Why Download Anime for Offline Viewing

Anime fans who rely on Funimation for their favorite series often encounter situations where a stable internet connection isn't available – during a flight, on public transport, or in areas with poor reception. Offline downloads eliminate buffering and data caps, letting you enjoy entire seasons without interruption. The feature is built directly into the official Funimation app and is designed to keep your viewing seamless, as long as you meet a few simple requirements.

What You Need Before You Start

The download function isn't available on every platform or subscription tier. Understanding these prerequisites will save you frustration before you even look for the download button.

Subscription Requirements

Offline downloads are a premium feature. You must be on an active Funimation Premium or Funimation Premium Plus plan. The free, ad‑supported tier does not include local storage of episodes. If you upgraded through a third party (like an app store subscription), make sure your account reflects the paid status inside the app. Some legacy plans may also grant access, but the safest bet is to check the account section in the app for “Download” availability under your plan benefits.

Supported Devices

Downloads work on the official Funimation mobile apps for iOS (iPhone and iPad) and Android (phones and tablets). The feature is not available on the website, smart TV apps, or game consoles. You’ll need a device running at least iOS 12 or Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) with sufficient free space. Amazon Fire tablets are not officially supported, though some users have sideloaded the Android APK with mixed results – we recommend sticking to a certified device for reliable downloads.

Internet Connection and Storage

A broadband or Wi‑Fi connection is strongly advised, especially for longer episodes or full seasons. The app will warn you if you’re using mobile data; you can change this behavior in settings. As for storage, a single standard‑definition episode can take up 300–500 MB, while high‑definition (1080p) downloads often exceed 1 GB per episode. Make sure you have at least 5–10 GB free if you plan on downloading a multi‑episode arc.

Step‑by‑Step: Downloading Anime Episodes

Once you’ve confirmed your subscription and device readiness, the process of grabbing episodes is straightforward. Follow these detailed instructions for the best results.

1. Update and Open the Funimation App

An outdated app is the most common cause of missing download icons. Visit the App Store or Google Play Store and ensure you have the latest version installed. Open the app and sign in with your credentials. If you’re already signed in, force‑quit the app and relaunch it to refresh your account status. A small cloud icon with a downward arrow should appear next to eligible episodes when everything is in order.

2. Find the Anime Series

Use the search bar (magnifying glass icon) at the top of the home screen and type the title you want. You can also browse by genre, season, or popularity. Tap on a show’s cover art to enter its main page. Note that not every series on Funimation supports downloads – newly added, exclusive, or licensed content may have the feature turned off at the studio’s request. Look for a “Download” section or icon on the show’s main screen as a quick check.

3. Select an Episode and Quality

On the episode list, each downloadable episode will display a small download arrow. Tap the arrow once to choose a quality preset. The app typically offers Medium (540p) and High (720p/1080p) depending on the show. On Android, you may also see an option to download to an SD card if your device supports it. Select your preferred quality, and the download will begin immediately. You can queue multiple episodes – each one will download in sequence.

4. Monitor the Download Queue

Swipe down from the top of the screen (or go to the “Downloads” tab) to see active and queued items. A progress bar indicates status. You can pause or cancel any item by tapping it. The app handles downloads in the background, so you can continue browsing while episodes save. Once an episode is fully downloaded, a checkmark appears next to it, and it will now be available under the “Downloaded” filter in your library.

Managing Your Downloaded Library

Downloaded episodes are stored locally and accessible from the “Downloads” tab at the bottom of the app (iOS) or in the side menu (Android). This section shows all your saved shows, organized by series. Tap any episode to start playback – no internet connection is required.

Expiration and Online Refresh

For licensing reasons, downloaded content doesn’t stay on your device indefinitely. The app requires a periodic online check‑in (usually every 7 days) to validate your subscription and refresh digital rights. If you remain offline beyond that period, episodes may become locked until you reconnect. The app will notify you when a refresh is needed. Keeping auto‑refresh enabled in settings helps avoid sudden expirations.

Removing Downloads and Freeing Space

To delete a single episode, swipe left on its entry in the Downloads list (iOS) or long‑press and select the trash icon (Android). For bulk removal, go to the app’s settings and tap “Clear All Downloads”. This will delete every offline file instantly. Regularly clearing watched episodes keeps your device’s storage healthy and prevents the app from slowing down.

Storage Location (Android Only)

On Android, the app allows you to choose between internal storage and an external SD card. Go to Settings > Download Location to change the destination. Moving large libraries to an SD card can save valuable internal memory, but be aware that removing the card will make those files inaccessible. Use a high‑speed (Class 10 or UHS‑I) card to avoid playback stuttering.

Troubleshooting Common Download Problems

Even with a valid subscription, downloads can sometimes fail. These are the most frequent issues and their solutions.

Download Icon Is Missing

If you see no download arrow on episodes, first verify your subscription tier in the account settings. Then, log out and back in to refresh the entitlement. Check that you’re on the latest app version. If you’re using a VPN or ad blocker, disable it – some network configurations can hide the download feature. Finally, visit Funimation’s help center to confirm there are no ongoing service outages.

