ensure a true 1080p download, you must use a desktop tool like KeepStreams for Crunchyroll. In the settings, simply select 1920x1080 as your target resolution before adding the series to your queue.
Q3. Do Crunchyroll downloads expire if I don’t go online?
A3. Yes. This is the hidden timer many users miss. Once you download an episode, it expires in 7 days if you stay offline. Worse, once you press "Play," you have only 48 hours to finish watching it before it locks up. You need a Crunchyroll video downloader to save Crunchyroll videos into the MP4/MKV format, which won't expire.
Q4. Is it legal to keep Crunchyroll downloads forever?
A4. If you are a paying subscriber, using a tool to download video from Crunchyroll for personal archiving (Fair Use) is generally acceptable in many regions, similar to recording a TV broadcast. However, distributing those files or uploading them to torrent sites is strictly illegal and violates copyright laws. Always keep your downloads for personal use only.
Q5. Why can't I download episodes on my laptop browser?
A5. Crunchyroll has decided not to implement a download button on its web player (Chrome/Edge/Safari) to prevent piracy. This is why searching "can I download from Crunchyroll" on Google often leads to confusion. The official feature is an app-exclusive perk; PC users are forced to use third-party software to achieve the same result.
Conclusion
So, can you download from Crunchyroll? The answer is a definitive yes, but the "how" depends entirely on your goals.
If you just need to kill time on a flight with your phone, the official Mega Fan subscription is sufficient, despite its expiration timers and DRM shackles. It is convenient and built right into the app.
However, if you want to build a permanent anime collection, watch on your PC, or view your favorite series on a 4K TV without buffering, the official route is a dead end. In this case, using a dedicated tool like KeepStreams for Crunchyroll is the only viable way to download Crunchyroll video files without restrictions.
KeepStreams gives you ownership of the media you pay for—no expiring licenses, no 48-hour timers, just your anime, available whenever you want it. This tool also supports downloading videos from Zaiko and many other streaming sites.
NOTE: Content available on Crunchyroll™ is protected by copyright. Unauthorized redistribution of this content may violate copyright laws in the United States and other countries.
KeepStreams is an independent company and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with Crunchyroll™ or its parent company. The information on this page is provided for informational purposes only and does not imply any endorsement of KeepStreams products by any third party.
KeepStreams is an independent company and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with Crunchyroll™ or its parent company. The information on this page is provided for informational purposes only and does not imply any endorsement of KeepStreams products by any third party.
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