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. But that hasn’t stopped users from finding workarounds.
On Reddit, I came across a thread where someone asked whether StreamFab could download Amazon rentals. The reply was simple: “Yes, as long as you can play it on Amazon, StreamFab can save it.”
The trick is that you still need to rent the movie first through Amazon, but once it’s in your library, the tool records and saves a copy that doesn’t disappear when the rental window closes. I tried it with a short indie film, and sure enough, the file was still playable weeks later.
Tool Required: StreamFab Amazon Downloader
StreamFab Amazon Downloader is one of the third-party tools in existence. It can save rented Amazon Prime movies, shows, or any other kind of Prime Video in common formats like MP4 or MKV to your PC forever. So that you can always watch Amazon Prime videos offline without worrying about expirations.
- Save rented Prime movies in MP4/MKV format to be watched on any device, anytime
- Download rented movies on Amazon in 1080p FHD plus EAC3 5.1 audio
- Keep the rented Prime Video movies forever without expiration
- Keep Amazon movies offline in H.264 or H.265 codecs, based on your needs
- Watch rented Amazon titles offline with subtitles and audio in the language you prefer
- Bulk download rented movies on Amazon to save a bunch of 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 idea is the same: bypass the time lock and keep the movie for offline use.
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 hoping to convert Amazon Prime Video to MP4 to build a permanent collection out of rentals, that’s not what these services are designed for, and it definitely crosses into territory Amazon doesn’t support.
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 rip 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 remove Amazon Prime Video DRM and 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.
