TL;DR:
Premium (ad-free) is the only U.S. plan that supports offline downloads on Paramount+ Mobile apps (iOS/Android).
Not every title is downloadable. Downloads typically last up to 30 days, and once you press play, you usually have 48 hours to finish. Pick a tool to break it safely and easily. (See §3.2)
Hi, I’m Alyssa Smith—Columbia M.S., 5 years in media, and the friend who packs entire seasons for a single flight. I write this guide to be straight with you about what works, what doesn’t, and why Paramount+ sometimes feels… particular.
I'll cover the official method for your phone and tablet, explain the important limitations, and explore other options for downloading to your computer. Feel free to look at the targeted part as needed. Hope it helps!
Quick Lead to Paramount+ Download
When readers ask me, “Can I download on my laptop—yes or no?”, I resist the temptation to bury the lede. Here’s the shortest honest path I’d give my friends before we dive deeper.
If you’re in the U.S. on Premium and you open Paramount+ on iOS or Android, you’ll see a download icon on eligible titles—tap it, and you’re good. But remember, Timers apply: 30 days to keep, 48 hours to finish once started. Many accounts bump into a practical cap near 25 offline titles.
On laptops (Windows/Mac) and in the web browser, think streaming, not downloading. If you really want to do it, use a reliable and professional third-party tool to avoid any unnecessary trouble.
Can You Download Paramount+ on a Laptop?
No, you cannot officially download Paramount+ shows on a laptop (Windows or Mac) for offline viewing. This is one of the most common questions I get, and the official answer is clear: the download feature is exclusively for mobile devices.
I’ve tested this question more times than I’ve opened my fridge during a writing sprint. The pattern’s consistent. So why doesn't it work on laptops?
- Official Policy: Paramount+ directs laptop users to stream content directly through their web browser.
- No "Download" Button: The official website and any available desktop apps lack a feature or button to save videos offline.
The only method to save Paramount+ videos onto a laptop's hard drive is by using a trusted third-party downloader. They can convert the streams into standard file formats like MP4, which can be stored permanently.
Most time, I'll do my right to copy the content I've paid for with the help of a third-party tool, such as KeepStreams for Paramount Plus. Since it will convert Paramount+ shows into MP4 files, I don't need to worry about any sudden not-working problem that might ruin my journey.
How to Download on Paramount+? Step by Step
I like to run one clean test flight per device: update the app, pick a 30–45 minute episode, and verify playback in Airplane Mode before leaving home.
For iOS and Android: Official App
It can be easily done through the official app. Here’s my simple, step-by-step process:
- Head to the app store on your phone/tablet, search for Paramount Plus, and install the app.
- Open the Paramount Plus app and log in with your subscribed account.
- Search for the show or movie you wish to download.
- Look for the Download icon next to the show and tap it.
- Wait for the download. And now you can watch the downloaded content without an internet connection.
If you’ve started playback, remember the 48-hour finish window. Before a trip, manage space (Settings → General → iPhone Storage) and consider lowering quality for longer journeys.
For Windows PC or Mac: Safe Downloader
It seems impossible to download Paramount Plus offline directly on a Mac or Windows PC, but actually, a third-party tool can help you do it easily. But remember, pick a safe and reliable one! These 4 selected tools are all verified with my own experience:
Feature | KeepStreams | Movpilot | Cleverget | Y2Mate |
Pricing |
|
|
|
|
Video Quality | FHD 1080p | FHD 1080p | 720p | FHD 1080p |
Video Codec | H.264 (AVC) | H.264 (AVC) | H.264 (AVC) | H.264 (AVC) |
Audio | EAC3 5.1, AAC 2.0 | EAC3 5.1 | EAC3 5.1 | EAC3 5.1, AAC 2.0 |
Free Trial | 3 videos | The first 5 minutes | The first 5 minutes | 3 videos |
Ease of Use | High | High | Medium | High |
Auto-Download | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ |
Batch Download | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ |
Normally, using these Paramount Plus video downloaders is totally acceptable. Paid audiences have own right to make a copy of the videos they access. For more information, check this professional article that explains copyright.
Based on your daily requirement, pick the tool that suits you best. The usage of such downloaders is quite similar. To better illustrate it, I'll take KeepStreams as an example:
- Ensure you install the tool from its official site.
- Launch KeepStreams and find "Paramount Plus" in the VIP Services section.
- Sign in to your Paramount+ account to get access to the videos.
- Play the videos, and a settings window pops up. Customize the audio, video, and subtitles as you prefer. Click Download Now. The Paramount+ shows will be saved in MP4 format automatically on your computer.
Paramount+ Download Limits, Rules, and Best Practices
Across more than a hundred flights, I've definitely known that sinking feeling: when something as simple as misunderstanding an app's policy or misjudging my tablet's storage space has left me sitting miserably in an airport, just zoning out to get through a few agonizing hours.
Hopefully, this section will help you avoid all that trouble for good!
