Channel 4 (formerly known as All 4) is a free streaming service in the UK. It offers over 2,000 programs across many categories, including comedy, documentaries, drama, and entertainment. While Channel 4 provides a download service, there are limits.
In this article, I will guide you on how to download Channel 4 on laptop and watch it offline on phone or TV. Below, I'll explain why your old "All 4 downloader" stopped working and share the reliable method I found to save Channel 4 shows permanently to a hard drive. Hope you can successfully "control" your downloaded Channel 4 programmes on any device you like.
Quick Guide:
It's impossible to directly download Channel 4 programmes to PC. The official "Download" feature is restricted to iOS and Android mobile devices only. We need an extra tool to rip from Channel 4 for offline viewing on Windows or Mac.
Rebranding of Channel 4: New Name, New Tech
Are you confused by the keywords like "download all 4" and "4oD downloader" in the Google search results? That makes total sense because, for years, that is what the service was called. Until late 2024, "All 4" is officially dead. The broadcaster has unified everything under the single brand Channel 4.
Alyssa
Old name: All 4 / 4oD ➡️ New name: Channel 4
Why does this matter for us? When they rebranded, they also upgraded their content protection (DRM). This is why:
- Old Tools Fail: Most free "All 4 downloaders" or Chrome extensions you found on GitHub haven't been updated for the new Channel 4 encryption.
- Broken Links: If you try to "rip" a Channel 4 video using an old script, you'll likely get a black screen or a "Network Error."
So, now we are specifically talking about downloading from the new Channel 4 platform. If you want an offline viewing on a mobile phone, it's getting easier with the Channel 4 app (Jump to Section 3). But if you prefer a bigger screen like a PC, it requires more advanced tools than before.
How to Download Channel 4 Programmes to PC?
Since Channel 4 doesn't provide a desktop app or support download on the desktop web, we need an extra tool to download Channel 4 programmes to PC. A professional downloader, online video downloader, pro video recorder, or browser extension can help us to do it. But they have different pros and cons.
Tech Insight: Why Screen Recorders Don't Work?
The new Channel 4 uses Widevine DRM (L3/L2 levels), which detects screen capture software and blacks out the video feed while keeping the audio. This is why you need a professional tool that can decrypt the stream, not just record the screen.
Which Tool Should I Choose to Download from Channel 4?
I used the mentioned 3 types of tools to download the E1-E3 of The Piano S3 from Channel 4 on my 2025 Macbook Air. The results are listed below:
| Result/Tool | Pro Downloader (KeepStreams) | Online Downloader (TubeNinja) | Recorder (Audials) | Extension (VDH) |
| Quality | 720p/1080p | 480p/720p | 720p | 720p/1080p |
| Speed | ~12 minutes | ~64 minutes | ~144 minutes | ~ 43 minutes |
| Safety | Medium | Low | High | Low |
| Output Format | MP4/MKV | MP4 | MP4 | MP4 |
| Expiration | Never expire | Never expire | Never expire | Never expire |
| DRM Handling | ✅ | ❌ | ⚠️ (Pro can) | ❌ |
| Ad-Removal | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Batch Download | ✅ (Queues) | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ (Manual) |
| Auto-Download | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
📌 I recommend a professional downloader for Channel 4 if you want a better download experience and an offline viewing experience. But most of them are not free.
📌 I don't recommend ripping content by recording Channel 4 videos. It takes much more time compared with other methods. But if you're okay with that, a pro recorder is also a nice choice, such as Audials.
📌 For free downloads of Channel 4 videos, consider using online downloaders or browser add-ons. But they're fragile when handling DRM videos and full of ads. I tried TubeNinja to download the 3 episodes, and all of them failed. It seems to try to lead me to another paid program.
Steps to Download Channel 4 Programmes on Laptop
To illustrate how I download Channel 4 programmes on laptop, I'll take KeepStreams for Channel 4, a professional video downloader, as an example to show the steps. It's compatible with both Windows and macOS systems, so I can use it without any trouble.
