How to Archive Disney Plus to MKV Format: 2025 Test
Summary: The download of the Disney+ official app is restricted by DRM. After the cached video expires, it cannot be played and cannot be converted to MKV. I found an effective method and share it with everyone here.
Introduction: Can I Archive Disney+ to MKV Files
I usually save videos in MKV format because, compared to MP4, MKV preserves multiple audio tracks, subtitles, and chapters, resulting in more complete audio and video quality. This is especially true for streaming services like Disney+, where the original downloaded files are encoded in a proprietary format, and the watch Disney Plus offline feature is not available for all contents. Can I still manage Disney+ movies that don't support downloading as MKV?
I've tried several methods, but the official app limits access to the raw files. After comparing and testing popular online solutions, I'd like to share my experience on downloading videos on Disney Plus and backing up the videos as MKV in this article.
Safety and Compliance Notice
Before sharing my downloading solution, please review the streamfab copyright and usage guidelines. I need to clarify two points:
1. Personal Use Only
The reason to save Disney+ content to MKV is only for personal offline viewing on my own devices, such as when traveling without an internet connection. I fight against any use for commercial purposes.
2. Ensure and Verify Software Security
Before installing the solution, I scanned the installation package with tools like VirusTotal, and no risks detected. Throughout the installation and use process, I didn't encounter any unusual processes or pop-up ads, ensuring a clean and secure experience. If you want to install the software, ensure you get it from official website, instead of crack version.
So, in my personal experience, this tool meets my needs without posing any security risks.
How to Save Disney Plus to MKV?
I naively thought that after downloading the movie to my phone, I could find the file in the local player and then convert it to MKV. However, I found that this was impossible.
The movies downloaded by the official app on mobile devices have specific proprietary formats and additional platform-specific playback restrictions preventing you from offline playback on other devices.
Many users have encountered similar problems as me, downloading Disney+ videos to their phones but not being able to find the stored files (as shown below); this once again proves that if you really want Disney+ videos in MKV format, you need specialized media management tools.
1. Tool Required: StreamFab Disney Plus Downloader
Archive movies and shows on Disney+, including Disney+ extras in high quality 1080p and 4K resolution with Atmos, EAC 3 5.1, and AAC 2.0 audio track and save in compatible MP4 or MKV files.
- High video and audio quality: Supports up to 1080p and 4K HD, with audio options of Dolby Atmos, EAC3 5.1, and AAC 2.0. I downloaded a Star Wars film in EAC3 5.1 at 1080p and 4K.
- Flexible Format: Directly save disney+ videos to MKV or MP4 format based on your setting.
- Automatic Features: I subscribe to the weekly update for Season 2 of Loki, and it automatically detects and adds it to the queue.
- Batch Processing: Queue entire seasons with a single click, process them at night, and watch them all offline the next day.
2. How I Save Disney Plus to MKV with StreamFab
The whole process is actually not complicated. I figured it out in about 10 minutes the first time I used it. If you want to try it, you can refer to my usage process:
Adjust your output preferences to MKV within the settings menu to ensure compatibility with your local media players. The option is in the settings menu with a three-line icon on the right corner of StreamFab.
When it comes to saving Disney Plus to MKV, StreamFab Disney Plus Downloader makes a detailed distinct of 2 different kinds of MKV format, choose wisely depending on your personal needs:
a. MKV(FFmpeg) is suitable for those who need to convert, compress, or encode a video.
b. MKV(MKVToolNix) is suitable for those who want to save Disney Plus preserving original quality.
Access the streaming service via the internal browser, log in with your valid subscription, and select the title you wish to archive for personal viewing. Enter the info page and StreamFab will analyze the video.
Confirm your video and audio preferences, then proceed to save the content to your local storage. After all configurations are done, tap on the button to start saving Disney Plus to MKV.
During my test, I downloaded a 50-minute episode in about ten minutes, which was faster than I expected. The downloaded video is directly an MKV file, and I can freely switch audio tracks and subtitles when playing it in VLC.
FAQs
No. All the downloaded Disney Plus videos from the app are protected by proprietary encoding. Besides, you can't find where they are stored on your phone, neither using a file manager nor local video players.
Yes, the batch mode on StreamFab Disney Plus Downloader offers convenience to users who want to backup a large number of Disney Plus titles to MKV.
3. Can I keep subtitles and multiple audio tracks when saving videos?
Yes. For example, if I download "Frozen," I can choose between the original English soundtrack and the French dub. I can also save the subtitles as a separate SRT file or embed them directly into the MKV file. Switching between them is very convenient during playback.
Conclusion
For me, I chose to save Disney+ videos in MKV format because I wanted a more flexible viewing experience. While downloading from the official app is convenient, it has too many playback restrictions: expiration date, proprietary formatting, audio track, and subtitles are all options, which I find insufficient.
Using StreamFab, you can save the video in MKV format, and choose the image quality, audio track, and subtitles as needed. You can watch it on TV, computer, or hard disk player. If you want to try it, please download and install it from the official website.
Disclaimer: This software is intended solely for personal backup of streaming content to which you hold a valid subscription. Please utilize this tool in compliance with the streaming service's terms of use and local copyright laws. Commercial use or illegal distribution of downloaded content is strictly prohibited.
