How to Download Paramount Plus Movies on Mac: A 2025 Guide
Table of Contents
- Why Isn't There a Paramount+ Download Option on Mac?
- Method 1: Using a Third-Party Video Downloader
- Method 2: Screen Recording Directly on Your Mac
- Method 3: The "Sidecar" Workaround with an iPad or iPhone
- Comparison: Which Method Should You Choose?
- People Also Ask
- Final Thoughts: Choosing Your Path to Offline Viewing
I know the feeling. You’re getting ready for a long flight, and the thought of catching up on the latest season of Yellowstone or 1923 on your MacBook sounds perfect. You open Paramount+, navigate to the show, and then... nothing. There’s no download button. It’s a frustrating moment that countless Mac users have experienced.
Let's get this out of the way first: you're not missing anything. As of 2025, Paramount+ still doesn't offer a native app for macOS, which means the download feature simply isn't available directly on your Mac
But that doesn't mean you're out of options. I’ve spent a good amount of time digging into this, and I've found three realistic workarounds. This guide will walk you through each one, with an honest look at their pros and cons, so you can decide which path is right for you.
Why Isn't There a Paramount+ Download Option on Mac?
The reason you can't download shows on your Mac is straightforward: the download feature is built exclusively for the Paramount+ mobile apps
Furthermore, even on those devices, downloading comes with a couple of strings attached. You must be subscribed to the higher-tier Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan, as the Essential plan does not support downloads
Method 1: Using a Third-Party Video Downloader
This is the most direct approach to getting an actual video file onto your Mac's hard drive. These are dedicated software applications designed to capture video streams from websites like Paramount Plus. Think of a specialized browser that can see the video file you're streaming and save it directly to your computer. Tools like the Y2Mate Paramount Plus Downloader are examples of this kind of software.
How it works: Generally, the process involves installing the downloader, using its built-in browser to log into your Paramount+ account, finding the movie or show you want, and clicking a "Download" button that the software provides.
Here are a few great options for downloading the Paramount Plus videos using Y2Mate Downloader:
Use the official website to download the Y2Mate Paramount Plus Downloader. Choose the Mac version and pick the free trial option to get used to the downloader features.
From among the streaming services supported, choose Paramount Plus. Sign in to your Paramount Plus account or create a new account as per your preferences.
Use the search option to look for and play the video that you wish to download. This should bring up the download parameters dialog box. You can configure the download resolution, subtitle preferences, and subtitle options.
Click on Download Now to begin downloading the video onto your device. You can check the download progress or the downloaded videos from within the app.
Pros: You get a high-quality video file (often up to 1080p) and convert the downloaded files' format to MP4 that you can keep permanently and watch with any media player. Many tools also support downloading entire seasons at once (batch downloads).
Method 2: Screen Recording Directly on Your Mac
This method uses software to record a Paramount Plus video of what is playing on your screen.
What it is: Your Mac has a built-in screen recorder in QuickTime Player, which can be used for this purpose. Other third-party tools like EaseUS RecExperts or OBS Studio also offer more advanced features.
How to do it: With QuickTime, you simply open the application, go to "File" > "New Screen Recording," select the portion of the screen where the video is playing, and hit record.
Pros: It's completely free if you use QuickTime and is relatively easy to set up for basic recording.
Cons & Risks: This is often the least reliable method. Streaming services use DRM (Digital Rights Management) protection, which frequently causes screen recordings to show only a black screen with audio. If it does work, the quality might be lower than the original, and it's a manual process—a two-hour movie takes two hours to record.
Method 3: The "Sidecar" Workaround with an iPad or iPhone
If you're in the Apple ecosystem, this is a clever and safe way to watch your downloaded content on your Mac screen.
What it is: This method doesn't save a file to your Mac. Instead, it uses Apple's Sidecar feature to turn your iPad or iPhone into a wireless second display for your Mac. You use the official Paramount+ app on your mobile device to do the downloading.
How it works: First, download your desired shows on the Paramount+ app on your iPad or iPhone. Then, on your Mac, connect to your iPad via Sidecar (this can be done from the Control Center). Your iPad will appear as a second desktop. Simply open the Paramount+ app on your iPad screen and play your downloaded, offline content.
Pros: This is by far the safest and most secure method. It uses official apps and hardware features, so there is no risk to your account or computer. The video quality is excellent.
Cons & Risks: The main drawback is that it requires you to own an iPad or iPhone. It's an offline viewing solution, not an offline file solution, as the video file never actually resides on your Mac. DRM restrictions that may not allow you to cast the shows from iPhone to Mac. Plus, AirPlay may be quite unstable and may reduce the battery life adversely on your phone.
Comparison: Which Method Should You Choose?
To make the decision easier, here is a quick comparison of the three methods:
| Feature | Y2Mate | Screen Recording | Sidecar Workaround |
| Ease of Use | Medium (Requires software installation) | Easy (Uses built-in tools) | Medium (Requires setup if new to Sidecar) |
| Video Quality | HD 1080p | Low to Medium (Can be inconsistent) | High (Original downloaded quality) |
| Cost | Paid | Free | Free (If you already own the devices) |
| Safety & Risk | No Risk; Individuals bear the compliance | Low Risk (But often blocked by DRM) | No Risk (Uses official apps and features) |
| Key Requirement | Trust in third-party software | Luck (Hoping DRM doesn't block it) | An iPad or iPhone and Luck |
People Also Ask
Q1. Is it legal to download shows from Paramount+?
A1. While streaming for personal use is fine, making a permanent copy of copyrighted content enters a legal gray area. Using it for anything other than your own personal viewing is illegal. Laws vary by country, but for personal backup, it's generally not a high-enforcement issue.
Q2. Could my Paramount+ account get banned for using a third-party downloader?
A2. It's possible. From what Y2Mate's after-sales folks are saying, this kind of thing almost never happens. Probably 'cause Y2Mate's pretty smart—they already put a daily download limit in place ahead of time, maxing out at 100 episodes. So right now, as long as you stick to that when downloading from Paramount Plus, your account won't get banned. While mass-banning is rare, it remains a risk you should be aware of.
Q3. Are third-party downloaders safe?
A3. It varies. While companies like Y2Mate Paramount Plus Downloader, or EaseUS RecExperts are legitimate businesses, the downloader software space can be a source of malware or spyware. If you choose this route, research the tool thoroughly, read recent reviews, and only download from the official company website.
Q4. How can I fix the black screen issue when screen recording?
A4. Unfortunately, you usually can't. This black screen is the DRM protection working exactly as intended. It's designed specifically to prevent screen capture, and most modern browsers and streaming services enforce it strictly.
Q5. What's the latest news on an official Paramount+ Mac app in 2025?
A5. As of early 2025, there has been no official announcement from Paramount about developing a native macOS application. For now, we must continue to rely on browser-based streaming and the workarounds discussed here.
Final Thoughts: Choosing Your Path to Offline Viewing
While Paramount+ doesn't make it easy for Mac users, watching your favorite shows offline is definitely achievable. The best method truly depends on your priorities.
If you already own an iPad or iPhone, the Sidecar method is the hands-down winner for safety, quality, and peace of mind. If your main goal is to have a permanent video file on your Mac and you're willing to accept the costs and risks, a well-researched third-party downloader is the most direct route. And finally, screen recording is a free option you can try in a pinch, but be prepared for it not to work.
Paramount Plus Downloader
Y2Mate Paramount Plus Downloader is a risk-free and easy-to-use tool for downloading videos from Paramount Plus in batch.
Go to Mac >
v1.2.7.4 | 8.1 MB for Windows 11/10 (32/64 bit) | Last Update: 08/08/2025