Unlike those sketchy online converters that spam me with ads, KeepStreams is a dedicated browser tool that logs into Channel 4 legitimately but adds a "Download" button to the video player. It bypasses the 48-hour expiry and the device restriction completely. Since it directly analyzes and extracts the stream, the quality can be high up to Full HD 1080p.
How to download Channel 4 programmes on laptop with KeepStreams? Just follow the simple 5 steps below:
Step 1: Get the Right Tool
Download and install KeepStreams for Channel 4 on my computer.
Step 2: Access Channel 4 via Built-in Browser
Launch KeepStreams and select Channel 4 from VIP Services. This will open an internal web browser that takes you directly to the official Channel 4 website.
Step 3: Browse and Play a Channel 4 Video
Log in to your own Channel 4 account just like you would on Chrome. Browse the Channel 4 library and locate the show you wish to download.
Step 4: Analyze and Customize Quality
Play the video within the built-in browser, and the analysis will be done in seconds. After analysis, customize the output settings as you prefer, including the video, audio, and subtitles.
The available options depend on the original video and your accessibility. Also, you can schedule the download and allow KeepStreams to get the newly added episode by ticking "Download new episodes automatically."
Step 5: Batch Download for Offline Viewing
Click the Download Now button to start downloading from Channel 4 immediately. I also tried the queue-up function by adding all three videos to the download list. The process is smooth and quick. After several minutes, I found the first episode was done and saved in MP4/MKV format on my Mac.
Channel 4's ToS explicitly forbids "copying, reproducing... or making available to the public" their content. Using a downloader is a form of copying. While you are unlikely to face legal action for saving an episode of Gogglebox to watch on a plane, it is technically a violation. So please make sure you only use the downloads for personal offline viewing, and never share or sell them.
How to Download on Channel 4 App? For Mobile Only
Can you download Channel 4 programmes? Yes, as mentioned above, it's very easy to download Channel 4 programmes on mobile via the official app. It can be found on Android or iOS mobile devices. Every registered user can download some of the titles from the library for free, of course, with some limits.
Channel 4 Download Limits
Before downloading the Channel 4 app, check the list to understand what we should notice:
- Device Limit: iOS or Android phone/tablet only. (You can use the app if it shows in your app store.)
- Title Limit: Only a part of the videos from Channel 4 can be downloaded, due to copyright.
- Ads: Without the Channel 4+ subscription, your free downloads will still contain ad breaks.
- Offline viewing window: Check the expiry badge next to each download. Normally, you only have about 30 days to start and 48 hours to finish after you hit Play.
Alyssa
Channel 4 expiry varies, and thus, always check the app's countdown for your title.
Steps to Download Channel 4 Programmes on Mobile
If you're using a supported mobile device, just follow these steps to learn how to download on Channel 4 app:
- Install the latest version of the Channel 4 app.
- Open the app and sign in to your account.
- Browse for the video you want to download and go to the details page (like the following image shows).
- Tap the download button next to the episode, and wait for a few minutes.
- The downloaded titles can be quickly found in the "Downloads" section at the bottom.
Using the Channel 4 app might be the most convenient choice. However, you need to follow the download rules and can only watch the downloads in the app. Always use the Downloads tab for offline playback and expiry checks.
Note: Channel 4 provides a membership service. Users can subscribe to Channel 4+ for £3.99/mo. to enjoy ad-free viewing, early access, more content, multi-device sync, and more. But the download option is open for every user, including the free one.
New function for iOS device (updated in 2025): You can use 3G/4G connection to download videos if the Wi-Fi is unavailable.
How to Watch Channel 4 Programmes Offline on TV?
In late 2024, the official Channel 4 app arrived on most modern Android TV and Google TV devices. This is a step forward for big-screen viewing. However, this app is for streaming to television, not downloading. It does not provide an offline viewing feature.