Downloads Stay at 0% or Fail

Insufficient storage is the primary culprit. Free up space by deleting unused apps or clearing out old downloads. Switch to a more stable Wi‑Fi network – public hotspots often throttle video data. On Android, ensure the app has storage permission (Settings > Apps > Funimation > Permissions). On iOS, check that the app isn’t offloaded; if you haven’t used it in a while, iOS may have removed the app’s files automatically.

Playback Errors While Offline

If a downloaded episode stutters or shows a black screen, the file may be corrupt. Delete the episode and re‑download it. Also, make sure your device’s date and time are set correctly – an incorrect system clock can interfere with DRM checks. Finally, confirm that the app’s cache isn’t overloaded; clearing the cache from the app’s settings often resolves playback glitches.

Simultaneous Download Limits

The app restricts the number of concurrent downloads to 2 or 3 at a time. If you queue more, they will start automatically as earlier ones complete. There is no global limit on total downloads, but each device can store only a finite amount depending on storage. If you switch devices, you’ll need to re‑download your library since downloads are tied to the app installation.

Funimation’s Move to Crunchyroll – What It Means for Your Downloads

In 2022, Sony officially began merging Funimation into Crunchyroll, moving the vast majority of Funimation’s library and simulcasts to the Crunchyroll platform. As of 2024, the standalone Funimation app is still functional but no longer receives new episodes for ongoing shows, and its long‑term future is uncertain. If you have a Funimation subscription, you are eligible to migrate your account to Crunchyroll and enjoy a significantly larger library with offline download support on comparable plans.

The download feature works identically on Crunchyroll (Premium tiers), with the same 7‑day refresh policy and device support. Because Funimation may eventually wind down, we recommend planning your transition. You can read the official announcement on Crunchyroll’s news page. For the time being, downloaded Funimation content remains playable as long as the app is installed and your subscription is active, but consider moving your offline library to Crunchyroll for future‑proof access.

Download Quality and Performance Tuning

Balancing video quality with available storage can make a big difference in how many episodes you can carry. Here’s how to optimize both.

Choosing the Right Preset

The “Medium” setting (typically 540p) produces a file roughly 250–400 MB per 24‑minute episode. It’s perfectly watchable on a phone screen and conserves space. “High” (720p‑1080p) yields crisper visuals but requires closer to 800 MB–1.2 GB per episode. If you download many episodes, stick with medium unless you’re viewing on a tablet or external monitor where the difference is noticeable.

Network Bandwidth Settings

Inside the app’s settings, you may find an option to limit download speed. This is useful if you’re sharing a connection and don’t want background downloads to hog bandwidth. On Android, you can also go to your device’s Data Saver settings and permit only Funimation to use unrestricted data while on mobile.

Automatic Download of New Episodes

Some plans include an auto‑download feature for series you’re following. Whenever a new episode releases in your queue, the app can fetch it automatically when connected to Wi‑Fi. Enable this in the series page by tapping the clock icon with a download arrow. Be mindful that auto‑downloads can quickly consume storage, so review your settings weekly.

Device‑Specific Tips

iOS: iPhone and iPad

On iOS, downloads are stored inside the app’s sandbox, so you can’t browse them through the Files app. Use the in‑app storage indicator (located in the Downloads section) to see remaining space. If your device is low on space, iOS may offload the Funimation app, which removes all downloaded files. Disable “Offload Unused Apps” in Settings > App Store to prevent accidental deletion. For older iPhones, downloading in medium quality helps avoid overheating during large batch saves.

Android: Phones and Tablets

Android allows greater flexibility. You can manually move downloaded files to an SD card, but the app must be set to the SD location before downloading – moving files afterward won’t work. Some Samsung devices have a “Secure Folder” that can interfere with DRM; if downloads fail, move the app out of any protected environment. Also, check your battery optimization settings – aggressive power saving can terminate background downloads.

Offline downloads are for personal, non‑commercial use only. The files are encrypted and cannot be exported, shared, or played outside the Funimation app. Attempting to extract or redistribute them violates the terms of service and copyright law. The app’s DRM ensures that once your subscription ends or you delete the app, all files become unplayable. Always stay within the permitted number of registered devices and avoid account sharing, as that can flag your account and disable downloads.

Quick Checklist for a Smooth Download Experience

  • Verify you have an active Premium or Premium Plus subscription.
  • Update the Funimation app to the latest version through your device’s app store.
  • Connect to a strong Wi‑Fi network and disable VPNs or ad blockers temporarily.
  • Free up at least 2–3 GB of free space for a handful of episodes; more for full seasons.
  • On Android, configure the download location to external SD if you’re low on internal storage.
  • Download episodes one season at a time and avoid queuing more than 10–15 items to prevent app crashes.
  • Watch downloaded content with the app in airplane mode to test offline playback reliability.
  • Connect to the internet at least once a week to refresh your download licenses.

Final Thoughts

Funimation’s offline viewing feature is a powerful tool for anime lovers who want uninterrupted access to their watchlist. By following these steps, managing storage wisely, and staying on top of subscription requirements, you can build a portable library that travels with you. As the anime ecosystem shifts toward the combined Crunchyroll experience, the same principles will apply – making this guide a lasting reference for offline anime enjoyment. Dive into your favorite series and enjoy every arc, every fight, and every emotional finale, anywhere you go.