TL;DR: This guide explains the key distinctions between "ripping" a movie and utilizing the "download" feature. We will discuss how DRM technology restricts PC video quality to 720p and explore various options, including the challenges they present, such as inefficiency or slowness. Finally, you'll learn how to save Disney+ videos in a safe way.
Since the middle of 2024, when Disney+ subscriptions began to cost more and password sharing became illegal, the desire to own the content we watch has grown.
I've been in the streaming business for a long time, and I've seen it change from having a huge library to a more focused viewing experience. This transcends simple technical fixes; it's about maximizing your enjoyment of the videos you paid for.
First, Let's Be Clear: "Ripping" Isn't the Same as "Downloading"
Before we proceed, it's essential to recognize that "ripping" a movie differs from utilizing the official "download" feature. A download from the Disney+ app is a temporary, encrypted file that can only work within that app and has some restrictions.
Ripping is the process of creating a standard, stand-alone MP4 or MKV file by extracting video and removing its DRM protection. You can enjoy this file on any device and keep it forever.
Why You Can't Just Copy Files or Get 4K Quality
You might be wondering why you need a certain tool. The answer is Digital Rights Management (DRM) technology, which is made to protect digital content.
DRM: The Digital Lock on Your Movies
Think of a movie on Disney+ as being inside a locked box. The Disney+ app has the only key. This is why you can't simply copy the downloaded file to a USB drive; outside the app, it's unreadable. This DRM is also why trying to screen record often results in a black screen.
The Quality Mystery Solved: Widevine L1 vs. L3
A common question in online forums is, "Why can I only rip videos in 720p?". This isn't a failure of the tool; it's a deliberate security measure by Disney, enforced by Google's Widevine DRM system. It operates on two main security levels.
| Feature | Widevine L1 (High Security) | Widevine L3 (Low Security) |
|---|---|---|
| Security Method | Hardware-based (in a Trusted Execution Environment) | Software-based (in the main OS) |
| Max Resolution | 4K Ultra HD & HDR | 720p HD (or 480p SD) |
| Typical Devices | Modern Smartphones, Smart TVs, Certified Players | PC/Mac Web Browsers, Most Downloader Tools |
| Why? | The process is isolated and physically secured on a chip, so services trust it with their highest quality streams. | The process is more vulnerable, so services deliberately limit stream quality to protect their premium content. |
There is, however, a notable exception to this 720p rule. You may find that some tools, including KeepStreams, can successfully rip older Disney+ content in 1080p. This is possible because the specific DRM keys used to protect some titles released before mid-2021 have been compromised and cached.
For this older content, a sophisticated downloader can use these legacy keys to access the 1080p stream. The 720p limit continues to be upheld for any new or recently updated content, ensuring the integrity of the secure keys.
How to Rip from Disney Plus with KeepStreams?
A professional-level tool should have a stable platform, clear features, and reliable speed. KeepStreams tries to meet this standard by focusing on a smooth user experience from beginning to end.
Why This Approach Works Better
This method bypasses the quality and efficiency problems of screen recorders by directly decrypting and downloading the stream. Unlike some basic tools, a reliable downloader ensures stable performance and provides a fair trial so you can confirm its capabilities of downloading Disney Plus videos before committing.
| Disney Plus App | KeepStreams for Disney Plus | |
| Download Feature | Only for Disney+ Premium users | For Disney+ Basic and Premium users |
| Save Subtitles | ✓ | ✓ |
| 1080p Video Download | ✓ | ✓ |
| MP4 Format | × | ✓ |
| Download on Laptop | × | ✓ |
| Downloads Never Expire | × | ✓ |
A Step-by-Step Guide to Ripping with KeepStreams
Step 1: Navigate to Disney+ and Log In
Open KeepStreams, select "VIP Services," and click the Disney+ icon. This opens a secure, built-in browser where you can log into your account.
Step 2: Find and Analyze Your Movie
Use the built-in browser to find the movie or show you want to rip. Once you select it and begin playing, the software will automatically analyze the video stream.
Step 3: Configure and Download
A settings window will appear. Here, you can select your preferred audio and subtitle languages. Choose your quality (up to 1080p) and click "Download Now" to save the permanent MP4 file to your computer.
How to Rip from Disney Plus with MovPilot?
The MovPilot Disney Plus Downloader comes with an integrated search function that converts Disney+ contents to 720P MP4/MKV format at 5X faster speed. This allows you to quickly and easily rip movies from Disney+. And here are the specific steps to rip Disney Plus to MP4. Check for this unbiased MovPilot review if you are interested in other MovPilot video downloaders.
Step 1: Select the Download Settings Before Downloading
Open MovPilot Disney Plus Downloader, click the settings icon in the upper right corner, select the download format, video quality (high, medium, low), storage location of downloaded content, etc.
Step 2: Log in to Disney Plus Account in MovPilot
MovPilot Disney Plus Downloader will automatically pop up the Disney Plus login page and log in to your own Disney+ account. This step cannot be omitted, otherwise the software will not have the right to obtain Disney Plus related content.
