Not long ago, I rented a movie on Amazon Prime before a train ride. I thought downloading it meant I could watch whenever I wanted. Turns out, once I pressed play, a timer started ticking. By the time I picked it up again a couple of days later, the file had already expired.
Once I noted this out, I started paying closer attention to the fine print—like why the download button never shows up on my MacBook, or why a movie I saved for a flight still vanished after two days. And no, downloading doesn’t mean you get to keep it forever. Let’s break down the ground rules first: how long rentals last, which devices actually support downloads, and where the limits kick in.
Can You Download Rented Movies on Amazon?
Yes. Amazon Prime Video officially supports downloading rented movies with apps. However, it is only good for short-term viewing and lacks device flexibility and long-term preservation due to the Amazon Prime download limits. Here are the details:
- Rental duration lasts for 30 days after you have paid the rental fee
- Once you start streaming or downloading a rental video, you have 48 hours to finish watching it
- When it expires, you can't re-watch the rented film on Amazon
- Not all rented Amazon movies are downloadable with the Prime Video app
- Only officially supported devices (Fire tablets, Android, iOS) can download rented titles
- Although Windows & macOS have the Prime Video app, the download function for rentals doesn't exist.
- Downloaded rental Amazon videos will expire immediately at the end of the rental period, whether you are finished watching them or not
These ground rules, timing, supported devices, and the limits on PCs set the stage for everything else. Understanding them upfront saves you from the usual surprises, like planning a long train ride only to find your download won’t play halfway through.
Official Offline Download Process
1. Download on mobile devices
Most of the time, the smoothest experience comes on a phone or tablet. On my iPhone, for instance, I just open the Prime Video app, choose the rental, and the Download icon sits right under the title. A tap later, the film saves to the device, and I can watch it offline—whether I’m underground on the subway or on a plane with no Wi-Fi. Amazon even lets you adjust download quality if you’re short on storage, which I’ve found handy when traveling with only a 64GB phone.
2. Fire tablet and Windows applications
Amazon’s own Fire tablets are built for this. The process is nearly identical—tap the movie, hit download, and it’s ready to play offline. The Windows app, on the other hand, supports downloads for some Prime content, but when it comes to rentals, the option often isn’t there. On my Windows laptop, I could download a Prime series I owned, but the rental I’d just paid for could only be streamed. It’s a subtle but important distinction that catches many people off guard.
How to Keep Amazon Prime Rentals For A Longer Time?
I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen people ask online: “Isn’t there a way to keep a rental longer than 48 hours?” I asked the same thing myself after missing the ending of a film mid-trip. Officially, the answer is no, since Amazon enforces those limits strictly. What people really want (me included) is fewer interruptions and more control over how they watch within those rules.
On Reddit, I came across a thread where someone asked whether StreamFab could handle Amazon rentals. The reply was simple: “If you can play it on Amazon, StreamFab can save a local file.” (Assuming the title is lawfully accessible on your account.)
You still need to rent the movie first through Amazon, and then the tool can create a local file for offline viewing through its own interface. Just keep expectations realistic: having a file on your device doesn’t change the rental rules on Amazon’s side.
Tool Required: StreamFab Amazon Downloader
StreamFab Amazon Downloader is one of the third-party tools in existence. It’s typically positioned as a way to make you can lawfully watch Amazon Prime videos offline on a computer, often in formats like MP4 or MKV—mainly for playback flexibility across compatible players.
- Save Prime Video titles in MP4/MKV format for offline viewing across compatible devices
- Download Prime Video in 1080p FHD plus EAC3 5.1 audio
- Keep Amazon videos offline in H.264 or H.265 codecs, based on your needs
- Watch Amazon titles offline with subtitles and audio in the language you prefer
- Bulk-download supported titles to save time
Some people prefer alternatives—screen recording software, for example, though that often means lower quality and manual effort. Others mention tools like KeepStreams or NoteBurner. The general aim is similar: making offline viewing on a computer more manageable when the official apps feel limiting.
The steps to download Amazon Prime Video to PC with it, at least in my case, were straightforward:
Log in to Amazon with Your Account
Log in to Amazon on the new page opened in the built-in browser with your account. StreamFab won't store any of your info, but only use it for validation.
Find the Rented Movie on Amazon
Find rented movies on Amazon. Click on them to play, and StreamFab Amazon Downloader will now start analyzing. Soon, it will provide you with a panel with definition and audio options.
Start Downloading After Adjustments
Check if every option is good. Click on "Download Now" to start or download it later by clicking on "Add to Queue". You can manage the tasks in "Your Library"
From my perspective, the key is being clear on why you’re doing it. If it’s just for personal viewing and convenience, it can be a lifesaver. But if you’re trying to convert Amazon Prime Video to MP4—or turn short-term access into a long-term collection—that’s not what rentals are meant for, and it’s not something Amazon supports.
FAQ
If you don't see a download icon, it means the title is not available for download on your device. This could be due to licensing restrictions. You can use StreamFab Amazon Downloader to convert Amazon Prime Video you want.
Conclusion
Looking back, I wish I’d known all these quirks earlier. Renting on Amazon is simple enough, but the rules can trip you up if you’re not ready. If you find yourself needing more flexibility, tools like StreamFab or other downloaders can help you keep a copy longer. I’ve used them myself during trips when I knew the 48-hour window would run out too soon. But I also remind myself: these copies are for personal viewing, not for building a permanent library. Out of respect for Amazon’s rental terms, the safe practice is to delete the saved file once the official rental period ends.
At the end of the day, it comes down to planning. Rent too early and you might lose access before you’re ready; wait until the night before a trip and you’ll have the full window to enjoy your movie offline. With a little foresight—and an awareness of the limits—you can make the most of Amazon’s rental system without unpleasant surprises.
Note: This product is intended solely for creating personal backups of streaming content that you can lawfully access (e.g., with a valid subscription). No commercial use, no sharing, and no illegal distribution.
