How to Download from Crunchyroll on Desktop & Mobile
You are likely here because you assumed you could save your favorite anime series to your laptop for a flight or a commute, only to discover that the download button you use on your phone is completely missing from your desktop browser.
This is not a glitch on your end. It is a deliberate restriction by the platform. The internet is filled with conflicting advice regarding whether you can download from Crunchyroll to a computer. The reality is that the official platform restricts offline viewing strictly to mobile devices (iOS and Android) and Nintendo Switch. If you are on a PC or Mac, you are officially locked to online streaming only.
This guide clears up the confusion. We will first cover the official, verified solution for mobile users (which is free with your subscription). Then, we will provide a working, professional workaround for desktop users who absolutely need to view anime offline on a larger screen and are willing to use specialized tools to get it.
How to Download from Crunchyroll
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Crunchyroll Offline Download Options: App vs. Desktop Software
Before we dive into the steps, it is critical to understand that crunchyroll offline download methods differ drastically depending on your device. You have two paths: the Rental model (Official App) and the Ownership model (Desktop Software).
To make an informed decision, you must weigh the official app’s convenience against the flexibility of desktop tools like Keeprix Downloader.
- Official Mobile App: This is the standard “Offline Viewing” feature. It is secure and included in your Premium plan. However, files are encrypted, expire after a set time, and are subject to subscription download limits.
- Desktop Software: This allows you to download Crunchyroll episodes as permanent video files (MP4/MKV) on a computer. It bypasses expiration timers and region locks, but it requires a paid software license and operates outside the official Crunchyroll ecosystem.
| Feature | Official Mobile App | Keeprix Downloader (Desktop) |
| Platform | iOS & Android Only | Windows & macOS |
| File Type | Encrypted Cache (In-App) | MP4 / MKV (Open Format) |
| Expiration | 7 Days (48 hrs after play) | Never (Permanent) |
| Audio/Subtitles | Pre-selected in Settings | Selectable (Multi-language) |
| Cost | Included in Mega/Ultimate Fan | Requires Software License |
Method 1: The Official Way (Mobile & Tablet)
Most users simply want to use the features they already pay for. If you have a smartphone or tablet, the Crunchyroll download option is built directly into the app. This is the safest and easiest way to watch anime on the go.
Step 1: Check Your Subscription
Offline viewing is a premium feature. It is not available on the free tier or the basic “Fan” tier. You must be subscribed to:
- Mega Fan: Supports offline viewing on up to 4 devices.
- Ultimate Fan: Supports offline viewing on up to 6 devices.
Step 2: Adjust Your Quality Settings
Before downloading, save yourself storage space headaches by configuring your quality settings.
- Open the Crunchyroll App.
- Go to Account -> Offline Viewing.
- Select Download Quality.
- High: Best for tablets/larger screens (consumes ~1.5GB per hour).
- Medium/Low: Best for phones (consumes significantly less space).
Download from Crunchyroll App
Step 3: Saving Episodes
- Locate Your Series: Navigate to the anime you wish to watch.
- Find the Icon: Look for the “Sync/Download” arrow icon (a downward-facing arrow) next to the specific episode title. If you want to grab the whole season, look for the “Sync All” button at the top of the episode list.
- Start the Process: Tap the icon. The progress circle will indicate the status.
- Access Offline: Once complete, navigate to the “My Lists” tab and select “Offline” to view your saved content.
Note: These files are encrypted. You cannot move them to an SD card to play on a different device. They must be watched inside the Crunchyroll app.
Method 2: The Desktop Workaround (Windows/Mac)
If you are a PC or Mac user facing the cannot download episodes on desktop limitation, there is no official button to help you. The only way to save content to a hard drive is by using third-party video downloader software.
We have tested Keeprix Downloader for this purpose. It effectively bridges the gap, allowing you to save content as local MP4 files.
Important Considerations Before You Start:
- Cost: Keeprix is a professional tool. While it may offer a limited trial, downloading full seasons usually requires purchasing a software license.
- Account Safety: This software mimics a browser. You will need to log in to your Crunchyroll account within the software to verify you have a premium subscription.
Step-by-Step Procedure
- Install and Open: Launch Keeprix Downloader on your computer.
- The Login Step (Critical): Keeprix needs to access the video stream just like your browser does. Locate the built-in browser tab within Keeprix and access the Crunchyroll website. Log in with your premium credentials.
Keeprix Download Main Screen
Why is this necessary? The software cannot download premium content (1080p, ad-free) without verifying that you are a paying subscriber.
- Navigate to the Video: Once logged in via the tool, search for the series you want to save. Play the video.
