How to Download and Watch Hulu Shows Offline (2025 Guide)

Streaming is the go-to way to watch TV shows and movies, but what happens when you’re traveling, have unreliable internet, or want to save on mobile data? That’s where Hulu’s offline viewing feature comes in. In 2025, 

Hulu makes it easy for subscribers to download select shows and movies straight to their mobile devices, so you can watch your favorite content anytime, anywhere — without needing a live internet connection. This guide breaks down exactly how to find, download, and watch Hulu content offline, plus tips to make the most of your viewing experience.

Introduction

In 2025, offline viewing is more popular than ever. As people travel more and deal with spotty internet or want to save on mobile data, downloading shows and movies has become essential. Whether on a plane, train, or in areas with unreliable coverage, having content saved on your device means uninterrupted entertainment anytime, anywhere.

Hulu’s Download Feature: Available, But With Some Limits

Hulu does offer downloads for offline viewing, but there are some key restrictions to keep in mind:

• Subscription needed: Downloads are only available with Hulu’s “No Ads” or “No Ads + Live TV” plans. The basic ad-supported plan does not include this feature.
  
• Device limitations: You can only download on supported mobile devices like iPhones, iPads, Android phones and tablets, and Amazon Fire tablets. Downloads aren’t available on smart TVs, computers, or through Hulu’s website.
  
• Content restrictions: Not everything on Hulu can be downloaded. Only titles that show the download icon are eligible, and live TV or premium add-on content isn’t included.
  
• Download limits: You can store up to 25 downloads across five devices on your account. Downloads last for 30 days, but once you start watching, you have 48 hours to finish before they expire.

These conditions make Hulu’s offline feature useful, but it’s important to know the limits before counting on it for trips or to save data.

What You Need to Download Hulu Shows & Movies?

To use Hulu’s download feature, make sure you have:

• The right plan: Only Hulu (No Ads) or Hulu (No Ads + Live TV) subscribers can download. Ad-supported plans don’t allow it.
  
• A compatible device: Downloads work on iOS (iPhone, iPad), Android devices, and Amazon Fire tablets—not on laptops, desktops, smart TVs, or game consoles.
  
• The latest Hulu app: Keep your app updated to ensure downloads work properly.
  
• Enough storage: You’ll need free space on your device. How much depends on video quality and how many titles you download.
  
• A good internet connection to download: While you can watch offline later, you still need a stable connection to download content in the first place.

Meeting these requirements means you can enjoy Hulu offline and watch your favorite shows or movies wherever you are.

How to Download TV Shows & Movies on Hulu

Where to Find Downloadable Content?

• Open the Hulu app and go to the Search section.

• Tap on “Downloadable” to explore all content available for offline viewing.

You can browse and download by categories like TV, Movies, Kids, and more.

• For Movies:

• For TV Shows:

• To Downloaded Content:

• To Play Downloaded Content

Steps to Download on Different Devices

On iPhone or iPad:

• Open the Hulu app and navigate to the “Downloadable” hub under the Search tab.
  
• Find a movie or show you want.
  
• For movies, tap the download icon on the details page. For TV shows, tap the icon next to each episode you want (downloads happen episode by episode).
  
• To view your downloads, tap the Downloads tab at the bottom of the screen.
  

On Android phones or tablets:

• Open Hulu and go to the “Downloadable” section from the Search tab.
  
• Pick a title with the download icon.
  
• Tap the download icon on the movie page or next to individual episodes.
  
• Access all your downloads from the Downloads section in the bottom menu.
  

On Amazon Fire tablets:

• Launch Hulu and head to the “Downloadable” area via Search.
  
• Choose a movie or show and tap the download icon (for movies on the details page, for shows next to each episode).
  
• Find your saved titles under Downloads in the bottom navigation bar.

Important to Know

• Not every title is licensed for downloading, even with an ad-free plan.
  
• Entire seasons can’t be downloaded at once; you’ll need to download each episode individually.
  
• All your downloaded content is managed through the Downloads tab.
  

How to Watch Hulu Offline

Start Watching

• Open the Hulu app on your mobile device.
  
• Tap the Downloads section in the bottom menu.
  
• You’ll see all the shows and movies you’ve downloaded. Tap any title to start watching—no internet needed.
  

Device & App Limitations

• Downloads are tied to the device and the Hulu app where they were saved.
  
• You can’t transfer downloaded files to another device or watch them outside of the Hulu app.
  
• The feature doesn’t work on desktops or browsers—only supported mobile devices.

Expiration

• Downloads stay on your device for up to 30 days.
  
• Once you start watching, you have 48 hours to finish before the download expires.

Managing Your Hulu Downloads

Renewing Expired Downloads

Downloads expire after 30 days or 48 hours once you start watching. If the content is still on Hulu, you can often renew it:

• Open the Hulu app and go to Downloads.
  
• Tap the alert or expired icon next to the title.
  
• Select “Renew Download” if available.

Deleting Downloads

To clear space on your device:

• Go to the Downloads section in the Hulu app.
  
• Tap Edit, select the titles you want to remove, and confirm.

Adjusting Download Quality

Choose between Standard and High quality for downloads:

• Open the Hulu app, go to Settings, then Download Quality, and pick your preference.

