Tip!: The Downloads feature requires an active Plex Pass subscription on the user account performing the Downloads action. Managed Users in a Plex Home of a user with a Plex Pass will also be able to use Downloads.
Downloads is a feature for transferring Plex Media Server content to supported player apps for offline use. With Downloads, if your device can Direct Play the file, it can “Download” it without needing to be transcoded. There is still a global setting to change the quality for Downloads should you choose to transcode to a lower bitrate.
Note: The Downloads feature is only relevant for personal media content available on a Plex Media Server. It does not apply to content available from our free, ad-supported Movies & Shows or live TV streaming services. It also does not apply to movie rentals.
Supported player apps
Downloads is available on the following Plex apps:
- Android (mobile)
- iOS
- Plex for Linux
- Plex for Mac
- Plex for Windows
How it Works
You will need to be signed into your Plex account with an active Plex Pass subscription or be part of a Plex Home of an admin with a Plex Pass. In cases where you don’t run the Plex Media Server, the server owner needs to grant you permission to “Allow Downloads”. From within a supported app, you can then choose to “Download” a movie, episode, TV show, album, artist, playlist, etc.
You cannot download Plex provided streaming content such as on demand movies and TV.
Specific details per app are available.
Related Page: Downloads for Android Mobile
Related Page: Downloads for iOS
Related Page: Downloads for Windows, macOS, Linux Desktop
Related Page: Restrictions on Library Access