While streaming movies and TV shows is convenient, downloading Hulu content for offline viewing helps you conserve your mobile internet and enjoy videos when Wi-Fi is spotty or scarce. Find out how to download shows on Hulu and take your favorite episodes of The Handmaid’s Tale, Castle Rock, or Law & Order: SVU on the go. We’ll also cover offline video requirements, how to find downloadable content on Hulu, and managing your downloads.
What you'll need to download Hulu shows
Hulu lets you download select movies and shows—provided you have the right plan and devices. To save content, you’ll need one of the following Hulu plans:
- Hulu (No Ads)
- Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV
Additionally, you’ll need a compatible device. Hulu lets you save videos on Android, iOS, and Fire OS mobile phones or tablets. The hardware requirements for Hulu offline downloads are:
- Android 5.0 or newer
- iOS 13.0 or newer
- Amazon Fire OS 5 or newer
How to download shows on Hulu
To download movies and television shows on Hulu, first fire up the Hulu app on your compatible Android, iOS, or Fire OS device. Most FireOS devices will need to use Wi-Fi connections for downloads, but Android and iOS devices can use a mobile connection.
Enable mobile downloads
Although saving videos over Wi-Fi conserves data while offering faster download speeds, you may still wish to download movies and shows with mobile internet. Here’s how to enable mobile downloads in the Hulu app.
On Android:
- Head to Account.
- Select Settings > Downloads.
- Enable or disable Cellular Downloading.
On iOS:
- Navigate to Downloads.
- Hit Settings at the top of the screen.
- Turn Cellular downloading on or off.
How to find downloadable Hulu videos
Since not all content is eligible for download, you’ll need to select a title flagged for offline viewing. To locate shows and movies available for download:
- Hit the search icon.
- Select Downloadable from the browse menu.
- Choose a video to download.
Alternatively, you can check individual titles by navigating to the page for that movie or show and looking for the download symbol.
How to download and watch movies and shows
Once you’ve found downloadable content with your search:
- Tap the download button on the show or movie.
- Wait for the video to finish downloading.
- Tap Downloads to see a list of your saved videos.
You can start watching offline videos now that you’ve saved a smattering of shows and movies for offline viewing. Just select any movie or show that you’ve downloaded and push play.
Deleting downloads
After watching a particular movie or show, you might wish to free up space on your mobile device. You can easily delete videos with these steps:
- Head to Downloads.
- Select Edit at the top of the screen.
- Choose the videos you want to delete.
- Tap the Trash icon.
- Hit Delete to remove downloaded videos.
Hulu offline video restrictions
Downloading movies and TV shows on Hulu requires an eligible subscription, compatible mobile device, and content marked available for download. Additionally, Hulu imposes several other restrictions for offline videos, which we’ve listed below.
- 25 total video downloads: Hulu lets you download a total of 25 videos across five different devices. Therefore, you can save up to five videos on five separate devices, 25 videos on one mobile device, or any other combination satisfying the video download limit.
- 30-day download windows: Once you download a video, you have 30 days to watch that content. After that, the download expires.
- 2-day viewing period: Although you’ve got 30 days to watch a downloaded Hulu video, once you hit play, there’s a 48-hour viewing window. When that two-day timeframe is up, your download expires. Once a download expires, you can renew it. Simply tap the alert icon (an exclamation point in a circle), then tap renew.
Best internet for video streaming and downloads
When downloading movies and shows for offline viewing in Hulu, you’ve got two options: mobile internet or home internet. Usually, using Wi-Fi provides a better experience, so you’ll want to have a good wireless router. However, you’ll also want fast internet speeds. Our favorite speedy Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are Cox, Verizon Fios, and CenturyLink.
Since Hulu lets you enable cellular downloads, mobile internet is crucial for people on the go. We recommend an unlimited plan for streaming and video downloads while mobile. Some of our favorite unlimited data plans include the Verizon Unlimited Plus plan, T-Mobile Experience More family plan, and Visible prepaid plan.
