I'm not only a TV fan but also like to make a personal collection of all my favorite TV series and films. In previous days, this could be done by buying DVDs. But today, it has become more convenient because of online streaming.
The reality is, DRM becomes the biggest problem, especially for us datahoarders. Even when I "download" videos officially, I don't actually own them. I'm just renting them with strict digital handcuffs. So I did research about Amazon Prime Video DRM, trying to find out what it is and how to save videos without it.
If you're here because Amazon Prime DRM removal keeps popping up in your searches, let's make sense of what's legal and what actually works. This guide explains Amazon Prime Video DRM removal for personal offline use.
Quick Guide:
Prime Video DRM refers to the tech to control how streaming content is accessed and copied. It applies rules to your online streaming and offline collections on Prime Video.
- What does Prime Video DRM limit? ➡️ Jump to Section 2
- How to download DRM-protected videos on Prime Video? ➡️ Jump to Section 3
- Best for Quality: Pro downloaders (compatible with Widevine L1).
- Best for Quick Clips: Screen Recorders (Requires disabling hardware acceleration).
- Is it safe and legal to remove DRM from Prime Video? ➡️ Jump to Section 4
What is Prime Video DRM?
DRM stands for Digital Rights Management, which is like a shield that protects digital content from unauthorized access or sharing. At a high level, there are 3 main technologies:
- Widevine on Chrome/Android and many TVs
- PlayReady on Microsoft platforms
- FairPlay on Apple.
Prime Video leans on the platform's native DRM depending on your device/browser. But it's often Google's Widevine DRM. Unlike Amazon Music DRM-free tracks in some cases, Prime Video titles remain protected by DRM and HDCP during streaming and downloads. If you're curious about the Netflix DRM, click the article for further reading.
Prime Video DRM Rules Explained: Download Limits
The truth is, DRM is constantly impacting how we watch Prime Video. These Amazon Prime DRM rules affect casting, simultaneous streams, and offline download quotas across devices. The most infamous example of this is probably the black screen you get when you try to screenshot or screen record Prime Video.
Limit 1
On Recording: black screen
When using OBS or QuickTime to record the Prime Video screen, or just screen recording a video, you will only get a black screen. It's a feature brought by DRM.
Prime Video uses HDCP to create an encrypted "handshake" between your video and your monitor. If the system detects a "middleman" (like screen recording software) intercepting the signal, it instantly cuts the visual feed while leaving the audio running.
Limit 2
On Casting: totally forbidden
No casting downloaded titles via Chromecast or AirPlay. You can only connect supported devices via adapters for offline playback on a TV.
Limit 3
On Streaming: subscription & simultaneous streams
- Subscription limit: You need to subscribe to the Prime plan to watch shows on Prime Video (except for Freevee content) online.
- Streams at the same time: It only allows up to 3 simultaneous streams per account.
- Simultaneous devices: The same title can only be played on no more than 2 devices at once.
Limit 4
On Downloading: subscription, device, time, quota, storage
1. Subscription & device limit: To download videos, you need an active Prime subscription at least, and the download service is only available on certain mobile devices.
2. Time limit: You only have 30 days to start watching a download and 48 hours to finish after you press play. (Expired downloads disappear.)
3. Quota limit: Total number of downloads across devices is capped (Prime doesn't publish a single global number). Amazon's forum commonly cites ~15–25 titles depending on region/content. If you hit a limit, check other devices and clear old downloads.
4. Storage limit: On Android/Windows, you can select a storage location, but Amazon doesn't recommend USB-connected drives for downloads. Even when saved externally, downloads remain tied to the app/account and aren't portable files.
How to Download DRM-Protected Videos from Prime Video?
Google's Widevine DRM is the most important definition when we find a way to "remove drm from Prime Video". That's what Prime Video is using. It operates on 3 levels; the biggest difference lies in its L1 and L3.
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Widevine L1 requires a secure connection directly to your device's hardware and allows for 1080p and 4K streaming. While L3 is the software-only fallback. If you use a basic browser extension or a screen recorder, Amazon forces you into L3 mode (only 540p).
Most "free downloaders" you find on GitHub are stuck at Level 3. To get the real 1080p source file, you need a tool capable of handling Widevine L1 decryption
There are 3 methods to download DRM videos from Prime Video: Pro video downloader, screen recording, and the official app. They are all legal and safe to use. But each of them has specific limits and advantages.
How to Download DRM-Protected Videos?
1. Use a video downloader like KeepStreams: Need to install a program, but all downloads are free from limits and can be watched anywhere.
2. Screen Recording: Convenient and safe, but you might encounter a black screen.
3. Use the Official app: Convenient, but you have to follow the download limits.
Comparison: 3 Methods to Download DRM Videos on Prime Video
Before getting into the details, I'll put the top methods side-by-side. As someone who values their time, the "Download Speed" row is the dealbreaker for me.
| Feature | KeepStreams | Recorder | Official App |
| Viewing Window | No viewing window. Can be played anytime | No viewing window. |
|
| Streams Limit | No limit | Turn black because of DRM |
|
| Download Limit | 100 titles per day | No limits | 25 titles across all devices |
| Casting | Supoprted | Supoprted | Not allowed |
| Storage | Any devices | Any devices | Only in the app |
| Video Format | MP4/MKV | MP4 | Encrypted format |
| Video Quality | FHD 1080p | Poor | FHD 1080p |
| Download Speed | Medium | Slow | Fast |
| Scheduled Download | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Best For | Advanced users willing to enjoy true free offline viewing | Users who need last-resort capture | Users who want policy-compliant offline viewing |
Method 1: Professional Downloader (KeepStreams)
A third-party tool can help you download videos from Prime Video and make them stand alone from the official app. But you need to pay special attention to the legal risk (DMCA §1201). DRM removal is strictly prohibited by the act, so please pick a reliable tool instead of online downloaders or extensions.
