Quick Answer: It is hard to download from Lemino (formerly dTV) because of region locks and strict DRM security. The official app lets you download it temporarily on your phone, but the downloads end and cannot be transferred to other devices. (Part 3)
To get movies as permanent 1080p MP4 files in 2026, the best way is to use a special tool like KeepStreams. (Part 2) This guide talks about the legal steps, how to get around the "black screen" problem, and the differences between the different ways to download. (Part 4)
I spent weeks testing different browser extensions, screen recorders, and downloaders to download Lemino videos. Most failed or resulted in low-quality clips. However, I finally found a workflow that actually works to save content permanently.
In this guide, I'll walk you through exactly how I bypass these restrictions to download Lemino videos in full HD—so you don't have to waste time testing.
What is Lemino and Why is Access So Difficult?
Note: Lemino has a "Freemium" tier with ads, but many premium shows require a paid subscription (approx. ¥990/month).
Before we jump into the "how-to," it's crucial to understand what we are dealing with. In 2023, NTT Docomo rebranded the popular dTV service into Lemino.
| Monthly Plans and Prices |
|
| Free Trial | 31 days |
| Number of Movies | Over 180,000 titles |
| Exclusive distribution / Original | Available |
| Simultaneous Viewing Devices | Up to 4 devices per account |
| Download function | Subscription to Lemino Premium and selected titles |
| Picture quality | SD/HD |
| Double speed mode | 0.5x~2.0x speed |
This wasn't just a name change. It was a massive platform overhaul. Lemino now hosts a vast library of K-Pop concerts, exclusive Japanese dramas, and anime. However, for international users, it presents two major hurdles:
- Geo-Blocking: Lemino is strictly accessible only from Japanese IP addresses.
- Encryption: It uses advanced DRM (Digital Rights Management) that blocks standard screen recorders.
The Best Way to Download Lemino Videos (Permanent MP4)
Note: KeepStreams can download Lemino videos without limits, meaning you get a clean file with no ads and no expiration date.
If your goal is to watch videos offline on your laptop, TV, or transfer them to an external hard drive, the official app won't cut it (we'll explain why later).
After testing 5+ different tools, the most reliable solution I found is KeepStreams for Lemino. Unlike screen recorders that capture the stream in real-time (which takes forever), KeepStreams downloads the source file directly from the server.
KeepStreams for Lemino is a powerful tool that is able to remove all download limits and help you download Lemino videos by extracting the video URL.
KeepStreams boasts a user-friendly interface, making it very easy to use. What's more, every new user can receive a 30-day free trial to download 3 shows from Lemino to test all advanced features.
Step 1 Launch KeepStreams and select Lemino for "VIP Service" on the left side.
Step 2 Sign in with your Lemino account and play the movie, drama, or show you want to download. Then KeepStreams will analyze the URL automatically.
Step 3 The analysis will be done in several seconds. Set download options and click on "Download Now" to initiate the download process.
All videos will be downloaded in the default location on your computer. You can quickly find the local folder by clicking the little folder icon beside the title in the "Downloaded" section.
Download Lemino Videos with the Official Mobile App (Temporary Viewing)
Note: When you use the download function in the Lemino app, you can save only certain movies, downloads are disabled on PC, you cannot watch offline even if you download when the Premium expires, and there are various other limitations.
If you only need to watch a show on your phone during a commute and don't care about keeping the file forever, the official Lemino app is a decent option.
How to use it:
- You can get the Lemino app from the Japanese Google Play Store or Apple App Store. You may need a Japanese account ID to do this.
- Find the video you want to watch.
- Look for the "Download" icon (downward arrow) below the video player.
- The video will be saved to the "My Library" tab.
The Major Drawbacks (Cons) of Official Ways
This method is useful, but I think it's too limited for me:
- Time Limits: Downloaded content often expires after 48 hours once you start watching.
- No PC Support: You cannot transfer these files to your computer. They are encrypted "cache" files hidden in the app.
- Missing Titles: Some movies on Lemino can't be downloaded because of the terms of the licenses.
Can You Screen Record Lemino? (The "Black Screen" Issue)
Note: Screen recording is not a viable solution for Lemino in 2026. It wastes time and produces unusable footage.
I see this question on Reddit threads like r/Jpop and r/OBS constantly: "How fix black screen with source capture app?"
The answer is HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection).
When you try to use OBS, QuickTime, or the built-in screen recorder on your iPhone/Android, Lemino detects it and blackouts the video layer while keeping the audio.
My Test Results:
- Chrome Extension Recorders: Resulted in a black screen.
- Windows Game Bar: Resulted in a black screen.
- iPhone Screen Record: Resulted in a black screen.
To help you decide, I've compiled this data based on my recent tests (January 2026).
| Feature | KeepStreams | Official App | Screen Recording |
| Success Rate | High (99%) | Medium (Depends on Title) | Low (Black Screen) |
| Video Quality | Up to 1080p | 720p/1080p (Mobile) | Variable / 480p |
| Ad Removal | Auto-Remove Ads | Ads Included (Free Plan) | Records Ads (Must Watch) |
| Batch Download | One-Click "Download All" | Manual (One by One) | Impossible (Manual Record) |
| Subtitle Format | Remuxed / Separate .SRT | Burned-in (Fixed) | Burned-in (Cannot Turn Off) |
| File Format | MP4 / MKV | Encrypted Cache | Large Raw File / Black Output |
| Expiration | Never (Permanent) | 48 Hours | Permanent (But Unwatchable) |
| Device Support | PC / Mac / Transfer to TV | Mobile / Tablet Only | PC & Mobile (Restricted) |
| Speed | Fast (Batch Download) | Medium | Real-time (Slow) |
| Updated on 03 February 2026 | |||
More importantly, because of the DRM protection, you can't directly record Lemino shows for offline viewing or sharing. When you record, the screen will turn black.
Conclusion
I tested many software programs that claimed to be able to download Lemino videos. Among them, KeepStreams for Lemino is highly suggested because it can save videos in MP4 format while keeping the quality of the original.
And since you're here, you may also be interested in other supported services of KeepStreams, such as the function to download Hulu videos and download Weverse shows.
FAQs
Q1. Can I use KeepStreams to download multiple Lemino videos at the same time?
A1. Of course, whereas downloading videos one at a time using the Lemino app, KeepStreams allows you to download multiple Lemino videos and "add to queue" them all at once for efficient downloading. You can download videos efficiently.
Q2. What is the DRM technology used in Lemino?
A2. Like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, and other major video distribution services, Lemino uses DRM (Digital Rights Management) technology to prevent unauthorized copying and screen recording. To do so, you must first remove the DRM. For this purpose, we recommend the powerful and highly functional KeepStreams downloader software.
Q3. Is it legal to save Lemino videos without DRM protection?
A3. Yes. It's important to remember that sharing saved Lemino content with other people for money or for profit is against Lemino's copyright.
There are legal consequences for breaking copyright rules. Downloading the material for personal use, on the other hand, is usually not seen as breaking the law.
Q4. Can I watch Lemino without a dAccount?
A4. Some free content is available without logging in, but for the full library and higher quality, a free dAccount is required. You can register using an email address, though a credit card might be needed for age verification on some content.

