How to Fix Disney+ Offline Downloads Not Working
The ability to download movies and shows for offline viewing is a lifesaver for road trips and flights. But if the Disney+ app refuses to download your content, or the downloads keep pausing, you need to troubleshoot the app's storage permissions.
Here is how to ensure your Disney+ downloads complete successfully.
Step 1: Check Your Storage Space
The most common reason a download fails is simply a lack of space on your phone or tablet. HD movies take up a lot of room!
- On iOS: Go to Settings > General > iPhone/iPad Storage. Ensure you have at least 2-3 GB of free space.
- On Android: Go to Settings > Storage.
Step 2: Adjust Download Quality
If you are low on space but still want to download a movie, you can tell Disney+ to use smaller file sizes.
- Open the Disney+ app and tap your profile icon.
- Select App Settings.
- Under the Downloads section, tap Video Quality.
- Change it from "High" to "Standard". This will drastically reduce the file size and make the download complete much faster.
Step 3: Allow Downloads Over Cellular Data
If your download is paused and won't resume, you might have left your Wi-Fi network. By default, Disney+ only downloads over Wi-Fi to save your mobile data plan. If you have an unlimited data plan and want to force the download:
- Go to App Settings in Disney+.
- Toggle the switch for Download Over Wi-Fi Only to the OFF position.
Step 4: Delete and Re-Download
If a download is corrupted (e.g., it stops at 99% and won't finish), the only fix is to delete it and start over.
- Go to the Downloads tab (the down-arrow icon at the bottom of the screen).
- Tap the checkmark icon next to the stuck movie.
- Select Remove Download.
- Go back to the movie's page and tap download again.