I'm the kind of person who likes to make a personal collection of all my favorite TV series and films. In previous days, this could be done by buying DVDs. But today, it has become more convenient because of online streaming.
However, when I record shows, DRM is always a challenge. So I did research about Amazon Prime Video DRM, trying to find out what it is and what is permitted in the US.
If you’re here because Amazon Prime DRM removal or “how to download DRM videos” keeps popping up in your searches, let’s make sense of what’s legal, what the real limits are (30-day/48-hour rules, device caps), and what actually works—minus the fluff.
In Short [Click the title to jump to a section]
- What is DRM: The tech to control how streaming content is accessed and copied.
-
Where You Encounter DRM:
- Official download limits of Prime Video
- Prohibited casting and offline viewing limited to a mobile device.
- How to Download DRM Videos: official app, downloader, and recorder.
-
DRM Removal Legality in the US: (important!)
- Based on DMCA §1201, it's generally restricted to removing DRM in the US.
- But it's acceptable to make your own copies by downloading DRM videos, for personal offline viewing.
What is Prime Video DRM?
DRM stands for Digital Rights Management, which is like a shield that protects digital content from unauthorized access or sharing.
At a high level, there are 3 main technologies: Widevine on Chrome/Android and many TVs, PlayReady on Microsoft platforms, FairPlay on Apple. Prime Video leans on the platform’s native DRM depending on your device/browser.
What's more, DRM doesn't only work for video services. Amazon also applies the DRM tech to the music service. When you listen to songs or download content on Amazon Music, the melody is also protected.
If you're curious about the Netflix DRM and Spotify DRM, continue to read the 2 articles for further reading.
Prime Video DRM Rules Explained: Download Limits
The truth is, DRM is constantly impacting how you watch Prime Video, primarily through restrictions on streaming, downloading, and screen mirroring. The most infamous example of this is probably the black screen you get when you try to screenshot or screen record Prime Video.
1. Subscription limit: You need to subscribe to the Prime plan to watch shows on Prime Video (except for Freevee content) online.
2. Streams at the same time: It only allows up to 3 simultaneous streams per account.
3. Simultaneous devices: The same title can only be played on no more than 2 devices at once.
1. Subscription & device limit: To download videos, you need an active Prime subscription at least, and the download service is only available on certain mobile devices.
2. Time limit: You only have 30 days to start watching a download and 48 hours to finish after you press play. (Expired downloads disappear.)
3. Quota limit: Total number of downloads across devices is capped (Prime doesn’t publish a single global number). Amazon’s forum commonly cites ~15–25 titles depending on region/content. If you hit a limit, check other devices and clear old downloads.
4. Storage limit: On Android/Windows, you can select a storage location, but Amazon doesn’t recommend USB-connected drives for downloads. Even when saved externally, downloads remain tied to the app/account and aren’t portable files.
No casting downloaded titles via Chromecast or AirPlay. You can only connect supported devices via adapters for offline playback on a TV.
How to Download DRM-Protected Videos from Prime Video?
To put it simply, there are 3 methods to download DRM videos from Prime Video: official app, third-party tool, and screen recording. The following methods I wrote are all legal and safe to use. But each of them has specific limits and advantages.
How to Download DRM-Protected Videos?
1. Use the Official app: Convenient, but you have to follow the download limits.
2. Use a third-party tool like KeepStreams: Need to install a program, but all downloads are free from limits and can be watched anywhere.
3. Screen Recording: Convenient and safe, but you might encounter a black screen.
3 Methods Comparison
Before getting into the details, I'll compare them one by one:
| Official App | KeepStreams | Recorder | |
| Viewing Window |
|
No viewing window. Can be played anytime | No viewing window. |
| Streams Limit |
|
No limit | Turn black because of DRM |
| Download Limit | 25 titles across all devices | 100 titles per day | No limits |
| Casting | Not allowed | Supoprted | Supoprted |
| Storage | Only in the app | Any devices | Any devices |
| Video Format | Encrypted format | MP4/MKV | MP4 |
| Video Quality | FHD 1080p | FHD 1080p | Poor |
| Download Speed | Fast | Medium | Slow |
| Scheduled Download | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Best For | Users who want policy-compliant offline viewing | Advanced users willing to enjoy true free offline viewing | Users who need last-resort capture |
Method 1: Prime Video app
This official method is the safest and most reliable one. It can only help you download DRM-protected videos, but the offline viewing limits mentioned above still exist.
