Yes, you can read episodes on Apple TV to watch offline

Apple TV lets you read TV shows and movies to your device so you can watch them without an internet connection. The read feature works on iPhones, iPads, and Apple TV boxes. Once you read an episode, it stays on your device until you delete it, and you can rewatch it as many times as you want while your subscription is active.

The steps are straightforward, but what you can read depends on which app you're using and which subscription service you're watching through. Some shows let you read entire seasons at once, while others only let you read one episode at a time.

Key Takeaways

  • You can read episodes directly to your iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV device by tapping the read icon next to the episode title.
  • Downloaded episodes remain on your device until you delete them, but you need an active subscription to watch them.
  • Storage space on your device limits how many episodes you can keep downloaded at once.
  • Some streaming services within Apple TV restrict downloads to certain shows or seasons, so not everything available to stream can be downloaded.

How to read a single episode on iPhone or iPad

Open the Apple TV app and find the show you want to read. Navigate to the specific episode, and look for the read icon—it looks like a cloud with a downward arrow. Tap that icon, and the episode will begin downloading to your device.

The read time depends on the episode length and your internet speed. A typical one-hour episode takes a few minutes on a fast connection. You'll see a progress indicator showing how much of the read is complete. Once it finishes, the cloud icon changes to a checkmark, and the episode is ready to watch offline.

How to read an entire season at once

Some shows let you read a whole season in one action. Go to the show's main page in the Apple TV app, and look for a read icon next to the season number. Tap it, and Apple TV will queue up all episodes in that season for read.

Your device will read episodes one at a time in the background, even if you close the app or use your device for other things. Check the show's page periodically to see which episodes have finished downloading. If you run out of storage space, the downloads will pause until you free up room.

Storage space and how many episodes you can keep

Each episode takes up storage on your device—a typical one-hour show uses 500 MB to 2 GB depending on video quality. If you read in high definition, expect the larger end of that range. Your device's total storage capacity limits how many episodes you can keep at once.

Check how much free space you have before downloading a full season. On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, then General, then iPhone Storage (or iPad Storage) to see what's available. If you're running low, delete episodes you've already watched or move photos and videos to cloud storage to make room.

Downloading on Apple TV boxes

The Apple TV box (4K or HD) can also read shows, though it works differently than phones and tablets. Open the Apple TV app, find your show, and select the read icon. Downloaded content stays on your Apple TV box's internal storage, which is typically 32 GB or 64 GB depending on your model.

Because Apple TV boxes have limited storage, you'll fill up faster than on a phone or tablet. Delete episodes regularly to make room for new downloads. If you're primarily using your Apple TV box for streaming, downloading may not be practical for large libraries—it's better suited for a few favorite shows you watch repeatedly.

What happens to downloaded episodes when your subscription ends

Downloaded episodes are tied to your subscription. If you cancel your Apple TV+ subscription or a third-party service you're watching through, the downloaded episodes will no longer play. The files stay on your device, but you won't be able to open them.

If you resubscribe later, the downloaded files may work again, but it's not may provide. The safest approach is to delete downloaded episodes before your subscription ends, or assume they'll stop working and plan to redownload them if you return.

Streaming services that restrict downloads

Not every show or movie available on Apple TV can be downloaded. Some streaming services limit downloads to certain titles, or only allow downloads on certain subscription tiers. For example, a show might be available to stream but not to read, or downloads might only work on a premium plan.

If you don't see a read icon next to an episode, that title isn't available for read through that service. The restrictions come from the content provider, not from Apple TV itself. Check the show's details page to see if downloads are supported before you plan to watch offline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I read episodes on my Mac?

No. The Apple TV app on Mac does not have a read feature. You can only read to iPhone, iPad, or Apple TV boxes. If you need to watch offline on a computer, you'll need to use a different device or check if the streaming service has its own read option.

Do downloaded episodes use my internet if I'm connected to WiFi?

No. Once an episode is fully downloaded, it plays from your device's storage and does not use internet at all. You can watch it on airplane mode or with WiFi turned off. The read itself requires internet, but playback does not.

Can I transfer downloaded episodes to another device?

No. Downloaded episodes are locked to the device they were downloaded on and the Apple ID that downloaded them. You cannot move them to another phone, tablet, or Apple TV box. You'll need to read them separately on each device.

What happens if I delete the Apple TV app?

Downloaded episodes are deleted along with the app. If you reinstall the Apple TV app later, you'll need to read the episodes again. Your subscription and watch history remain tied to your Apple ID, but the files themselves are removed.

Can I read episodes over cellular data?

Yes, but it will use your cellular data allowance. If you have a limited data plan, downloading over WiFi is recommended to avoid unexpected charges. You can change this setting in the Apple TV app under Settings to restrict downloads to WiFi only.