How to Download Hulu Shows on Mobile & PC Devices?
Nicole09/15/2025Summary: Hulu allows users to download shows on mobile for offline watching, but how about the PC device? This post covers a comprehensive guide on how to download Hulu videos, without limits on device and time expiration. Read on to learn more.
Quick Answer: Can You Download from Hulu?
Yes, but with limits. Hulu’s No-Ads Plan subscribers can download shows and movies only on supported mobile devices. These downloads expire after a period of time and are locked inside the Hulu app. If you need offline videos on PC, in MP4/MKV format, without expiration, you can try a downloader solution.
- Yes, but only with the No-Ads plan.
- Works on iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire tablets.
- Downloads expire after 30 days or 48 hours once started.
- Files stay locked in the Hulu app and cannot be transferred.
- For PC/Mac/4K downloads: use StreamFab Hulu Downloader.
Method 1: Download Hulu Shows via Hulu App [Premium Plan]
The most straightforward and reliable way to watch Hulu offline is via Hulu’s official app. While there are some restrictions, this method is simple, secure, and generally user-friendly.
1. Eligibility & Download Limitations
| Plan | Devices | Content | Validity | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No-Ads Plan | iOS, Android, Amazon Fire Tablet | Selected titles only | Expires after a set period | Playable inside the Hulu app only |
| Basic/Other Plans | PC, Mac not supported | Downloads not available | - | Upgrade to No-Ads required |
2. Operation Steps
- Requirement: Hulu No-Ads Plan on iOS, Android, or Amazon Fire Tablet.
-
Steps:
- Open the Hulu app and sign in.
- Find a show or movie and tap the download icon.
- Wait until the download finishes; videos will be available offline in the Hulu app.
- Limitations: Downloads expire after 30 days or 48 hours once playback starts, and files cannot be transferred.
If you are a Hulu No Ads plan user, and your device is an iPad/iPhone, Android, or Amazon Fire Tablet, here are the simple steps to download Hulu shows.
Log in to your Hulu No Ads Plan
Hulu’s download feature supports iOS, Android, and Windows 10 devices. Open the Hulu app on the supported device or tablet and sign in to your Hulu account.
Choose the video you want to download
Find your desired show or movie, click the download button, select the location where you want to save it, and wait for it to finish downloading.
Wait for a moment to get the downloaded shows
Download times vary depending on the length of the content, but generally, it doesn’t take too long.
While this feature is handy, there are some Hulu download limitations. For instance, certain content may only be available for download on specific devices or regions. Additionally, downloaded content is sometimes only accessible within the Hulu app and cannot be transferred to other devices for viewing.
If you can’t find the download button for certain content, for example, are unable to download the shows and movies available in the Hulu Premium Add-ons, it may be because the content isn’t available for download, or your device doesn’t meet Hulu’s download requirements.
Method 2: Download Hulu Videos with StreamFab [Any Plan]
- Official limitation: Hulu does not support downloads on Windows or Mac.
- Workaround: StreamFab Hulu Downloader lets you save Hulu shows on PC/Mac in MP4/MKV format.
- Advantages: Supports 1080p/4K quality, no expiration, ad-free, and transferable.
While the official app is a solid choice, some helper tools can provide additional flexibility and functionality in situations where I ran into limitations with Hulu’s native download capabilities.
For instance, whether you are on a basic Hulu plan or an ad-free plan, with StreamFab, you can rip Hulu videos in full HD quality - a cost-saving benefit. Furthermore, StreamFab allows you to download up to 100 Hulu videos per day, all of which will be completely ad-free.
1. Tool Required: StreamFab Hulu Downloader
Effortlessly download shows and movies from Hulu in 1080p/4k quality and EAC3 5.1 audio track without quality loss and save on your device without expiration.
- Lossless download of Hulu videos in up to 1080p and even 4k stunning resolution.
- Download Hulu videos to MP4 or MKV format for more flexible playback.
- Schedule mode to download newly released episodes from Hulu at a set time automatically.
- Download subtitles and audio of the language you prefer to watch.
- Remove ads from the downloaded Hulu shows, even if you are a basic plan member.
- Batch mode to add multiple Hulu videos to the tasks queue to save your time.
2. Operation Steps
Choose the Hulu icon from the menu
Find the Hulu icon, log in to your Hulu account, and search for the video you want to download.
Customize the Download Format
When you play the video, a pop-up window will ask for your video options. You can choose the audio and subtitle language.
Click the download button
Click Download Now or add it to the Queue. The chosen Hulu videos will be downloaded on your local soon, and the file will be in universal MP4/MKv format, which can be transferred to another device easily.
- Although Hulu is capable of streaming videos in 4K quality, its official download method typically only supports a maximum resolution of 1080P. However, with StreamFab, you can even download Hulu videos in breathtaking 4K quality, which is truly impressive and highly recommended.
- Of course, StreamFab is not the only Hulu video downloader on the market. We have conducted a detailed evaluation and comparative analysis of the top Hulu downloaders. For details, see: best Hulu downloaders review
Hulu Official Download vs. StreamFab Hulu Downloader
Below is the radar chart comparing Hulu Official Download and StreamFab Hulu Downloader. The scores (1–5) are based on a qualitative assessment of each dimension, where 1 is the lowest and 5 is the highest, reflecting the relative performance of each method. You can compare the 2 methods and choose the one that suits you best.
Quick Comparison
- Device: Hulu app (mobile only) vs. StreamFab (Windows & Mac)
- Format: Protected files vs. MP4/MKV transferable files
- Validity: Official downloads expire vs. StreamFab files never expire
- Quality: Hulu app up to 1080p vs. StreamFab up to 1080p/4K
- Extras: StreamFab supports batch mode, subtitles, multiple audio, and removes ads
| Features | Hulu Official Downloads | StreamFab Hulu Downloader |
|---|---|---|
| PC download | Windows | Windows, Mac |
| Download limits | Not all Hulu videos can be downloaded | All Hulu videos can be downloaded |
| Format compatibility | Protected format | MP4/MKV format |
| Transferability | Restricted | Transfer to any device |
| Video Quality | 1080p | 1080p/4k |
Common Download Issues & Quick Fixes
- No download button? The title may not support downloads, or your device/region is not eligible.
- Cannot transfer to another device? Official downloads are locked; consider Method 2 for MP4/MKV.
- Premium Add-ons unavailable? These titles are not allowed for offline download; use a downloader instead.
- Downloads expired? Expiration is built in; only StreamFab files stay permanently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hulu allow PC downloads?
No, Hulu does not allow downloads on PC. To download Hulu shows on Windows or Mac, you need a tool like StreamFab Hulu Downloader.
ADo Hulu downloads expire?
Yes, they expire after a set time. Expired titles must be re-downloaded inside the app.
ACan I transfer Hulu downloads to another device?
No, official downloads stay locked in the app. With StreamFab, you can save them as transferable MP4/MKV files.
AIs 4K download possible?
Hulu’s app usually maxes at 1080p, but StreamFab supports 1080p and 4K.
ACan I remove ads from Hulu downloads?
Yes, but only with StreamFab Downloader. Even basic plan members get ad-free offline files.
AConclusion
Downloading shows and movies from Hulu for offline viewing allows you to have entertainment readily available, even if you don't have an internet connection. This easy-to-follow guide will quickly get you started on downloading your preferred content. To fully enjoy Hulu videos offline without worrying about expiration, StreamFab Hulu Downloader can be your best option.
