How to Download Rented Movies on Amazon Prime Video: A Complete 2025 Guide

Table of Contents
- The Golden Rules: What to Know Before You Download
- Step-by-Step Guide to Downloading Your Rented Movie
- Why Can't I Download Rentals to My PC or Mac?
- Troubleshooting: Common Problems & How to Fix Them
- An Alternative for PC/Mac: Using a Third-Party Downloader
- Renting vs. Buying: Which Is Better for You?
- Final Thoughts
I was getting ready for a long flight and thought, "Perfect, I'll just rent a movie on Prime Video and download it to my laptop." It turns out, it's not quite that simple. If you're wondering how to watch your rented movies offline without any last-minute surprises, you've come to the right place. In this guide, I'll walk you through everything you need to know.
Before you even click "Rent," understanding Amazon's rules is crucial. Getting this wrong is the most common reason for frustration, so let's clear it up right away.
Yes, You Can Download—But ONLY on Mobile Devices
This is the most important rule. The official Prime Video download feature for rentals works only on compatible mobile devices. This includes:
- iPhones & iPads
- Android Phones & Tablets
- Amazon Fire Tablets
You cannot use the official app to download a rented movie to a PC or Mac. I'll explain why later in this guide.
The 30-Day/48-Hour Countdown: Don't Let Your Rental Expire
Amazon's rental video last period has two parts. Once you pay the rental fee, you have 30 days to start watching the video. However, the moment you press play for the first time, a new timer starts: you must finish watching it within 48 hours. This 48-hour window applies even to downloaded content. You can re-watch the movie as many times as you like within that period.
One Rental, One Device: Understanding Download Limits
You are only allowed to download a single rented movie to one device at a time. If you download a film to your iPad but later decide you want it on your phone, you must delete it from the iPad first. Additionally, your account has a limit on the total number of Prime Video downloads you can have at once across all devices, which is typically 25 titles.
Step-by-Step Guide to Downloading Your Rented Movie
The process to download Amazon Prime videos to a iphone or Android mobile is straightforward and free once you're on a compatible device.
On an iPhone or iPad
- Rent Your Movie: You can rent the movie on the Amazon website or directly within the Prime Video app.
- Open the App: Launch the Prime Video app on your iPhone or iPad.
- Find Your Content: Tap the “My Stuff” icon at the bottom of the screen
- Go to Rentals: Near the top, select the “Purchases & Rentals” tab to see your movie
- Start the Download: Tap on the movie title you want to download. On the movie's detail page or beside the title, tap the “Download” icon to begin.
- Choose Your Quality: The app will ask you to select the download quality (like SD or HD). Higher quality looks better but uses more storage space
On an Android Phone or Tablet
The process is nearly identical to iOS.
- Rent the movie and open the Prime Video app.
- Navigate to "My Stuff".
- Find your movie under the "Purchases & Rentals" section.
- Tap the three-dot menu next to the title and select "Download"
- Choose your desired download quality to begin.
Why Can't I Download Rentals to My PC or Mac?
This is the number one point of confusion for users. You can install the Prime Video for Windows app and even watch your rental by streaming it, but you won't find a download button.
The reason comes down to Digital Rights Management (DRM) and licensing agreements. Movie studios impose strict rules to prevent piracy.
For rented content, which has a lower price point than purchased content, the licenses Amazon secures are typically more restrictive, limiting offline downloads to secure mobile operating systems (iOS, Android, and FireOS) where the content can be better controlled within the app's ecosystem.
Troubleshooting: Common Problems & How to Fix Them
Running into an issue? Here are the most common problems and their solutions.
An Alternative for PC/Mac: Using a Third-Party Downloader
As we've discussed, one of the biggest frustrations with Amazon's official policy is the inability to download rented movies to a PC or Mac. We know many of you prefer to watch on a larger laptop screen during a flight or train ride. For this specific situation where the official method falls short, alternative solutions have emerged.
One of the most well-known tools designed for this purpose is the Y2Mate Prime Video Downloader. It's a piece of software that can download a rented (or purchased) Prime Video movie to your computer as a standard MP4 or MKV file, which you can then watch anytime without the 48-hour restriction.
Note: However, before you consider this option, it is crucial that we are completely transparent about the risks involved:
- Violation of Terms: Using such software is against Amazon's Prime Video Terms of Use. While reports of account suspension are rare, the risk exists.
- DRM Issues: These tools work by removing Amazon Prime Video DRM protection, a practice that operates in a legal gray area in many regions.
- Security: Always download software from its official website to avoid potential security risks like malware.
If you understand the risks and decide this is the right solution for you, the process generally works as follows:
Use the software's built-in browser to find and log into your Amazon Prime Video account.
Find and play the movie you have already rented within the Y2Mate browser.
A pop-up window will appear, allowing you to choose the video quality and download the movie to your computer.
Ultimately, the decision is yours. For most users, we recommend sticking to the safe and official download methods. But for those who have a critical need to watch on a laptop offline, Y2Mate Prime Video Downloader presents a functional, albeit risky, alternative.
Renting vs. Buying: Which Is Better for You?
Unsure whether to rent or buy? The best choice depends on your viewing habits.
Feature | Renting | Y2Mate Prime Video Downloader |
Price | Lower, one-time fee | Billed yearly, US$5.41 / month |
Viewing Window | 30 days to start, 48 hours to finish | Unlimited, watch whenever you want |
Download to PC/Mac | No | Yes |
Download Flexibility | Limited to one device at a time | Download to multiple compatible devices |
Best For | A single movie night or watching on a trip | Building a permanent digital library |
So, while you can't download that rented movie to your laptop the official way, a little planning goes a long way. Use a reliable Amazon Prime Video Downloader. Otherwise, use your phone or tablet, and remember to keep an eye on that 48-hour clock, and you'll be all set for your offline movie marathon. Happy travels!