Step 3: Paste the URL and Start Ripping Disney+ Videos
Then the page will return to the homepage of the software. Search the video title you want to download in the search box, such as Loki, or directly put the URL of the Disney+ video into the search box and click Enter.
After the software displays the search results, click the blue download icon on the right. It will use a new window to display the number of seasons and episodes of all episodes available for download. You can select the part you want and click the download button.
Step 4: Manage Your Ripped Disney Plus Videos
After starting the download, the software will display the download progress on the right side.
Note: During our use, we've noticed that MovPilot takes a significant amount of time to analyze videos; the video cover display is not complete, as evident from the provided screenshot, and there's noticeable lag.
How to Rip Movies from Disney Plus with EaseUs?
In the event that the licensing agreement is not renewed upon expiration, the videos, comprising both movies and TV shows, may be removed from view. EaseUs overcomes the barriers and constraints linked to the process of video recording. You are at liberty to keep the content you have recorded and downloaded indefinitely. Also, it is effortless to transfer it to any device, allowing you to access it at your convenience from anywhere.
Step 1: Log in to Disney Plus Account in Chrome
Open EaseUS RecExperts Screen Recorder and click the Disney icon in its Enhanced mode.
Then, the EaseUS will open your Chrome page to show the official site of Disney+, sign in to it.
Step 2: Play the Disney Plus Videos for Recording
After you log in, look for the Disney Plus videos you want to rip. Then, click the REC icon on the EaseUS screen recording to begin. You can pick the exact part of the screen to record as well.
Step 3: Stop the Recording and Manage Your Disney Plus Videos
When the Disney+ show is over, you have to click the "Stop" button to stop the recording. The Disney+ shows will then be saved as an MP4 file.
The Landscape of Solutions: Evaluating Your Options
When you choose to create a personal backup, you'll come across various types of solutions. Let's assess them thoughtfully.
Option 1: The Official Disney+ Download Feature
The built-in download function is convenient for short-term travel, but it's designed for renting, not owning. It requires a Premium plan (currently $15.99/month in the US) and has strict limitations:
- Device Lock: You can only download on up to 10 mobile devices; laptops are not supported.
- 30-Day Check-In: Your device must connect to the internet at least once every 30 days, or the downloads expire.
- 48-Hour Timer: Once you start watching, some content expires in 48 hours.
- Account Deletion: Logging out of your account deletes all downloaded files.
Option 2: Screen Recording (e.g., OBS, EaseUS)
Screen recording Disney Plus seems like a simple choice, but it has a lot of downsides.
- Inefficient: Recording is done in real-time. A two-hour movie takes two hours to record, during which your computer is occupied.
- Quality Loss: To get rid of the black screen caused by DRM, you often have to turn off hardware acceleration in your browser. This can make videos stutter and lose frames.
- Audio Limitations: These tools usually only record basic stereo audio, not the original stream's multi-channel 5.1 surround sound.
Option 3: Basic Ripping Tools
There are some dedicated ripping tools, but they don't always work the same way for everyone. For instance, reviews of tools like MovPilot point out a number of possible problems.
- Limited Trials: During the free trial, you can only download the first six minutes of a video. This isn't enough time to check the quality and stability of a full movie.
- Performance Issues: Users have said that the search function is slow and the download speeds aren't always stable, which means they can change during the process.
- Strict Policies: Getting a refund, even for technical failures, can be difficult due to restrictive policies.
A Note on Legality and Responsible Use
It's important to address the question of legality. While circumventing DRM violates Disney's terms of service, creating a personal backup of content you've legally accessed exists in a legal gray area in many regions. The line is clear, however: distributing, sharing, or selling these files is illegal copyright infringement.
Furthermore, downloading an excessive amount of content in a short period could flag your IP address, potentially leading to a temporary block from the service. Therefore, secure software will set a limit on the number of downloads per day.
Comprehensive Comparison of Disney Plus Rippers
You can check this comparison table first and then read their respective introduction and use tutorials.
| KeepStreams for Disney Plus | MovPilot Disney Plus Downloader | EaseUS Screen Recorder | |
| Rating | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| 720p Format | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Download Speed | 10X Faster | 5X Faster | 2X Faster |
| Auto Download | ✓ | × | × |
| Save Subtitles | ✓ | × | × |
| Delete Ads | ✓ | ✓ | × |
Your Questions, Answered (FAQ)
Is it legal to rip movies for personal use?
This falls into a legal gray area. It is for personal backup only. Sharing or distributing the ripped files is illegal.
Can I move the ripped files to a USB drive or Plex?
Yes. The final file is a standard, DRM-free MP4 or MKV. You can move, copy, and play it on any compatible device, which is the primary benefit of this process.
Will my Disney+ account get banned?
An account ban is highly unlikely with responsible use. Avoid downloading hundreds of titles in one day. Downloading a few movies or a series for personal archival purposes typically goes unnoticed.
Conclusion
In a time when faith in digital platforms is faltering and content can vanish in an instant, creating a personal media library by ripping movies from Disney Plus provides a unique sense of stability and reassurance. It’s about making sure the videos you cherish stay available on your own terms, free from shifting subscription models, corporate rules, or reliance on an internet connection.