Recommended internet speed for Hulu:
- 3Mbps video-on-demand streaming
- 8Mbps for live TV
- 16Mbps for 4K UHD content
|
#1
|
Spectrum
Internet Gig
$70/mo
($60 plan + $10 modem)
for 1 year
+ $20 Upfront
|
|
#2
|
AT&T
Internet 5000 (Fiber 5 GIG)
$135/mo
Price after Autopay & Paperless bill discount. Plus taxes & fees. Limited availability. May not be available in your area.
|
|
#3
|
Xfinity
1.2 Gig
$100/mo
5 year price guarantee
|
|
#4
|
Quantum Fiber
Internet 8 Gpbs
$165/mo
price and speed may vary by location
|
|
#5
|
Verizon Fios
myPlan + 2 Gig
$94.99/mo
with AutoPay and any Verizon mobile phone plan
+ $99 Upfront
|
Hulu vs. Netflix
While loads of streaming providers are on the market, Hulu and Netflix remain two of the most popular services available. Hulu offers its streaming video on demand (SVoD) platform with or without ads. Additionally, you can sign up for Hulu’s live TVstreaming service to replace your cable package.
Hulu plans:
- Hulu on-demand with ads
- Hulu on-demand without ads
- Hulu + Live TV (includes Hulu SVoD with ads)
- Hulu (no ads) + Live TV
Netflix, on the other hand, only offers one streaming video library. Higher tiers provide simultaneous streaming capabilities, more mobile device downloads, and better quality.
Netflix plans:
- Netflix Basic - One stream, one mobile device for offline downloads, standard definition (SD) streaming
- Netflix Standard - Two simultaneous streams, two mobile devices for offline viewing, high-definition quality
- Netflix Premium - Four simultaneous streams, Four mobile devices for offline watching, up to ultra-high definition quality
What can you watch on Hulu and Netflix?
Both Netflix and Hulu provide plenty of syndicated movies and shows. You can easily stream a slew of new releases and classic films from a variety of studios. Additionally, both platforms feature exclusive content. Some of our favorite Hulu originals include:
- The Handmaid’s Tale
- Veronica Mars
- Wu-Tang: An American Saga
- Animaniacs
And a few of the best Netflix originals are:
- Stranger Things
- Midnight Mass
- Orange is the New Black
- Da 5 Bloods
- Beasts of No Nation
How to download shows on Hulu: FAQs
Can you download shows and movies on Hulu?
Yes, you can download movies and shows on Hulu! Only select videos are flagged as downloadable, and you’ll need a compatible device along with an eligible Hulu subscription.
How do you download videos for offline viewing on Hulu?
Downloading videos for offline viewing with Hulu is pretty straightforward:
- Hit Search.
- Select Downloadable from the browse menu or navigate to the movie/show you want to download.
- Choose a movie or show flagged eligible for download.
- Tap the download icon.
- Wait for the download to finish.
How many movies and TV shows can you download from Hulu?
You can download up to 25 different videos from Hulu for offline viewing on one device, split across five devices, or any combination that meets the maximum 25 download limit.
What plans are eligible for Hulu offline download content?
Hulu on-demand without ads and Hulu + Live TV (no ads) plans allow you to download movies or shows.
What devices are compatible with downloaded Hulu videos?
Android, iOS, and Fire OS mobile phones and tablets are compatible with downloaded Hulu videos. Specific device requirements are:
- iOS 13.0 or later (iPhone 5S and up, iPad 5th generation or newer, iPod Touch 6th generation)
- Android 5.0 and newer
- Amazon Fire OS 5 and higher (Fire HD 6 4th gen, Fire HD 7 4th gen, Fire HDX 8.9-inch 4th gen, Fire 5th gen, Fire HD 8 5th gen, Fire HD 10 5th gen)
What shows and films are downloadable on Hulu?
Hulu shows available to watch offline vary as different titles come and go. However, you’ll find many Hulu originals flagged as downloadable such as Veronica Mars, The Handmaid’s Tale, and Wu-Tang: An American Saga. Furthermore, you can download loads of syndicated shows and films like, How I Met Your Mother, Law & Order: SVU, and Family Guy.
Can you get Hulu for free?
How do you cancel Hulu?
Cancelling Hulu is easy:
- Log in to your Hulu account.
- Choose your profile.
- Pick the profile dropdown.
- Hit Account.
- Select Cancel Your Subscription.
What internet speeds do you need for Hulu?
Hulu recommends:
- 3Mbps for SVoD
- 8Mbps for live television streaming
- 16Mbps for 4K videos
Moe Long
Senior Writer
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