How to download with Showmax

A very useful feature of the Showmax app is the ability to download content to watch offline on smartphones and tablets. Absolutely everything in the Showmax catalogue is available for offline viewing.

We answer some of the most common questions people ask.

How do I download with Showmax?

1. Sign up for Showmax at showmax.com.
2. Download the mobile app for iOS or Android.
3. Open the Showmax app, sign in and choose what you want to watch.
4. Click on the DOWNLOAD button (which usually looks like a cloud)
5. Choose the video quality – Low Quality, Standard Quality, Good Quality and High Quality. Low-quality is perfect for small screens and saves data and space on your device.
6. Downloads should start immediately.

Can I download to a laptop?

No. Downloads are only possible on mobile devices – iOS (iPhones and iPads) and Android smartphone and tablets. You can’t download shows onto a laptop, PC, gaming console, Explora or smart TV.

How many titles can I download?

Download up to 25 different series episodes or movies at a time. The amount of storage on the device will affect the number titles you can download – if space is limited, you might not have space for the maximum number of 25.

How long can I keep downloaded shows for?

Each episode or movie will stay on your device for 30 days. Once expired, it will be automatically deleted. The expiry date is visible in red underneath the run time of each of the downloads.

Once you start watching, you’ll have 48 hours to finish the item before it’s automatically deleted. So if your kids have already watched the episode of Peppa Pig you’ve downloaded onto your iPad, they will only have 48 hours in which to watch it again.

Where do I find my downloads in the app?

Click on the “hamburger” menu (the three horizontal lines) next to Home in the Showmax app. Select Downloads from the drop-down menu and view the series episodes and movies you have downloaded.

Can I see my downloads on my phone when I log into Showmax on my tablet?

Yes. When you open your downloads in the app on your tablet, you will see three tabs: On this device, On other devices and Others. On this device displays shows downloaded on your tablet. On other devices will show you the titles on any other devices (including your phone) linked to your account. Others will show you the downloads for any other users of your Showmax account.

Will my shows continue to download if I close the Showmax app while downloading?

Yes, they will continue to download in the background.

If I lose internet connection while downloading, will my shows continue to download?

No. By default, downloads are only possible on the Showmax app over a Wi-Fi connection. Once you are back in an area with Wi-Fi access, your downloads will start back up again. If you would like to change your app settings to allow downloads over your mobile data connection, go to the drop-down menu. Select Settings. Then change Video Downloads from “Over Wi-Fi only” to “Over Wi-Fi or mobile network”. Note that doing so will incur data charges.

How does downloading save data?

If you only download over a free Wi-Fi connection, you won’t use any of your own data and you can then watch shows offline, which won’t use any data either.

Why can’t I see my downloads when I open the Showmax app?

You need to be signed in to the app to see your downloads. Sign in, then try again.

Got a question that wasn’t answered here? Send an email to editor@theplumlist.com and we’ll do our best to answer it.