TL;DR
- You need an iPad running at least iPadOS 14, iOS 14, or a compatible Android version, along with a stable internet connection. You also need a current Amazon Prime membership or content that you have rented or bought. (Part 1)
- There are limits on how many titles you can download to mobile and the number of devices that can watch simultaneously. (Part 3)
- Third-party tools, such as KeepStreams for Prime Video is a way to download movies to iPad, iPhone, and Android from Amazon Prime without limits. (Part 4)
You can download Amazon Prime Video on your iPad, but there are a few essential requirements. The process is just as easy if you want to download to mobile devices like iPhones or Android tablets. I'll cover the device requirements and the step-by-step process for these platforms.
I'll also share insights on troubleshooting common errors and clarify the policies that might affect your download to mobile experience. Here's a guide on how to download Amazon videos on your iPad and other mobile devices.
Device and Account Requirements
Note: Your iPad or iPhone generally requires iOS/iPadOS 14.0 or later to install the Prime Video app. For Android users looking to download to mobile, typically Android 5.0 or later is required. Downloads require an active Prime Membership or a completed digital purchase/rental.
It's important that your specific device and membership meet certain requirements so that the download to mobile process goes smoothly.
System Requirements
I'll use my own iPad Air as an example, but these rules apply generally. It has iPadOS 16, which is more than enough. Whether you are using an iPhone, an Android phone (like a Samsung Galaxy or Pixel), or a tablet, ensure your OS is up to date.
- iOS/iPadOS: Must be running 14.0 or later according to the App Store.
- Android: Must be running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or newer to support the latest Prime Video app features.
Older models that cannot update to these versions will likely fail to download to mobile successfully. In addition to the operating system, a reliable internet connection is essential for the initial content verification on Amazon's servers.
In addition to the operating system, a reliable internet connection is essential for downloading and initial content verification on Amazon's servers.
Subscription Basic
You must have an active Amazon Prime membership, or alternatively, a valid rental or purchase, as downloading the content is tied to your subscription status.
Official Method: How to Download Amazon Prime Video to iPad, iPhone, Android?
Note: If you have plenty of space and just need a movie for tonight, the official app is the easiest route. However, you need to be smart about your settings to avoid wasting space.
The steps used to download movies from Amazon Prime to your iPad, iPhone, or Android device are very simple. Whether you use iOS or Android, the interface is nearly identical. I'll show you how to download to mobile—specifically getting movies and TV shows from the Amazon Prime Video app onto your device.
For Streamed Amazon Prime Videos
Follow the steps below for any mobile device:
- Step 1. Launch the Prime Video app on your iPad, iPhone, or Android.
- Step 2. Select the video that you want to download to mobile. You can tap on "Included with Prime" or search for the video manually.
- Step 3. Download the video. Simply tap the Download icon (usually a downward arrow) to save the video onto your device. On Android, you may be asked if you want to save to Internal Storage or an SD Card (if inserted).
For Rented or Purchased Amazon Prime Videos
Follow the steps below to download to mobile the rented or purchased videos:
- Step 1. Tap on My Stuff and you will get access to the videos that you have purchased or rented.
- Step 2. Tap on the movies or TV show you want to download.
- Step 3. From the details page for the videos, tap on the Download button.
Common iPad Download Issues of the Official Method
Even if you do everything right, you might still run into problems when you try to download Prime Video content. From my own experience and what I've learned from user groups, I'll talk about some common problems and give you some good ways to fix them.
Button Missing/Grey
Title/Channel/region may disallow downloads. Try to update the app/iPadOS and confirm you're signed into the right profile/region.
Stuck at 0.0B/Pending
Toggle Wi-Fi only off/on, switch networks, free space, force-quit/restart, clear app cache, or reinstall.
Expiry Limit
Remember the account cap and the two-device per-title rule. Delete older downloads on other devices. You typically have 30 days to start watching. Once you press play, you only have 48 hours to finish before the video expires.
Region/License Messages after a Trip
Channels often won't stream abroad. Briefly reconnect online to refresh the license. Due to Geo-blocking, some downloaded content may become unplayable if you cross international borders.
How to Download Movies to iPad from Amazon Prime Without Limits?
Due to DRM, Prime Video downloaded content typically comes with expiration periods, and you may face limits on the number of titles that can be downloaded simultaneously or on different devices. Regional policies and account restrictions can also play a role.
If the official method doesn't meet your long-haul archiving need, third-party tools (e.g., KeepStreams for Prime Video) exist. Learn how to download the Prime Video titles without DRM.
