Yes, you can read from Paramount+, but only on certain devices and only for offline viewing

Paramount+ lets you read episodes and films to watch later without an internet connection, but the feature works differently depending on what device you own. Downloads are available on phones and tablets running iOS or Android, and on some Windows and Mac computers — but not on web browsers or streaming devices like Roku or Fire TV. Once you read something, you can watch it for a set period before it expires, even if your subscription lapses.

The read feature is included with all Paramount+ subscription tiers at no extra cost. You do not need a special plan or add-on. The main limits are device type and storage space on your phone or computer.

Key Takeaways

  • Downloads work on iPhones, iPads, Android phones and tablets, and computers running Windows 10 or Mac OS 11 and newer.
  • You cannot read through the Paramount+ website or on streaming devices like Roku, Fire TV, or Apple TV.
  • Downloaded content expires after a set window — usually 30 days from the time you read it — and you lose access if your subscription ends.
  • Storage space on your device limits how many downloads you can keep; a single episode typically uses 300 MB to 1 GB depending on video quality.
  • Downloaded videos play only on the device where you downloaded them; you cannot transfer a read to another phone or tablet.

How to read on iPhone and iPad

Open the Paramount+ app and find the show or movie you want to read. Tap the three-dot menu next to the title or episode name, then select "read." The app will begin saving the file to your device. You can watch your progress in the Downloads section of the app.

Downloaded content stays on your device until you manually delete it or until the read expires. Check your Downloads tab regularly to see how much time remains on each file. If you do not watch a read before it expires, you will need to read it again.

How to read on Android phones and tablets

The process on Android is nearly identical to iPhone. Open Paramount+, find the title you want, tap the three-dot menu, and choose "read." The app saves the file to your device's storage. You can manage all your downloads from the Downloads section in the app menu.

Android devices give you more control over where files are stored. If your phone is running low on space, you can move downloads to an SD card if your device has one. Check your device's storage settings to see how much room you have left before downloading large files.

How to read on Windows and Mac computers

read the Paramount+ app from the Microsoft Store (Windows 10 and newer) or the Mac App Store (Mac OS 11 and newer). The web browser version does not support downloads, so you must use the desktop app. Once installed, open the app, find your show or movie, click the three-dot menu, and select "read."

Downloaded files take up space on your hard drive just as they do on a phone. Windows and Mac computers typically have more storage than phones, so you can usually read more episodes at once. Manage your downloads from the app's Downloads section, where you can see file sizes and expiration dates.

Storage space and read limits

A single episode of a TV show usually takes up 300 MB to 1 GB of storage, depending on the show's length and the video quality Paramount+ uses. A two-hour film can use 1.5 GB to 3 GB. Your device's total storage capacity determines how many downloads you can keep at once.

If your phone or tablet is nearly full, delete old downloads to make room for new ones. Paramount+ will warn you if you do not have enough space before starting a read. You can also check your device's storage settings to see which apps and files are taking up the most room.

How long downloads stay on your device

Most downloads expire 30 days after you read them, though some titles may have different windows. Once a read expires, you cannot watch it unless you read it again. Paramount+ will show you the expiration date in the Downloads section so you know when you need to watch or delete the file.

If your Paramount+ subscription ends, your downloads become unwatchable when ready, even if they have not reached their expiration date. This is why downloads are useful for travel or temporary offline access, but not for building a permanent library.

What you cannot read

Not every title on Paramount+ is available for read. Some films and shows, particularly newer releases or licensed content, may be read-restricted. When you open a title, if there is no read option in the menu, that content cannot be downloaded. The app does not tell you in advance which titles are downloadable, so you have to check each one individually.

You also cannot read through the Paramount+ website, only through the mobile or desktop apps. Streaming devices like Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, and Chromecast do not support the read feature at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I read Paramount+ videos and watch them on a different device?

No. Downloads are tied to the device where you downloaded them. You cannot transfer a file from your phone to a tablet or computer, or share it with another person. Each device needs its own copy of the read.

What happens to my downloads if I cancel my subscription?

All downloads become unwatchable when ready when your subscription ends. You lose access even if the read has not reached its expiration date. If you resubscribe later, you can read the content again.

Can I read 4K video from Paramount+?

Paramount+ does not let you choose video quality before downloading. The app downloads at whatever quality it streams to your device, which depends on your internet speed and device capabilities. You cannot force a 4K read.

How much data does downloading use compared to streaming?

Downloading uses the same amount of data as streaming the video once. A one-hour episode that uses 1 GB of storage will use about 1 GB of data to read. After that, watching the read uses no additional data.

Can I delete a read and read it again later?

Yes. You can delete any read from your device at any time and read it again as long as your subscription is active and the title remains available on Paramount+. Deleting a read does not affect your account or subscription.