- The number of Amazon Prime Video downloads at once depends on your country/account.
- Typically it is 15 or 25 total titles across all your devices.
- Rentals follow the same “start within ~30 days; finish within ~48 hours” pattern.
- The same title can usually be downloaded to two devices at the same time; rentals are more restrictive.
- Streaming allows up to 3 simultaneous streams per account, but the same title can only be streamed on 2 devices at once.
If you’re seeing “You’ve reached your download limit” on Prime Video, watching a timer tick down from 48 hours, or wondering why a rental will download to one phone but not another, you’re not alone. I’ve spent the past week re-checking Amazon’s own rules and staff replies, then testing common fixes. Below is the version I wish I’d had the first time I hit that wall.
All the Limits, Explained
The rules come from the Prime Video Usage Rules and DRM content licensing deals.
Is it OK to bypass Amazon Prime Video DRM?
No. Circumventing technical protections or terms may violate Amazon’s rules and local laws. Always follow the Usage Rules.
1.1 Count limit (how many titles you can download at once)
Most accounts are capped at 15 or 25 total downloaded titles across all devices. Amazon does not list this number in public help pages. While Amazon forum staff provide the figure and note that it varies by location. This limit counts all Amazon Prime Video downloads tied to your account, not per device.
What this means in practice: If your partner’s tablet and your phone each hold shows, those both count toward the same cap. Delete finished downloads on any device to free slots.
1.2 Time limit (how long downloads stay playable)
You normally have 30 days to start a downloaded title, and 48 hours to finish after you start playback. The exact window can vary by title and license; check the title’s detail page.
Some users see unusual numbers like “71 hours” after a device has been offline; reconnecting can refresh the timer, assuming your membership and the license are still valid.
1.3 Device limit (where a title can be downloaded)
Amazon doesn’t publish a precise “download-to-N-devices” rule for subscription-included titles. In reality, the account-level count cap and per-title licensing are the constraints you’ll hit first.
- Purchased titles: may be downloaded to up to four compatible devices.
- Rental titles: once downloaded to one device, you can’t download the same rental to another device or watch it on more than one device at the same time. (n.d., https://www.primevideo.com/help).
1.4 Streaming vs. downloading limits
Streaming is separate from downloading. You can stream up to 3 titles at once, but the same title on no more than 2 devices at a time. These are streaming rules, not download counts, yet they often cause “too many devices” warnings during troubleshooting.
1.5 Other fine print that affects officially downloads
- Storage location: On Android and Windows, you can pick the save location; Amazon does not recommend USB-connected drives for downloads.
- Ad-supported or promotional titles: Some are stream-only and not downloadable.
- Chromecast/AirPlay: Playback of downloaded files over Chromecast or AirPlay isn’t permitted.
Open the app → find the title → Download.
For series, tap the download icon next to episodes or choose Download season.
On Android/Windows, set Download settings → Storage first.
Troubleshooting “Download Limit Reached”
When you get the message but swear you deleted everything, it’s usually one of three things:
1. Hidden downloads on another device or profile
The cap is account-wide. Check each phone/tablet/PC tied to your Amazon account (and other profiles) for the Downloads list and delete items you’ve finished. Amazon doesn’t provide a single cross-device list from the web today.
If a device is lost or no longer used, deregister it under Account & Settings → Devices. Note: some plans limit how many devices you can remove in a 30-day period.
2. Rental downloaded to another device
A rental already downloaded elsewhere can’t be downloaded again to a second device until it’s removed from the first.
3. License or membership refresh needed
Odd timers (e.g., “71 hours”) often clear once the device reconnects to the internet and your membership/license status refreshes.
Can I Remove the Amazon Prime Video Download Limit
I write about tools, not just rules. For some readers, the legitimate path to longer offline access is simple: buy the title instead of relying on Prime-included downloads. If you’re exploring desktop software to manage the Amazon Prime Video offline viewing, KeepStreams for Prime Video offers an app designed to save streams for personal, time-shifted viewing where the service’s terms permit it. Before using any tool, read the Prime Video Usage Rules and your local law.
Quick Note on How to Download Prime Video Titles by Using KeepStreams
- Step 1. Download and install KeepStreams
- Step 2. Go to the VIP Services on the left and choose Prime Video. Then sign in to your Amazon Prime account.
- Step 3. Play the video that you wish to download and set the video resolution, audio resolution, and subtitles.
Once you have configured the download settings, you can click on Download Now to download the video. You can check the download progress from the Downloading section.
FAQs
Q1. Does streaming affect my download cap?
A1. No. Streaming limits (3 streams per account; 2 for the same title) are separate from the 15/25 download pool.
Q2. If my Prime membership ends, do downloads still play?
A2. “Included with Prime” titles stop working after membership ends. Purchased titles remain in your library; rentals follow their windows.
Q3. Can I extend the 48-hour window?
A3. Not generally. You can often redownload or restart if the title remains in your plan and the license allows it, but the app won’t extend expired licenses beyond what the studio permits, unless you download the Amazon Prime Videos and convert them to MP4 or MKV format.
Q4. Does KeepStreams for Prime Video bypass DRM?
A4. No, KeepStreams for Prime Video does not bypass or circumvent DRM protection. The software states to adhere to Amazon’s Usage Rules and Terms of Service and only allows content to be used for lawful personal offline viewing when permitted. Read more about KeepStreams' official Copyright Compliance.
Q5. Are ad-supported Amazon Prime Video titles downloadable?
A5. Often, the official Amazon app is the only way to stream many Amazon Prime Video ad-supported or promotional titles. But some third-party downloaders claim they can help download these titles and even automatically remove commercial content or advertisements during the download process. KeepStreams for Prime Video is one of the available options. Please select carefully and make evaluations before use.
Q6. Can I download Prime Video titles for free?
A6. No, you can't download and watch Prime Video titles for free, even if you're using KeepStreams. KeepStreams also requires that users have an active Prime Video subscription to download content, as it is based on your existing subscription rights. Nearly all third-party downloaders that claim you can download Prime Video content without a valid Prime Video subscription are engaging in false advertising. Always be cautious and verify such claims, they are generally not true.
Conclusion
Amazon Prime Video’s download and streaming rules can feel confusing at first, but most limits come down to content licensing and account-wide caps. If you run into errors, double-check all devices linked to your account, keep an eye on rental windows, and make sure your membership is active. Sticking to Amazon’s official app is always the safest bet. For more flexible offline viewing, look into reliable third-party tools like KeepStreams for Prime Video with care. As always, follow the official usage rules for peace of mind and uninterrupted viewing.