You cannot download from Pluto TV because the service has no official download feature, offline mode, or DVR on any platform as of 2026. The ad-supported business model and content licensing restrictions prevent Pluto TV from offering any way to save videos for later viewing.
Can you download from Pluto TV?
The direct answer is no. All official versions of Pluto TV, across browsers, mobile apps, and smart TVs, restrict usage to live or on-demand streaming only. There is no in-app queue that allows users to download content on Wi-Fi for later offline viewing. Pluto TV requires an active internet connection to play any content; its official apps do not have an offline download mode. As of August 2026, the official Pluto TV apps on iOS, Android, web, and connected-TV platforms do not include a download button or an offline mode. The platform simply does not offer the ability to save shows or movies for offline access. While direct saving isn't supported, you can still download movies on pluto TV using alternative screen recording methods.
Why Pluto TV doesn't allow downloads
Pluto TV's business model is entirely dependent on commercials, and allowing offline viewing would prevent the service from serving real-time ads, thus impacting its profit model. Content licenses for Pluto TV are strictly negotiated for "ad-supported streaming," and adding a download feature would necessitate renegotiating thousands of contracts. The commercial and legal reasons are clear: real-time ad serving is essential to Pluto TV's free model, and content contracts are negotiated for streaming only, making a download feature commercially unviable.
The discontinued myPluto DVR feature
Pluto TV previously had a "myPluto" DVR feature launched in 2014 that allowed users to "save show" to archive content as it played, but this feature has since been discontinued. This historical context reinforces that offline access is not part of the current platform. Pluto TV does not have a built-in Digital Video Recorder (DVR) function for most users, and the earlier attempt at offering a save feature was ultimately removed.
Unofficial workarounds and their risks
While Pluto TV does not offer a native download or recording feature, some users employ third-party software, recording tools, or online downloaders as workarounds to save content. These methods include screen recording software on computers or mobile devices, browser extensions designed to capture video from websites, and mobile screen recording apps. However, these third-party tools are not officially supported or endorsed by Pluto TV and may carry compatibility problems, legal gray zones, or safety risks. Downloading copyright-protected content is generally not recommended, and users should prioritize ethical usage and comply with platform guidelines and applicable copyright law. The legality and ethics of using such methods vary based on location and the specific content being recorded, and users should understand the legal implications in their region before attempting any workaround.
Legal alternatives for offline viewing
If offline viewing is a priority, consider free streaming services that do support official downloads. For example, you can download on Tubi through its official app, which provides a legitimate way to save select content for offline playback. The most reliable approach is to respect copyright and platform terms by using services that officially support downloads, or to subscribe to streaming platforms that offer this feature as part of their paid model. Remember that supporting content creators through legal channels ensures the sustainability of the entertainment industry.
