How to Convert Amazon Prime Video to MP4 for Safe & Legal Usage?
Summary: I tested 2 metods to find real ways to convert Amazon Prime Video to MP4. Discover how to save Prime shows in MP4, and how should we do it within reasonable boundaries.
Introduction to Amazon Prime Video Format
When I download Amazon Prime videos, I notice the result isn’t a standard .mp4 file that can be freely exported. Instead, Prime Video stores an authorized offline cache (multiple small media segments plus a manifest) designed to play only in supported Prime Video environments.
In practice, this “offline cache” approach helps enforce licensing rules (such as account/device authorization and viewing windows), which is also why the official app doesn’t offer a direct “export to MP4” option.
Amazon Prime Video Format vs. MP4: What's the Difference?
Compared with a regular MP4 file, Prime video download limits still apply to both streaming and offline viewing, because Prime Video downloads are managed as an in-app offline cache rather than an exported video file.
To give you a clearer understanding of this difference, I've compared the two in terms of format principles and user experience. Please see the table below for details:
| Comparison | Amazon Prime Video File | MP4 File |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Multiple files (segments + manifest) | Single container file (.mp4) |
| Encryption | Managed under Amazon’s content protection (see Amazon DRM) | Often unencrypted, or protected by the file owner’s chosen method |
| Playback | Intended for Prime Video app / authorized environments | Broad player compatibility (subject to your rights to use the file) |
| Ownership | A viewing license under platform terms | A file format; what you can do with it still depends on licensing/copyright |
| Convertibility | Not designed for direct export | Designed for broad device compatibility |
| Offline Use | Typically tied to account/device and viewing rules | Offline playback is generally easier on more devices, but still for personal use within applicable rules |
Amazon Prime Video files are a form of protected streaming cache, whereas MP4 is an open, editable, and permanently accessible format.
Why Are Amazon Videos Not in MP4?
MP4 format clearly offers a more convenient experience when we watch Amazon offline, so why doesn't Amazon Prime Video use MP4 format?
Officially, Amazon claims this encryption exists to “prevent content from being copied or illegally distributed.”
Technically, that’s true—but from a business perspective, the underlying truth is stark: it's all about securing continued subscriptions.
Content protection and offline rules are primarily used to meet licensing requirements and control how titles are accessed across regions, devices, and time windows.
As a result, offline downloads in the official app are typically tied to your account and the platform’s viewing rules, rather than being provided as a freely exportable file.
Legal and Ethical Considerations about Converting Amazon Video to MP4
At this point, a question arises: if Amazon doesn’t provide MP4 files, is it even reasonable for me to look for ways to get MP4?
From my perspective, yes — reasons are explained as follows.
1. From the aspects of my intention
I just always go for MP4: it’s just so much easier to handle, and it works anywhere: my phone, tablet, even the ancient TV in my room. No weird compatibility issues. Moreover, playing in MP4 format will not result in issues such as error code 0-6. My intention isn’t to redistribute Amazon’s content; it’s to watch what I already paid for in a more convenient way.
As a paying subscriber or renter, I’ve already compensated Amazon for access to that content. When the platform doesn’t offer a format that fits my personal viewing needs, finding a feasible method—for my own use—feels like a reasonable extension of that purchase, not a violation of it.
2. From the aspects of Amazon Prime Video rules
Amazon’s Terms of Service place strict limits on tampering with, modifying, or attempting to circumvent its content protection measures. Before using any third-party software, users should review Amazon’s terms and comply with local copyright laws.
Two Practical Approaches for Offline Playback
Before discussing any tools, I focus on whether the approach is stable, reasonably safe to use, and suitable for personal offline viewing within an active subscription and authorized access.
I picked 2 solutions; both are trustworthy and clean to use, but they serve slightly different purposes:
- StreamFab is ideal when you want lossless MP4 quality, faster downloads, and full subtitle or audio options—perfect for long-term offline viewing.
- RecordFab, on the other hand, works better when certain titles can’t be downloaded directly, such as Amazon Live streams. However, the quality will be a bit lower than StreamFab downloads.
Here’s a quick overview comparing how StreamFab and RecordFab perform when saving a 50-minute Amazon Prime episode to MP4 (according to my test).
| Time | Video Quality | Audio |
Ratings |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| StreamFab Amazon Downloader | 7mins 12s | 1080p | EAC3 5.1 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| RecordFab | 25mins (2x speed) | 1080p | AAC 2.0 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
For a detailed review of both tools and how they work to grab MP4 Amazon prime videos, please see below.
1. [Lossless] Save Amazon Video to MP4 in 1080P with StreamFab
StreamFab Amazon Downloader is ideal for users who prioritize quality, such as original 1080p resolution and Dolby 5.1 surround sound.
Not only can you obtain Amazon videos in MP4 format, but also preserve the original lossless 1080p resolution and Dolby 5.1 surround sound, which made a noticeable difference—especially when watching movies on a big screen or transferring them to my TV.
