Quick Answer: Most Prime Video download errors (like Code 491 or 0x80073D0D) stem from three root causes: outdated Windows Store certificates, strict DRM limits (maximum 15-25 titles across all devices), or the new "Ad-Supported" subscription restrictions. (Part 1)
Basic resets fix 50% of app crashes, but to permanently bypass expiration dates, regional blocks, and download caps, (Part 2) offline backup tools like KeepStreams are the only reliable solution. (Part 3)
Instead of the play button on Prime Video, I was hit with a grey screen and a cryptic message: "Video Unavailable - License Expired." I hadn't even pressed play yet.
If you are reading this, you are likely staring at a similar error code on your Windows App or mobile device. Through Reddit threads, Microsoft forums, and Amazon's updated 2025 usage policies, it turns out the "Download" feature is more of a "rental" with heavy restrictions. Here is everything I learned about fixing these errors and how to eventually stop worrying about them altogether.
![[Latest 2026] Prime Video Error Codes and How to Fix Them](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
What Prime Video Error Codes Actually Mean?
Note: If your error code starts with 0x, it's a Windows OS problem. If it's a 4-digit number, it's usually an Amazon server or account limitation.
Amazon's error messages are notoriously vague. Before you start uninstalling things, check this list. Most errors fall into two buckets: Device Issues (your hardware) or Account Restrictions (Amazon's rules).
The Prime Video Error Codes on the Windows App
Since the Windows 10/11 Prime Video app transitioned to a web-wrapper style architecture recently, specific errors have spiked on forums like Reddit's r/PrimeVideo.
- Error 0x80073D0D / 0x80244007: These are Windows Store specific errors. It means the app cannot write data to your protected system folder.
- Error 7235: Usually seen on Chrome/Edge, but affects the web-player. It means your browser's Widevine CDM (Content Decryption Module) is outdated.
- "Something went wrong" (Generic): This is usually caused by an HDCP problem between your graphics card and the monitor.
Common Prime Video Error Codes Lookup Table
I've compiled the most frequent codes reported in 2025:
|
Prime Video Error Code |
Potential Cause |
Quick Fix |
|---|---|---|
|
1060 |
Insufficient Bandwidth |
Ensure network speed is >15 Mbps; Retry on 5GHz Wi-Fi. |
|
5004 |
Authentication/Login |
Sign out, clear app cache, and change password (force token reset). |
|
2063 |
Payment Problem |
Often occurs with rentals specifically; check 1-Click settings. |
|
491 / 495 |
Android/App Data Corrupt |
Clear Storage/Cache in Android settings. |
|
492 |
SD Card Issue |
The app cannot write to external storage; move install to Internal Memory. |
Troubleshooting Prime Video Error Codes on Windows
Note: Before deep debugging, ensure you aren't on the "Ad-supported" tier, as this often disables PC downloads. For app crashes, use the Windows "Reset" function rather than just uninstalling.
If you are trying to get the official app working again, follow these steps in order. These solve about 70% of "stuck" downloads.
The "Hidden" Subscription Trap
Here is a detail many users miss: The Subscription Tier Matters.
According to recent insights from Amazon's support pages, the basic "Prime Video with Ads" tier often restricts the quality of downloads or, in some regions, blocks downloads on PC entirely.
If your button is greyed out, check if your subscription recently defaulted to the Ad-supported plan. You may need to upgrade to "Ad-Free" to unlock full offline functionality.
Resetting the Windows App Without Reinstalling
The Windows app caches a lot of partial data. If a download fails at 99%, that corrupt file sits there, blocking future attempts.
- Press Win + I to open Settings.
- Go to Apps > Installed Apps.
- Search for Prime Video.
- Click the three dots ... > Advanced Options.
- Scroll down and click Reset. (Note: This wipes your login, but it clears the corrupt download database).
Graphics Driver and HDCP Compliance
If you can download but get a Black Screen when playing:
- This is an HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) error.
- If you are using an external monitor with your laptop, unplug it. Amazon blocks high-res playback on non-secure analog connections (like VGA or older HDMI).
- Action: Update your NVIDIA/AMD drivers to the latest 2025/2026 version.
The Permanent Solution to Fix Prime Video Error Codes
Note: If your issue is "Maximum downloads reached" or "Video unavailable in your region," no amount of troubleshooting the official app will fix it. You need third-party tools like KeepStreams to archive content permanently as MP4s.