If you want to watch Channel 4 programmes offline on TV or other devices, the easiest method is to use an extra we discussed in Section 2 to download Channel 4 videos into MP4/MKV video files in advance, and move them to the smart TV via a USB drive.
[Bonus] Troubleshooting: Channel 4 Downloads Not Working
Quick Answer:
- For the official app, it's usually licensing or your location.
- For third-party tools, it's almost always a DRM update or a bad VPN connection.
If you can't download on Channel 4 via the official app, check:
- Content Not Available: Not all shows (especially movies) are licensed for download. Change to another title
- You're Outside the UK: The app is geo-restricted. Downloads won't initiate if you're not in the UK.
- Storage: Your device is full. Clear up for more space.
If the extra tool you're using suddenly fails to download Channel 4 videos, check:
- DRM Update: Channel 4 updated its protection, and the tool is now broken. You must wait for a software update. (And that's the reason why I recommend a professional tool, as they are always updated frequently)
- VPN Blocked: Your VPN's IP address has been identified and blocked by Channel 4. Try a different server.
- CDM Issues: The Content Decryption Module (a component used by your browser) may be outdated.
FAQs
Q1. Is it legal to download Channel 4 programmes to my PC?
A1. Technically, it goes against the platform's Terms of Service. However, in many regions, "Fair Use" laws allow you to record or save content you have legal access to for personal, non-commercial use (often called "time-shifting"). As long as you don't share, sell, or upload the files to YouTube, you are generally safe using this for your own offline viewing.
Q2. How do I get rid of ads on Channel 4 downloads?
A2. If you use the official app, you have to pay £3.99/month for "Channel 4+" to remove ads. Or use KeepStreams for Channel 4 to remove ads automatically during the download process. You can directly get a clean video file without those 3-minute interruptions. Read How to Watch Channel 4 Without Ads for more information.
Q3. Can I watch Channel 4 in the US or outside the UK?
A3. Officially, no. The app blocks you once you leave the UK. Use a VPN to set your location to the UK, then use KeepStreams to download your shows. Once the file is on your laptop, you can turn off the VPN and watch it offline anywhere in the world—whether you are on a plane or in a hotel in New York.
Q4. How long do Channel 4 downloads last?
A4. Downloads typically last for 30 days. However, once you start watching a show, you have 48 hours to finish it before it expires. Always check the "Downloads" section in the app for the exact expiry date.
Q5. Why can't I find the download button for a specific show on Channel 4?
A5. Not all content on Channel 4 is licensed for download. This is very common for movies or shows acquired from other networks. If there is no download icon, it cannot be downloaded officially.
But you can try to download it with a third-party tool. Normally, all playable videos can be downloaded. However, always remember never share the downloads or use them for purposes other than personal offline viewing.
Q6. Does Channel 4 work on Android TV or Google TV now?
A6. Yes, the official Channel 4 app is available on most modern Android TV and Google TV devices. But this app is for streaming only. If you want to watch Channel 4 shows on TV offline, use an extra tool to download the videos into the MP4 video format before moving them to TVs.
Conclusion
This post solves more than the questions like "how to download on Channel 4 app" or "how to download Channel 4 programmes to PC". It also provides a possible way to watch Channel 4 content offline on TVs or other big screens.
The most convenient way of offline viewing must be using the download button in the Channel 4 app, and it's totally free, with no need for the Channel 4+ subscription. But the official download limits and endless ads might bother some audiences.
Using a reliable extra tool like KeepStreams for Channel 4 is a nice workaround to improve your offline viewing experience. It can not only help you download all videos that can be played, but also remove all ads, even without the Plus subscription. All in all, the final decision depends on your demands.
This article is for informational and educational purposes only. Users should comply with Channel 4's Terms of Service and all applicable copyright laws in their region. Third-party tools mentioned are for reference and should only be used for personal, non-distributive purposes in accordance with fair use principles.
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