Official Download Limits & Rules
When using the official app on iOS or Android, all downloads are subject to these four key limitations:
- Plan Requirement: The download feature is exclusive to the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan.
- Download Expiration: Unwatched videos expire 30 days after being downloaded.
- Viewing Window: Once you start watching, you have 48 hours to finish before the video is removed.
- Availability: not every title has download rights.
- Device Limit: A maximum of 25 videos can be downloaded across all your account's devices at one time.
Paramount+ doesn’t offer DVR-style recording or a “save as MP4” button. Downloads are encrypted and tied to the app with licenses that expire. If you're using a third-party tool to download Paramount+ movies, then the problem of "how long will Paramount+ downloads last" isn't a thing.
Because most tools will convert the videos into compatible MP4/MKV format, they're not protected by DRM and thus never expire or require a subscription to play.
Storage Tips
Video files can be large and quickly fill up your device's internal storage. To give you an idea of how much space you might need, here’s a rough estimate for a one-hour video:
- HD (720p) ➡️ ~500 MB - 700 MB
- FHD (1080p) ➡️ ~1.5 GB - 2 GB
- These are just estimates. Actual file sizes can vary based on the specific movie or show.
If you're an Android user with a device that supports microSD cards, you're in luck. Read this guide to move Paramount+ downloaded movies to an external SD card. And remember to check the following items before you take a long flight:
- Do an Airplane Mode rehearsal the night before travel.
- Keep 5–10 GB free if you binge in HD.
Device Matrix for Paramount Plus
I keep this mental grid so I don’t over-promise on holiday group chats. Check it to see what you can do with different devices/tools.
Device/Tool | Can download? | What that means day-to-day |
iOS / iPadOS app | ✔️ (Premium) |
|
Android app | ✔️ (Premium) | |
Third-party tool | ✔️ (Any Plan) | Use a free trial to test the tool in advance |
Web | ❌ (stream only) | No “save for offline” button. |
Windows app | ❌ (stream only) | Treat as streaming-first unless the app explicitly offers offline. |
Game Consoles | ❌ (stream only) | Great for the living room, not for planes. |
Smart TV | ❌ (stream only) |
Downloads Not Working! Try the 9-Step Checklist
When something fails suddenly, this is the exact order I follow so I don’t chase ghosts.
- Plan check: Are you on Premium?
- Update the app (App Store/Google Play).
- Reboot the device or relaunch Paramount+.
- Free space: Large downloads silently fail on a full phone.
- Network sanity: Try home Wi-Fi and remove VPNs.
- Eligibility: Some titles simply don’t license downloads. Use a video downloader to save it instead.
- Cap reached (~25): Delete a few old items, then retry. Or use a Paramount+ video downloader to save as many titles as you like.
- Clear cache: Navigate to settings > Apps > Paramount+ > Storage to clear cache on Android.
- Sign out/in to refresh entitlements.
Still stuck? Contact support with device model, app version, and screenshots. The Paramount Plus team will help you, but might not at present.
Note: Before you troubleshoot, remember the download limits (48h, 30 days, and 25 titles in total). Use a safe video downloader to break the subscription, expiry, and quota limits if you're in a hurry to solve the problems.
FAQs
Q1. What Paramount Plus plan allows downloads?
A1. Only the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan allows you to download content for offline viewing. As of August 2025, this plan starts at $11.99/month. The cheaper "Essential" plan does not include this feature. Prices may vary based on location and are subject to change.
Q2. Does Paramount Plus have a free trial?
A2. Yes, Paramount Plus typically offers a 7-day free trial for new subscribers. This is a great way to explore the platform's library and the download function before you commit to a paid plan.
Q3. Is there a student discount?
A3. Yes, verified students can get a 25% discount on the Essential monthly plan. This offer gives access to live sports, news, and the full streaming library. But it does not include the download feature.
Q4. Why did my downloaded movie disappear?
A4. Your downloaded movie likely disappeared because it expired. Paramount+ enforces two time limits: downloads are removed 30 days after saving them, or 48 hours after you first press play. To learn more, you can check out the common download issues mentioned earlier and how to fix them.
Q5. Why can't I find the download button for a specific show?
A5. You can't find the download button for 2 main reasons: your subscription plan is not the "Paramount+ with SHOWTIME" plan, or the specific title is not licensed for offline viewing.
Conclusion
Now you have a complete picture of how to stream and download movies and shows from Paramount Plus. The right method really depends on your needs.
To watch Paramount+ offline, you need the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME plan and must use the mobile app on an iPhone, iPad, or Android device; downloads are not officially supported on laptops and expire after 30 days or 48 hours after starting.
If you're a power user who wants to save content on a PC or Mac, build a permanent offline library, or are bothered by the 25-title limit and expiration dates, a third-party tool like KeepStreams for Paramount Plus is the only way to go. Just be mindful of the terms of service and choose a reputable tool from the options available.