Just use the Prime Video app on iOS/Android/macOS/Fire tablet, pick the title, and tap Download. On Android devices, you can also choose a storage location (USB not recommended).
- Open the Prime Video app
- Pick a movie or season
- Tap Download (you can download entire seasons)
But remember, the downloaded titles are still protected by DRM even if you don't connect your device to the internet. You need to follow all the limits listed above: the device, subscription, quota, storage, casting...
Method 2: Professional Downloader (KeepStreams)
A third-party tool can help you download videos from Prime Video and make them stand alone from the official app. But you need to pay special attention to the legal risk (DMCA §1201). DRM removal is strictly prohibited by the act, so please pick a reliable tool instead of online downloaders or extensions.
KeepStreams for Prime Video is a third-party tool that supports downloading DRM videos from Prime Video. It has a powerful built-in browser. Enter your Prime Video account to allow KeepStreams to access the DRM videos freed by Amazon, and play the video to download it into MP4/MKV format.
Here's how you download DRM videos from Amazon, step by step:
Step 1: Download KeepStreams for Prime Video from the official website.
Step 2: Launch KeepStreams and access VIP services, selecting Amazon Prime Video.
Step 3: Log in to your Amazon Prime Video account using KeepStreams' built-in browser. Search for and choose the Amazon Prime Video content you wish to download.
Step 4: Once selected, play the video, which will trigger a download window. Customize the download settings to fit your preferences, adjusting video, audio, and subtitle options.
Click Download Now or Add to Queue to start downloading immediately or download videos later in bulk.
Method 3: Screen Recording
You might think: Why don't I directly record the video? You know, use my phone's recording button.
However, the truth is, Modern DRM stacks (e.g., Widevine/PlayReady) can enforce output protection (e.g., HDCP) and block screen capture, which is why many recordings end up with audio-only or black video.
It happens not only on Prime Video, but on almost all streaming services.
Is DRM Removal Legal in the US? (Read Before You Try)
In the U.S., DMCA §1201 generally prohibits bypassing access controls (DRM) on copyrighted works—including movies/TV. Every three years, the Library of Congress grants limited exemptions (e.g., certain research/education). These are narrow and don’t create a blanket “personal use” pass. When in doubt, don’t bypass.
Under most circumstances, making copies for personal usage is totally acceptable. As a legal subscriber, you do have the right to choose the way you watch shows offline.
In fact, there were several cases about "personal copies" in history. If you want to learn more about the legality, how third-party tools (like KeepStreams) often work, and the true cases, continue to read Copyright: What You Should Know Before Downloading.
FAQs
Q1. Is removing DRM from Amazon Prime legal in the US?
A1. DRM circumvention is strictly restricted by DMCA §1201. If you want to choose a third-party tool, be sure you're using a downloader that can't remove DRM from Prime Video content, such as KeepStreams for Prime Video.
Q2. How many devices/titles can I use if I use the Prime Video app?
A2. You can enjoy up to 3 streams per account, and save the same title on no more than 2 devices at once. Total downloadable titles across devices is commonly ~15–25, per Amazon forum guidance.
Q3. Can I download Prime Video shows to a USB/SD and play it elsewhere?
A3. Android/Windows let you pick storage, but USB is not recommended. If you're using the official app, all the downloads remain app/account-bound, not portable MP4s.
Q4. Does the Ad-Free add-on change download rules?
A4. Ad-Free affects ads, not the core 30/48 or casting rules for eligible content. Always check the title’s download availability inside the app. (Prime doesn’t publish a single global page tying Ad-Free to offline rules.)
Conclusion
Among the 3 methods to download DRM videos from Prime Video, which one will you pick?
If your goal is simply to watch offline, the official Prime Video app is the safest way: respect the 30/48 window, expect no casting of downloads, and don’t rely on USB as a long-term vault.
If you want a really free offline viewing experience and enjoy videos without DRM later, you can use a third-party tool like KeepStreams for Prime Video. But remember to respect the U.S. (DMCA §1201) and your local law, and never share your downloads or upload them for commercial purposes.