Yes, Paramount+ lets you read shows and movies to watch offline

Paramount+ has a read feature built into its app. You can save episodes and films to your phone or tablet, then watch them without an internet connection. The feature works on both iOS and Android devices, and on some computers running Windows or Mac.

Not every title is available for read — Paramount+ decides which shows and movies support this feature. Live TV and some licensed content cannot be downloaded. But most of the original series, movies, and back-catalog shows you subscribe to can be.

Key Takeaways

  • Downloads work on the Paramount+ app for iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tablets, and Windows and Mac computers.
  • You find the read button on the show or movie detail page, tap or click it, and choose video quality before the read starts.
  • Downloaded content stays on your device for a set number of days — usually 30 days from when you read it, though this varies by title.
  • You need an active Paramount+ subscription to watch downloaded content; the files do not work if your subscription ends.
  • Downloaded files take up storage space on your device, so check how much room you have before downloading full seasons.

How to read a show or movie

Open the Paramount+ app and find the title you want to read. Tap or click on the show or movie to open its detail page. Look for a read icon — it usually looks like a downward arrow or a cloud with an arrow pointing down. Tap or click that icon.

A menu will appear asking you to choose video quality. Select Standard for smaller file sizes or High for better picture quality. Standard quality takes up less storage space on your device; High quality looks sharper but requires more room. Tap or click to confirm, and the read will start.

For TV shows with multiple episodes, you can read individual episodes one at a time, or some versions of the app let you read an entire season at once. Check the episode list on the show's page to see which episodes have the read option available.

How long downloads stay on your device

Downloaded content expires after a set period. For most titles, you have 30 days from the read date to watch the file. After 30 days, the file deletes itself automatically, and you will need to read it again if you want to watch it.

Some titles have different expiration windows — a few may expire after 7 days or 48 hours. Paramount+ will tell you the expiration date when you read, so you know how long you have. The timer does not start until you actually read; just having the app installed does not count.

If your Paramount+ subscription ends, all downloaded files stop working when ready, even if they have not reached their expiration date. You need an active subscription to play any downloaded content.

Storage space and device limits

Downloaded files take up storage on your phone, tablet, or computer. A single episode of a TV show typically uses 300 MB to 1 GB of space, depending on video quality and episode length. A movie can use 1 GB to 4 GB. Before downloading a full season or multiple movies, check how much free storage your device has.

You can read to multiple devices with the same Paramount+ account. However, Paramount+ limits how many devices can have downloads at the same time — usually four devices per account. If you try to read to a fifth device, you will need to delete downloads from one of the other devices first.

To delete a read and free up space, open the app, find the title, and look for a delete or trash icon next to the read button. Tap or click it to remove the file from your device.

Which devices support downloads

The read feature works on the official Paramount+ app for iPhone, iPad, Android phones, and Android tablets. On computers, you can read through the Paramount+ app on Windows 10 and later, or on Mac with the app from the Mac App Store. Web browsers do not support downloads — you must use the app.

Streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Google Chromecast do not have a read feature. If you want to watch offline on a TV, you will need to read to a phone or tablet first, then use screen mirroring or AirPlay to send the video to your TV while it plays.

Titles that cannot be downloaded

Live TV channels and live events on Paramount+ cannot be downloaded. Some licensed movies and shows — especially newer theatrical releases or content from other studios — may not have read rights. Sports content and news broadcasts typically do not support downloads either.

If a title does not have a read button on its detail page, that title is not available for read. Paramount+ does not always explain why; it depends on the licensing agreement for that specific show or movie. Check back later — sometimes read rights are added after a title has been on the service for a while.

Troubleshooting read problems

If a read fails or gets stuck, first check your internet connection. Downloads need a stable connection to start; once they finish, you can watch offline. If the read keeps failing, try closing the Paramount+ app completely and opening it again.

If you see an error message saying the read is not available, the title may have been removed from Paramount+ or the read right has expired. Check whether the show or movie still appears in your library. If it does not, it has been removed from the service.

If a downloaded file will not play, make sure your Paramount+ subscription is still active. Log out of the app and log back in to refresh your account status. If the problem continues, delete the read and read it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I read Paramount+ content to my computer?

Yes, but only through the Paramount+ app on Windows 10 and later or the Mac App Store on Mac. You cannot read through the web browser. Downloads on computer work the same way as on phones and tablets — choose quality, wait for the read to finish, and the file expires after the set period.

What happens to my downloads if I cancel my subscription?

All downloaded files stop working when ready when your subscription ends. You will not be able to play them, even if they have not reached their expiration date. If you resubscribe later, you can read the content again.

Can I transfer a downloaded file to another device?

No. Downloaded Paramount+ files are locked to the device they were downloaded on and to your account. You cannot copy, move, or share the files with other devices or people. To watch on another device, read the content on that device using your Paramount+ account.

How much storage do I need to read a full season?

It depends on the show and video quality. A typical TV season with 10 episodes in Standard quality uses 3 GB to 10 GB. In High quality, the same season could use 10 GB to 40 GB. Check your device's free storage before downloading multiple seasons.

Why does the read button not appear on some shows?

Paramount+ controls which titles support downloads based on licensing agreements. Live TV, live events, and some licensed content cannot be downloaded. If a title does not have a read button, that feature is not available for it, and there is no way to read it.