In my own test, StreamFab took about 7 minutes to download a 50-minute episode in full HD (1080p) MP4 with English audio tracks (other languages available as options). The output files are MP4, which are successfully played smoothly on VLC, Plex, and even my smart TV via USB.
My Test procedures are as follows (high-level workflow only; please follow the official in-app guide for exact UI labels and actions):
Note: Support for content categories such as these may vary by title and licensing.
We’ve also published an in-depth review of StreamFab Amazon Downloader, where I tested its performance across multiple platforms and compared download speeds and quality in detail. This article focuses on how to get MP4 Amazon video files; if you have concerns about StreamFab Amazon Downloader, that content may help you.
And if you’d like to explore more similar options to archive MP4 Amazon videos, check out our comprehensive guide on the best Amazon video downloader reviews—it’s a good reference before you decide which tool fits you best.
2. Screen Record Amazon Live Streams to MP4 with RecordFab
RecordFab is ideal for users who want to save Amazon Prime Live streams to MP4 format.
While StreamFab handles most Amazon videos flawlessly, there are still a few situations where direct downloading isn’t possible, for example, Amazon Prime Live videos; in such cases, screen recording Amazon Prime to MP4 is a practical fallback. Although it cannot match the original file’s quality and efficiency, it allows you to capture videos in real time.
It works by mirroring the playback window in real time and saving the content as a standard MP4 file afterward.
With superior stability and output quality compared to typical screen recorders. It effectively reduces black screen errors and maintains audio-video synchronization, recording Amazon videos to MP4 in up to 1080p resolution.
However, when you choose this way to convert Amazon Prime videos to MP4, parts of the limits are impossible to avoid:
- Time-consuming: you need to wait for the whole video to be played so that you can get the recorded file
- It offers a relatively lower output quality than direct downloads: recorded 1080p Amazon videos in general, not original 1080p lossless resolution
In my test, recording a 50-minute episode at 2× speed took about 25 minutes. The output file played smoothly with no noticeable lag or desync, and while the quality wasn’t completely lossless, it was more than enough for casual offline viewing.
Below are the step-by-step instructions in a non-operational overview (please follow RecordFab’s official guide for exact actions):
You know, RecordFab might save your day in certain cases—like when a title just isn’t available for offline downloads in the app. It tends to run slower than regular download methods, though, and honestly, sometimes your device or platform can really mess with how well it works.
If you’re keeping an MP4 file for your own use, having a device that plays nice makes it easier to transfer Amazon Prime Video downloads to SD Cards for local playback.
FAQs
1. Can I Share or Export The MP4 Amazon Videos I Purchased?
No. Even if you’ve purchased or rented a title, Amazon’s Terms of Service make it clear that the content is for personal viewing only. It’s perfectly fine to keep your MP4 downloads for personal use, but not to share them publicly or commercially.
2. Can I Copy Amazon Prime Videos to a USB drive or other devices?
Technically, if you’ve got an MP4 that works on your gadget, you can watch it offline yourself. But what you’re actually allowed to do still depends on Amazon’s terms, the license for that title, and wherever you live’s copyright laws. So, it’s a little complicated.
Also Note: the phrase "ripping Amazon Prime videos" is often used online in ways that may imply unauthorized copying. For compliance, keep any saved files strictly for personal fair use within a official subscription.
3. Can I Convert Amazon Prime Videos on my phone (Android or iPhone)?
You cannot do it directly. The Amazon Prime Video app doesn’t allow conversion or exporting of downloaded titles. One common approach is to handle offline playback on a PC first, then use standard file-transfer methods to play the file on your own mobile devices. The exact steps depend on your devices and your permitted usage scope.
This can improve format compatibility without relying on third-party mobile apps, which may be unstable due to frequent platform changes and app-level restrictions.
4. Which method should I use: StreamFab or RecordFab?
It depends on your situation:
- Choose StreamFab if you want high-quality, fast Amazon Video MP4 downloads.
- Choose RecordFab if you need to capture Amazon live streams, which can’t be downloaded directly.
I use StreamFab for almost everything—and switch to RecordFab for Amazon Live streams.
Conclusion
After spending time testing, comparing, and reflecting on how Amazon Prime Video handles its content, I’ve figured out that wanting convenience doesn’t make you wrong.
Amazon has the right to protect its content via DRM, but as paying users, we also have a fair reason to want flexibility and ownership in how we watch what we’ve already paid for. That’s why tools like StreamFab and RecordFab may be considered by some users for personal offline viewing within an active subscription and authorized access. Responsible use means keeping any saved files for personal use only.
For me, StreamFab remains the first solution for high-quality MP4 downloads, while RecordFab fills the blank when direct downloads are impossible. Because copyright and platform terms vary by region and title, you should always review Amazon’s policies and local laws before using any third-party software.
This page is for general informational purposes. Any tools mentioned are intended for personal backup/offline viewing of content you are legally authorized to access. Do not use them for commercial purposes, redistribution, or copyright infringement. Always comply with Amazon’s Terms of Service and applicable local laws.
