search-icon

How to watch your favourite movies and series offline

29 July 2024

Personal
TV

Share this post:

Summer is the season of travel, however, airports, planes and remote vacation spots often have unreliable or non-existent Wi-Fi. We understand the need for flexibility and convenience when it comes to entertainment and this is why whether you’re jetting off to explore hidden coves or staying local for some staycation fun, with GO TV your favourite shows are always with you, no matter where your adventures take you. The secret? Downloadable content – say goodbye to buffering and searching for Wi-Fi and hello to pure entertainment on the go.

Read on to discover all about GO TV’s download feature.

What’s so great about having movies and series for offline viewing?

From taking control of your viewing experience to enjoying uninterrupted entertainment and ensuring accessibility across various situations and locations, there are several reasons why you should have downloaded content handy for offline viewing.

Freedom and flexibility

  • Uninterrupted entertainment: the ability to watch what you enjoy most without relying on an internet connection is a game-changer. Whether you’re on a plane, train or in a remote location, downloaded content ensures you’re never bored, while you get to binge-watch without worrying about buffering or losing signal.
  • Time management: downloading shows allows you to watch them on your own schedule. No need to rush to finish an episode before your internet connection drops or to plan your viewing around peak internet usage times. You have complete control over when and where you watch.

Cost-efficiency

  • Data savings: streaming content, especially in high definition, can consume a significant amount of data and this can pose a problem unless you have a plan with unlimited data. By downloading content beforehand, you can save on data costs and avoid unexpected charges – which is particularly beneficial for those with limited data plans or who frequently use their mobile devices for streaming.

Enhanced user experience

  • Buffering reduction: one of the most frustrating aspects of streaming is buffering. With downloaded content, you can enjoy uninterrupted viewing without buffering interruptions, which can significantly enhance your overall watching experience.
  • Device battery life: streaming content can drain your device’s battery life quickly. Downloading content allows you to watch without constantly charging your device, extending its battery life and allowing for longer viewing sessions.

Accessibility

  • Remote areas: for those visiting a rural or remote area with limited or unreliable internet access, downloading content is a lifeline. It provides access to the same entertainment options as those in urban areas, bridging the digital divide.
  • Emergency situations: in case of power outages or internet disruptions due to natural disasters or other emergencies, having downloaded content ensures you have entertainment options available.

Young girl holding mobile phone in the car

The downside of downloading movies and series

While downloading content offers numerous advantages, it’s essential to consider some potential drawbacks:

Storage limitations

  • Device capacity: downloading movies and series can quickly consume storage space on your device and this can be a problem for smartphones and tablets with limited storage capacity. Having said that, you can manage this by downloading content in standard definition or periodically clearing out old downloads.
  • Content management: managing downloaded content can become cumbersome, especially if you’re an avid downloader, not to mention that deleting old content to free up space can be time-consuming.

Content availability

  • Limited selection: not all content is available for download. Some streaming services may restrict the downloadable content library, limiting your choices. Our collection of Movies & Series available for download is continuously expanding, but just keep in mind that not all titles have this feature just yet. To check if a movie or episode is downloadable, simply head to the item’s information page. If you see a download icon there, it means the item is available for download.
  • Planning ahead: downloading requires planning. You need to choose what you want to watch beforehand and have a stable internet connection to download the content. And of course, you need to make sure you have a reliable Wi-Fi connection to avoid prolonged download times.
  • Device dependency: typically, offline viewing is limited to the device you downloaded the content on. If you want to switch devices, you’ll need to download the content again which can be a hassle if you frequently switch between devices like smartphones, tablets and laptops.
  • Expiration dates: downloaded content might have expiration dates, meaning you need to watch it before it becomes unavailable. In fact, on GO TV, your downloaded content is available for around 15 days, although you can always download it again and enjoy it offline once more.

How to download content on GO TV

Downloading content on GO TV is a breeze. But before we delve a little deeper into how you can do so, know that our download feature is available when subscribing to our Movies & Series TV Pass.

Here are some common FAQs and their answers:

Where can you download TV content?

The GO TV download feature is available on Android and iOS mobile devices and tablets.

How can I find downloadable content?

You can check which content is available for download by visiting the “Downloads” page in the app. To confirm if a particular movie or series is available for download do the following:

  • Search for the particular movie or series from the search option
  • Select the movie or series you want
  • If the item is available for download, you will see the option to “Download”

How can I download content?

Select the content you would like to download, then tap on the ‘Download’ button and you’re all set – your content will start downloading.

To access all your downloaded movies and series, just head to the “Downloads” section in the GO TV menu. There, you’ll find all your downloaded or currently downloading content.

Once the download is complete, you can enjoy watching your items without needing an internet connection or using any data.

Can I watch downloaded content on any device?

When you download a movie or series on a specific device from the GO TV app, it stays accessible only on that particular device. But here’s the good news. You can download the same movie or series on as many devices as you’d like.

Man on a train looking out the window

Does the downloaded movie or series expires?

Downloaded content has an expiry window of 15 days from the date it was downloaded. After this timeframe, all you need to do is log into the GO TV app again whilst connected to the internet and open the video file again. This will re-activate the downloaded content without the need for downloading it again. And to do so, you will be using just a bit of data.

And what’s best there is no limit as to the number of downloads you can have, which means that you can download as many movies or series as you want, as long as you have available space on your device.

How to make the most of offline viewing with GO TV

We strive to enhance your viewing experience with features that cater to your needs, so here are some tips to make the most of offline viewing:

Plan ahead

Before you embark on a trip or start your commute, plan your downloads. Browse through the GO TV library and select the movies and series you want to watch. Download them in advance to ensure you have a variety of content at your fingertips.

Manage storage

Keep an eye on your device’s storage capacity. Regularly check and manage your downloads by deleting content you’ve already watched, which will free up space for new downloads and ensure you always have fresh content to enjoy.

Use Wi-Fi

Always download your content using a reliable Wi-Fi connection. This will not only save your mobile data but also ensure faster download speeds.

Explore new content

Take advantage of the vast library available on GO TV. Explore new genres, discover hidden gems and stay updated with the latest releases. With the Movies & Series TV Passes, you have access to a wide range of content, ensuring there’s always something new to watch.

Keep your app updated

Ensure your GO TV app is always updated to the latest version. This will provide you with the best user experience, including any new features and improvements for offline viewing.

In a world where convenience and flexibility are paramount, offline viewing stands out as a must-have feature for any streaming service. Take control of your summer entertainment, avoid internet connection woes and ensure endless fun on the go with GO TV.