Step 1: Download and install KeepStreams. Select the Prime Video platform in VIP Service.
Step 2: Play the Prime Video content you want to download.
Step 3: Select quality, format, subtitle options, and click the Download Now button.
The "Infinite Storage" Hack: Saving to an SD Card
Note: You cannot use the official Prime app to download directly to external storage. Use third-party tools (like KeepStreams) to convert videos to MP4/MKV.
Here is the reality: The iPad Prime Video app does not allow you to save downloads to an external drive, and while Android allows SD card use, the files are unplayable on other devices. So, how do I carry 50+ movies on my 64GB iPad or Android phone? I use a workaround: download on PC, transfer to mobile.
My laptop has a tool called KeepStreams for Amazon that I use to get the movies as MP4 files. After that, I put them on an SD card or USB-C drive and connect it directly to my iPad, or simply copy the files to my Android's internal folder. This method completely bypasses internal storage limits and is the ultimate way to download to mobile without restrictions.
| Feature | 📱 Official App | 🚀 KeepStreams (Winner) |
| Viewing Expiry | ⏳ 30 Days / 48 Hrs Limit | ✅ Permanent (Never Expires) |
| Storage | Internal Memory Only | External (SD Card / USB) |
| Region | Geo-Locked | Region-Free (Global) |
| Device Limit | Max 2 Devices | Unlimited Sharing |
| Audio | 🔈 Standard Stereo | 🎧 EAC3 5.1 / Atmos |
| Ads | Includes Ads | Ad-Free (Auto-Remove) |
| Subtitles | Hardcoded Only | SRT / Remux Support |
| Batch Mode | 👆 Manual (One-by-One) | ⚡ 1-Click Batch (Seasons) |
| Ideal For | Casual Viewers | Travelers & Collectors |
[Bonus] Download Settings and Quality Options of Amazon Prime Video
If you want a higher resolution, HD or even 4K (if it's available) will give you a clearer picture but take up more space. Generally, actual resolution depends on title + device. On iPad, offline files are typically HD/SD. 4K/HDR support on mobile is limited and title/device-dependent.
The app allows you to manage settings such as automatic downloads over Wi-Fi versus cellular networks as well.
For streaming, Amazon now gates Dolby Vision/Atmos behind the Ad-Free upgrade. This does not explicitly change whether you can download, but it can affect what fidelity you get on compatible hardware.
FAQs
Q1. Why did my downloaded Prime Video disappear?
A1. If your Prime subscription ended, or if the movie left the Prime catalog (licensing deals change monthly), the download is wiped. This is a server-side removal. The way to keep a movie forever—even after it leaves Prime—is to use a downloader like KeepStreams.
Q2. Why can't I download to mobile (iPad/iPhone/Android) successfully?
A2. If you can't download to your phone, it might be because the software on your device doesn't work with the app (make sure you have iPadOS/iOS 14+ or Android 5.0+), the network isn't stable, there are restrictions in your area, or you've reached your download limit. Before anything else, always check your storage room and app updates.
Q3. Can I transfer Prime Video downloads to my camera roll or Files app?
A3. Not at all. If you don't use a third-party app like KeepStreams for Prime Video, you can only watch something you downloaded through the Prime Video app.
Q4. Is it legal to use a third-party tool to download Prime Video?
A4. It's important to make sure that the tool you choose, like KeepStreams for Prime Video, fully follows Amazon's platform rules. Consulting the latest legal resources and cross-referencing with official announcements from Amazon and KeepStreams Copyright Compliance statements.
Q5. Do ads affect downloads on Prime Video?
A5. Ads don't stop downloading straight. But some streaming features, like Dolby Vision and Atmos, may need the Ad-Free plan and devices that work with it. It still depends on the title, the device, and the area whether the download is available.
In Conclusion
Watching Prime Video on an iPad should be relaxing, not a battle against storage warnings. If you are just catching up on an episode of The Boys during a commute, the Official App is perfectly fine.
However, if you are planning a long trip or simply want to build a permanent library without eating up your iPad's precious memory, the SD Card method using KeepStreams is a game-changer. It is the efficient way to truly "own" the content you pay for.
NOTE: Please note that Amazon Prime Video™ owns the legal rights to its media. Sending this content to others without authorization is a violation of copyright laws everywhere. KeepStreams acts independently and is not sponsored by Amazon Prime Video™. This content is for reading purposes only and implies no endorsement from other companies.
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