How Can My Desi.Net Users Download Episodes For Offline Viewing?

I’m rather a settings-geek, so I went through a check-list to make that episode downloadable. Firstly, I need to be signed in with the account which has the correct subscription for the necessary download rights. Then I update the app, because, apparently, some outdated versions might not even display the download buttons (this problem occurred with me on Android). I also grant the app the storage rights and switch off the “aggressive” battery-saving for it (in order to prevent it from being killed in the middle of downloading). Sometimes, you can choose where to download in favor of external storage over internal memory.

Episodes that are missing the download icon typically are not downloadable due to licensing/region issues. Some episodes are only available to stream while others are downloadable. I also like to check the download settings to ensure I am getting the most out of my downloaded episodes. Typically I choose to download in ‘Standard’ or ‘Data saver’ mode in order to save space and download more episodes. I also like to make sure that subtitles are downloaded when needed. As with any app, I clear the cache, log out and back in and if necessary, uninstall and then re-install the app to troubleshoot any issues. It’s also worth noting that download buttons are sometimes visible when viewing episodes on a desktop browser but this is often restricted by DRM to mobile apps only.

And lastly, please be sure to respect the copyright of the content you wish to watch offline. Do not download content via 3rd party applications. Instead, purchase or rent the individual episodes you desire to have offline access to. The end result will be a lengthy bus ride where you can watch all of your desired episodes one after another.

As far as I understand the conditions of service for desi.net, it is enough to download an episode from within the app where you watch the corresponding episode (or switch to that episode). Press the icon marked with “down” at the bottom right, select quality and download the episode. Once downloaded, you can watch it from within the app, from “Downloads” section of the app. That’s where you will find all downloaded episodes of TV shows that you have watched or are currently watching. I would remind you that downloaded TV episodes normally have a limited time frame and can also be checked for a subscription from time to time online. Therefore, it is better to download series in the course of time, rather than all at once, and also to keep an eye on the amount of memory space that is used by downloaded TV shows. If you don’t see the option to download an episode, it could be for reasons related to licenses or because you need a more expensive plan. Check the section for setting up permissions for the app, as well as for storing downloaded TV shows on your device and where on the device they are stored. It is also possible that an update of the app is required, and you also need to grant this app permissions for battery usage as well as for storage on your device. It is not wise to use third-party services designed for downloading videos from desi.net, as such services might breach the conditions of service of desi.net, and, as a result, you could be exposed to great danger. If, for some reason, you cannot watch an episode on desi.net online (possibly because it is not available for download), and you want to watch it offline, you can try purchasing the corresponding episode or a season as a video on an official online store of videos, or try to use an official offline service that offers you the option to download your desired videos.

Additionally, don’t use third party downloader apps – they usually violate terms of service for some or other reason. For offline access to stuff not downloadable through the app (e.g. due to licensing restrictions), consider buying episodes through the store, or using services that offer offline access for paid content. For the most part, I test short clips before downloading whole seasons of things, to make sure they have subtitles, play, etc. That one test clip has saved me so much space on numerous occasions.

To watch offline, simply follow the same steps you would to watch any episode on desi.net online, and then you can start watching it offline. To see if desi.net offers offline support, open an episode online in the desi.net mobile app (way easier to download episodes in the app than on the website), and look for a download icon (such as ▼) next to the episode. Sometimes you can find the option to download an episode in the menu for that episode, marked ‘Download’ or ‘Save for offline viewing’.

I also like to keep an eye on storage space when a download is in progress. On Android I generally change the download location to my SD card within the settings of the app, if possible. On iOS downloads are typically confined to the sandbox of the app, which is why I keep an eye on available storage space as well. Furthermore I also like to download subtitles as well as additional audio tracks (for example if there’s a director’s cut with additional dialogue). These are usually toggled as separate features. Files that have been downloaded are stored within the app under the section ‘Downloads’ or ‘Offline’. Also, please note that many episodes will expire after a certain time and sometimes even require re-authentication. It is thus wise to sync your local content before you leave for a long trip.

If offline watching is not available for a particular show then it’s likely that the show has been placed in the platform by the licensor with certain restrictions (e.g. no download) or perhaps it’s only available with a paid subscription. Third party downloaders are generally a no-no as they can breach the platform’s Terms of Service and also often contain malware. I’d always recommend preparing your device for travel (e.g. fully charge it, put it into Airplane Mode to conserve battery etc.) and downloading a suitable number of episodes for your journey to create your own offline “travel playlist” (e.g. a few episodes of “Attack on Titan” for the commute etc.). Safe travels and happy binge watching!