KeepStreams for Prime Video is a third-party tool that supports downloading DRM videos from Prime Video. It has a powerful built-in browser. Enter your Prime Video account to allow KeepStreams to access the DRM videos freed by Amazon, and play the video to download it into MP4/MKV format.
Here's how you download DRM videos from Amazon, step by step. By doing so, you can save Prime Video content for forever offline viewing:
Step1
Download and install KeepStreams for Prime Video
Step2
Launch KeepStreams and find Prime Video
Step3
Log in to your Prime Video account
With the KeepStreams' built-in browser, log in to your Amazon Prime Video account. Search for and play the video content you wish to download, when KeepStreams will analyze it automatically.
KeepStreams doesn't have a built-in DRM removal function. It downloads DRM-protected videos on Prime Video by verifying your legal access. If you have no right to play the video, KeepStreams can not help you download it.
Step4
Play the video and customize download settings
When the analysis is done, a download window will pop up. Customize the download settings to fit your preferences, adjusting video, audio, and subtitle options (the actual options depend on the original video). Click "Download Now" or "Add to Queue" to start downloading immediately or download videos later in bulk.
Video tutorial:
Method 2: Screen Recording
If you only need to save a 30-second clip of a funny scene to share on Twitter, paying for software is overkill. Screen recording is free, but it comes with a major headache: the Black Screen.
Modern DRM stacks (e.g., Widevine/PlayReady) can enforce output protection (e.g., HDCP) and block screen capture, which is why many recordings end up with audio-only or black video. It happens not only on Prime Video, but on almost all streaming services.
Luckily, if you try to use OBS Studio or QuickTime to record Prime Video in a browser, here is the workaround that "tricks" the browser into showing the video layer:
- Google Chrome: Go to Settings > System > Toggle OFF "Use graphics acceleration when available."
- Firefox: Go to Settings > General > Performance > Uncheck "Use recommended performance settings" > Uncheck "Use hardware acceleration."
- Restart your browser.
But this trick doesn't work for every title. Sometimes, you'll still get a black screen after setting, which is normal.
Method 3: Prime Video app
This official method is the safest and most reliable one. It can only help you download DRM-protected videos, but the offline viewing limits mentioned in the last section still exist.
Just use the Prime Video app on iOS/Android/macOS/Fire tablet, pick the title, and tap Download. On Android devices, you can also choose a storage location (USB not recommended).
- Open the Prime Video app
- Pick a movie or season
- Tap Download (you can download entire seasons)
But remember, the downloaded titles are still protected by DRM even if you don't connect your device to the internet. You need to follow all the limits listed above: the device, subscription, quota, storage, casting...
Is DRM Removal Legal in the US? (Read Before You Try)
In the U.S., DMCA §1201 generally prohibits bypassing access controls (DRM) on copyrighted works—including movies/TV. However, there are region-by-region variances and "personal ≠ blanket exemption" facts. Always review local rules and the Prime Video terms before you consider anything beyond the official app.
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Therefore, do not use tools that claim to "bypass/remove DRM of Prime Video content", especially "without a Prime Video Premium plan." They're illegal and carry potential risks.
Making copies for personal usage is totally acceptable in many regions. As a legal subscriber, you do have the right to choose the way you watch shows offline. But remember, we should never share, upload, or sell the downloads.
If you want to learn more about the legality, how third-party tools (like KeepStreams) often work, and the true cases, continue to read Copyright: What You Should Know Before Downloading.
FAQs
Q1. Is removing DRM from Amazon Prime legal in the US?
A1. DRM circumvention is strictly restricted by DMCA §1201. If you want to choose a third-party tool, be sure you're using a downloader that can't remove DRM from Prime Video content, such as KeepStreams for Prime Video.
Q2. How many devices/titles can I use if I use the Prime Video app?
A2. You can enjoy up to 3 streams per account, and save the same title on no more than 2 devices at once. Total downloadable titles across devices is commonly ~15–25, per Amazon forum guidance.
Q3. Can I download Prime Video shows to a USB/SD and play it elsewhere?
A3. Android/Windows let you pick storage, but USB is not recommended. If you're using the official app, all the downloads remain app/account-bound, not portable MP4s.
Q4. Does the Ad-Free add-on change download rules?
A4. Ad-Free affects ads, not the core 30/48 or casting rules for eligible content. Always check the title’s download availability inside the app. (Prime doesn’t publish a single global page tying Ad-Free to offline rules.)
Conclusion
If you're considering Amazon Prime Video DRM removal, ensure you comply with DMCA §1201 and local laws. Among the 3 methods to download DRM videos from Prime Video, which one will you pick?
If your goal is simply to watch offline, the official Prime Video app is the safest way: respect the 30/48 window, expect no casting of downloads, and don’t rely on USB as a long-term vault.
If you want a really free offline viewing experience and enjoy videos without DRM later, you can use a third-party tool like KeepStreams for Prime Video. But remember to respect the U.S. (DMCA §1201) and your local law, and never share your downloads or upload them for commercial purposes.
NOTE: This guide is intended for Personal Use Only (Fair Use). Creating a backup of content you legally pay for is acceptable, but sharing, distributing, or selling that content is strictly illegal and violates Amazon's Terms of Service. I am here to explain the technology, not to encourage piracy. Please respect the creators.
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