- Configure Audio and Subtitles: This is the most important step for anime fans. A pop-up window will appear asking for download preferences.
- Audio: Ensure you select the correct track.
- Subtitles: Select “English.” You can usually choose between “Remux into file” (soft subs you can toggle on/off) or “Burn-in” (permanently written on the video). We recommend Remux for better quality.
- Initiate Batch Download: You can select a single episode or check the box for “Select All” to download the entire season at once. Click “Download Now.”
Is Using Third-Party Downloaders Safe?
This is the “elephant in the room.” Officially, Crunchyroll’s Terms of Service prohibit the use of unauthorized tools to capture streams.
- The Risk: While extremely rare for individual users, there is a theoretical risk of account suspension for violating TOS.
- The Reality: Many users utilize these tools for archiving purposes—saving shows they love in case they are removed from the platform due to licensing expiration.
- Our Advice: Use this method responsibly for personal offline viewing only. Do not distribute or upload the downloaded files to other sites, as that constitutes piracy.
Understanding Restrictions: Why Downloads Expire or Fail
Users often ask why the desktop experience is so restricted compared to mobile. The reason is Digital Rights Management (DRM).
Rights holders for DRM-protected anime enforce strict security requirements. Mobile operating systems (iOS and Android) provide “sandboxed” environments. This means the Crunchyroll app can save a file to your phone that can only be read by the app. It prevents you from copying that file to a USB drive or emailing it to a friend.
Desktop browsers (such as Chrome and Firefox) cannot provide the same level of file system security. If Crunchyroll allowed browser downloads, the files could be easily copied and pirated, violating their licensing agreements with Japanese studios.
Also read: Best anime sites without ads
The Expiration Countdown (Mobile Only)
Even on mobile, your downloads are merely “rentals.” They follow these rules:
- 7-Day Window: Unplayed downloads expire 7 days after saving.
- 48-Hour Playback Window: The moment you press “Play,” a 48-hour timer starts. You must finish the episode within this window.
If a download expires, you do not need to re-download the file. Simply connect your device to the internet and open the app; the license will renew automatically.
Troubleshooting: Why Can’t I Download Crunchyroll Episodes?
If the Crunchyroll download option is missing or failing, it is usually due to one of three technical hurdles.
1. The “Download Button Missing” Error
If you are on mobile and see no arrow icon:
- Check Plan: Ensure you are on Mega or Ultimate Fan. The standard “Fan” tier does not have this button.
- Check Region: Some older titles are not licensed for offline viewing in certain countries. If the button is missing for One Piece but appears for Demon Slayer, it is a licensing restriction.
2. Storage Space & “Waiting” Errors
High-definition anime files are large (up to 1.5GB per episode).
- The 99% Fail: If a download stalls at 99%, your device likely lacks the temporary space needed to “unpack” the file. Clear at least 2GB of extra space.
- Stuck on “Waiting”: This often happens if the app is set to “Download over Wi-Fi only” and you are on data. Check your app settings.
3. Exceeded Download Limits
Crunchyroll limits the number of offline videos you can have across all devices. If you hit this limit (usually 100 episodes per account), you must delete older episodes from your “My Lists” tab before saving new ones.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I download from Crunchyroll to my PC or Mac legally?
The only official, fully authorized way to watch offline is via the mobile app. Downloading to a PC requires third-party tools, which technically violate the Terms of Service, though they are widely used for personal archiving.
2. Why does Keeprix require my password?
Keeprix uses an embedded web browser to access Crunchyroll. You are logging into the official Crunchyroll site through the tool so it can verify your premium status and access the high-quality video streams.
3. Does downloading episodes save subtitles?
On the mobile app, subtitles are automatically included. On desktop software like Keeprix, you must manually select the “English” subtitle track and “Japanese” audio track in the download settings pop-up before starting.
4. How do I renew an expired download?
You do not need to delete and re-download. Just go online with your mobile device and open the Crunchyroll app. The “expired” exclamation mark will vanish as the app refreshes the license key.
5. Can I watch Crunchyroll offline without Premium?
No. Offline viewing is a paid feature exclusive to Mega Fan and Ultimate Fan subscribers. Free accounts require an active internet connection to stream.
Conclusion
The frustration of discovering the download button missing right before a trip is a common headache for anime fans. While the official app offers a solid solution for mobile users, it leaves desktop users without a native option.
If you are a mobile user, simply upgrading to the Mega Fan tier is the quickest fix. However, if you require permanent access to your media library on a laptop—free from the fear of downloads expiring after a time limit—professional desktop tools offer a robust workaround. By understanding the limitations of subscription download limits and choosing the method that fits your hardware, you can ensure your favorite series is always ready to watch, wherever your travels take you.
