To download videos from Safari, you need to copy the video's URL and paste it into a third-party downloader tool, which will then save the file to your computer. This process works for most web videos, but you cannot download videos from streaming services like Netflix or Disney+ due to DRM protection, though you can still download locked videos from any website that uses non-streaming encryption.
Before you download videos from Safari: know the limits
DRM-protected content from streaming services (e.g., Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+) cannot be downloaded using Safari or most third-party tools due to encryption and licensing restrictions. This is a critical limitation to understand before you begin, as no method or tool can bypass these protections. The steps below only apply to videos that are not protected by DRM, such as those on social media, educational sites, or public video platforms, for those, you can often download paid videos for free from any website by leveraging free trials or ad-supported viewing periods.
Step 1: Find the video and copy its URL
- Open Safari and navigate to the webpage containing the video you want to save.
- Locate the video on the page, it may be embedded or linked.
- Copy the video's URL from the address bar:
- On a Mac: Click the address bar to highlight the URL, then press Command+C or right-click and choose Copy.
- On an iPhone or iPad: Tap and hold the address bar, then tap Copy from the pop-up menu.
Step 2: Paste the URL into a video downloader tool
Choose a reputable web-based video downloader or a dedicated app. Open the tool and locate the input field where you can paste the copied URL. This step is essential because the downloader needs the web address to fetch the video file from its source. After pasting the URL, follow the tool's prompts to initiate the retrieval process.
Step 3: Download the video file
Once the downloader has processed the URL, it will present options for format or quality if available. Start the download by clicking the appropriate button. On macOS, downloaded videos are typically saved to your "Downloads" folder. The file will now be available for offline viewing on your device.