Sometimes, the app works perfectly, but you still can't download videos. This isn't a bug. It's a feature.
The "Invisible" Limits
User discussions on forums frequently mention hitting a wall where downloads simply stop starting. This is usually due to Amazon's Digital Usage Rules:
- The 15-25 Title Cap: You can only have a total of 15 to 25 titles downloaded across all devices registered to your account. If your iPad has 20 episodes of The Boys, your Windows laptop gets zero.
- The 48-Hour Timer: Once you press "Play" on a download (even offline), you only have 48 hours to finish it before it deletes itself.
- Regional Lockouts: A movie downloaded in the US will often vanish or become unplayable the moment your laptop connects to Wi-Fi in Japan or Europe.
Avoid Prime Video Error Codes with KeepStreams
If you are tired of the "rental" mechanics of the official app, the alternative is using a stream downloader like KeepStreams for Prime Video.
I tested this software to see if it bypasses the standard error codes. The key difference is that KeepStreams doesn't "download" the file using the app's protocol. It acts as a browser that streams the video and saves it simultaneously.
- No Expiry: Since the file is saved as a standard MP4/MKV, it never expires. The 48-hour window doesn't apply.
- Format Freedom: You can move the file to an external hard drive (impossible with the official app) or play it on VLC Media Player.
- Error Bypass: Because it bypasses the Windows Store app entirely, you avoid all the 0x80... errors and Widevine crashes.
KeepStreams is quite easy to use to avoid Prime Video error codes:
Step 1
Install KeepStreams and find Prime Video in VIP Services
Step 2
Log in to your account and play the video you want to download
Step 3
Wait for analysis and set download options
Step 4
Check the download progress and get the ad-free downloads
Click "Download Now" to save videos without Prime Video error codes. To check the download progress and all downloaded videos, go to the "Downloads" tab.
Official App vs. KeepStreams (At a Glance)
Here is how the default Windows App compares to the KeepStreams solution for heavy users.
|
Feature |
Official Prime Video App |
KeepStreams for Prime Video |
|---|---|---|
|
Download Success Rate |
Low (Prone to Error 491/495) |
High (Direct Stream Rip) |
|
File Format |
Encrypted (Hidden system files) |
Open MP4 / MKV |
|
Storage Location |
System Drive (C:) Only |
Any (USB / NAS / SD Card) |
|
Viewing Window |
48 Hours after starting |
Forever |
|
Resolution |
720p/1080p (Hardware Restricted) |
Up to 1080p (Unrestricted) |
|
Batch Mode |
Manual (One by one) |
Auto-download New Episodes |
| Commercials | Forced Ads (Unless paying for Ad-Free tier) | Automatically Removed |
| Audio Quality | Standard Stereo (2.0) | EAC3 5.1 Surround Sound |
| Subtitles | Fixed inside the App | Extract as .SRT File |
| Updated on February 12, 2026. | ||
FAQs
Q1. Can I save Prime Video downloads to an external USB drive？
A1. With the official app, no. The files are encrypted and locked to the device's internal ID. If you move them, they break. However, if you use KeepStreams, the output is a standard video file, so you can save it to USB, a NAS server, or transfer it to a tablet.
Q2. Why does my Prime Video download fail at 99%？
A2. This is a classic case of "handshake" gone wrong. It's there, but the DRM license check failed right at the end. This often happens if your internet drops momentarily. You usually have to delete the file and restart from 0%.
Q3. Is downloading shows from Prime Video safer than streaming for data usage？
A3. Yes. If you have a capped data plan, downloading on Wi-Fi is smarter. However, the official app often re-checks the license online, using small amounts of data. An offline MP4 file requires zero data to play.
Conclusion
While the basic fixes listed above—like resetting the Windows App or checking your subscription tier—will solve about half of the standard connection errors, they cannot change Amazon's strict rules. The 25-title limit and the 48-hour viewing window are built into the system, not bugs.
Use the Official App for quick streaming at home where Wi-Fi is stable. Use KeepStreams for travel, archiving, and ensuring your downloads never expire or disappear due to a random error code.
NOTE:
Content available on Prime Video™ 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 Prime Video™ 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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