If you want to watch ZDF offline on a phone or tablet, the official ZDF app is the simplest option. For most videos, open the episode menu and select “Offline schauen” to save it for in-app playback. Before you save anything, connect to the internet, use the current app version, and check the episode menu. This guide also covers PC options, ZDF offline downloads, expiry limits, and common fixes.
What Is ZDF Mediathek?
ZDF is Germany's public broadcaster, and the former ZDF Mediathek became the ZDF streaming portal on March 18, 2025. The portal offers on-demand shows, documentaries, news, and live programming.
The older Mediathek name still appears in search results and tutorials. Older screenshots may therefore show menus or controls that no longer match the current ZDF app and streaming portal.
Can You Watch ZDF Offline?
The official ZDF app is the simplest route for mobile offline viewing. Saved episodes stay in the app's Offline viewing area rather than appearing as regular video files.
Use the app for simple offline viewing on the same phone or tablet. Compare the desktop options below if you need a computer-based workflow.
Using the ZDF App
The official ZDF app is available for iPhone, iPad, and Android. Before starting, connect to the internet, update the app if needed, and check that the episode menu includes Offline schauen (“Watch Offline”). Then follow these steps:
- Choose the episode you want to save.
- Open the episode's three-dot menu.
- Select Offline schauen.
- Open Mein ZDF > Inhalte > Offline schauen to find the downloaded episode.
For computer-specific download instructions, see the ZDF Mediathek download guide. I would check the episode menu before assuming a title is unavailable, since the Offline viewing control is tied to the individual episode.
The in-app path is the clearest way to find saved items; details about the ZDF Mediathek download location vary by device and method.
Using MediathekViewWeb
MediathekViewWeb is a browser-based interface for the MediathekView catalog. It lets you search public-broadcaster listings, including ZDF, and many results can be played or downloaded directly from the browser.
It is useful when you want a PC-based download without installing the full MediathekView desktop application, although available files depend on the source entry.
It suits viewers who want to browse a catalog on a computer. Use it only for videos you are authorized to access and in line with applicable terms and copyright rules.
It is not ideal if you simply want the official mobile workflow, since the ZDF app is more direct for app-based offline viewing.
Offline Options by Device
The right ZDF offline method depends on the device and whether you need app playback, browser access, or a local-file workflow.
| Device or method | Offline route | Where content appears | Local-file option | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone or iPad | ZDF app | Mein ZDF | No | In-app playback |
| Android | ZDF app | Mein ZDF | No | In-app playback |
| Windows or PC browser | ZDF website | Creative Commons downloads | Files on computer | Creative Commons only |
| MediathekViewWeb | Browser catalog | Your computer | Method-dependent | Not the official app |
| Smart TV | ZDF streaming app | TV app | No | Streaming, not mobile offline viewing |
Supported devices and availability may change. ZDF lists current support on its official site.
ZDF Offline Limits and Expiry
ZDF offline downloads have different rules depending on the route you use. Almost all ZDF videos can be downloaded inside the mobile app for offline playback, but those downloads remain app-managed. On the ZDF website, direct downloads are limited to videos carrying an appropriate Creative Commons license.
App downloads remain tied to the title's rights and the app environment. ZDF does not currently publish one fixed offline-expiry period that applies to every downloaded title. Availability can depend on the individual program and its rights window.
If you plan to use ZDF abroad, check the title before downloading because regional availability varies by program and rights. For regional details, see the guide to watching ZDF outside Germany.
A Desktop Option Beyond the ZDF App
If you need a local-file workflow on Windows or Mac rather than an app-managed mobile download, KeepStreams for ZDF is one desktop option to consider. Use it only for content you are authorized to access and in accordance with applicable rules.
As of August 2026, KeepStreams for ZDF supports up to 1080p output in MP4 or MKV, with supported subtitle and audio-track choices. Batch handling can help organize several eligible episodes. It is not ideal for viewers who need only occasional downloads in the official mobile app.
FAQ
Why is the Offline viewing option missing for a ZDF episode?
The option can vary by title rights. Update the ZDF app, connect to the internet, and reopen the episode page before checking the three-dot menu again.
Can I use ZDFtivi without an internet connection?
ZDFtivi availability varies by video. If a program offers Offline viewing in the app, save it before going offline and look for it in the app's Offline area.
Can I watch downloaded ZDF videos on a smart TV?
The official mobile download workflow is app-bound. Streaming ZDF on a smart TV is different from playing a download saved in the mobile app.
Why does a ZDF download fail after I go offline?
If a saved video is unavailable offline, reconnect to the internet and confirm that the download completed successfully. If necessary, delete the incomplete item and download it again before going offline.
Conclusion: Choose the Right ZDF Offline Method
For most users, the official ZDF app is the best option for mobile offline viewing. On a PC, use ZDF's direct download when a Creative Commons file is available, MediathekViewWeb for browser-based public-media downloads, or a desktop tool such as KeepStreams when you specifically need a supported local MP4/MKV workflow.
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