Data Usage for Downloads

• Downloading shows and movies will use data—either Wi-Fi or cellular.
  
• Watching already downloaded content offline does not use additional data.

What Happens if You Change Your Subscription?

• If you switch to an ad-supported plan or cancel your Hulu subscription, you’ll lose access to all downloaded content.

Using Cellular Data for Downloads

Can You Download Over Cellular?

Yes, but Hulu restricts downloads to Wi-Fi by default to help avoid large data charges.

How to Enable Cellular Downloading

• Open the Hulu app.
  
• Go to Settings > Downloads.
  
• Turn on Cellular Downloading.

This option is only available on eligible devices and for subscribers with plans like Hulu (No Ads).

Hulu Download Limits & Restrictions

• Max downloads: You can have up to 25 titles downloaded across five mobile devices on your account at the same time. This is set at the account level.
  
• Expiration: Downloads expire after 30 days if unwatched, or 48 hours once you start playing. If a show or movie leaves Hulu, it might expire sooner.
  
• Licensing limits: Not every title on Hulu can be downloaded—some are restricted by content agreements.

These rules help Hulu manage rights and stay compliant with licensing deals.

Hulu Download Quality & Offline Viewing

Standard vs. High Quality

Hulu lets you choose between Standard and High download quality:

• Standard is the default. It downloads faster, uses less storage, and is ideal if you want to store more titles or have limited space.
  
• High offers better video clarity and detail, perfect for larger screens. However, it takes longer to download and uses more storage.

Impact on Storage & Viewing

• Storage: High quality files are much larger, so you can store fewer titles. Standard lets you fit more on your device.
  
• Playback: High quality means sharper images, smoother video, and clearer sound—best for tablets or when you care about crisp detail. Standard is fine for phones or casual watching.

You can change your download quality in Hulu’s app settings before downloading to balance video quality with storage needs.

Hulu vs. Other Streaming Services: Download Features

Feature	Hulu	Netflix	Disney+	Amazon Prime Video
Download Limits	25 titles across 5 devices	Up to 100 titles (plan & device based)	Up to 100 titles per device, 10 devices total	Up to 25 titles per device, 15-25 devices total
Plans Needed	No Ads / No Ads + Live TV	Standard or Premium (not on ad-supported)	Any plan	Any plan (Prime or standalone Video)
Number of Devices	Up to 5 supported mobile devices	1 (Basic) to 4 (Premium)	Up to 10 devices	15-25 devices (varies by region)
Offline Duration	30 days unwatched, 48 hours once started	7-30 days (varies by title & region)	30 days unwatched, 48 hours once started	30 days unwatched, 48 hours once started
4K Download Options	Not available	Select titles on Premium	Select titles	Select titles
Device Management	Manage up to 5 download devices	Manage devices by plan, remove as needed	Remove devices in account settings	Remove devices in account settings
Content Availability	Not all titles downloadable	Most titles available	Most titles available	Most titles available

Key Takeaways

• Hulu limits downloads to ad-free plans with a cap of 25 titles across 5 devices. Not all shows and movies are downloadable due to licensing.
  
• Netflix allows up to 100 downloads, tied to your plan and device limits, with some content available in 4K on Premium.
  
• Disney+ is more generous, supporting downloads on up to 10 devices with most content available.
  
• Amazon Prime Video offers flexibility, supporting 4K downloads on select titles and managing downloads across many devices.

Overall, Hulu’s offline feature is solid but more restrictive compared to other streaming platforms Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video—especially in terms of title count, device limits, and lack of 4K downloads.

Troubleshooting Hulu Downloads

Common Issues

• Downloads stuck or not starting
  
• Error messages like “You cannot download this title” or “An error occurred downloading the title”
  
• Downloads missing or failing to play

How to Fix These Problems

• Restart the app or device: Close and reopen the Hulu app, or restart your device to clear temporary glitches.
  
• Free up storage: Make sure your device has enough space. Delete old downloads or unused files to create room.
  
• Update the Hulu app: Install the latest version to get bug fixes and performance improvements.
  
• Check your internet connection: A stable connection is required to start downloads. Switch to stronger Wi-Fi or enable cellular downloading.
  
• Retry or renew the download: Delete and re-download the title, or use “Renew Download” if it’s expired.
  
• Check download limits: You can have up to 25 downloads across five devices. Remove downloads from other devices if needed.
  
• Content availability: Some shows and movies can’t be downloaded due to licensing rules. If you see a “cannot download” message, that content isn’t eligible.

If problems continue, visit the Hulu Help Center or reach out to Hulu support.

Conclusion

Whether you’re gearing up for a long flight, daily commute, or simply want the freedom to watch without buffering, Hulu’s download feature is a valuable tool. Just remember it’s available only to ad-free subscribers, and not every title can be saved due to licensing restrictions. By following the steps in this guide, you can easily build a personal library of Hulu shows and movies to enjoy offline — whenever and wherever you want. For more streaming tips and how-tos, keep exploring HollyFlixTV.com.

Hulu’s download feature is perfect for travelers, commuters, or anyone who wants flexible offline access to shows and movies. Just remember it’s only for ad-free subscribers, and not all content is downloadable. Check out the Downloadable hub in the Hulu app before your next trip to make the most of your subscription and enjoy seamless entertainment wherever you go.

Frequently Asked Questions