I tried downloading several shows on Apple TV to my PC for offline playback, but all I see are fragmented FRAG files. Is there any way to convert them into MP4 files, or am I limited to watching them only through Apple TV?
--From discussion.apple.com
Apple TV offers a huge collection of movies and shows, but downloading them for offline use isn't always as flexible as you might expect. Even if you download a show, playback is usually restricted to the Apple ecosystem. That's why many users look for ways to download Apple TV movies as MP4s that work smoothly on almost any device or media player. This guide shows you how to convert Apple TV movies to MP4 using two practical methods: a desktop downloader or screen recorder.
Part 1. Can You Download Apple TV Movies to MP4
No. Apple TV downloads are stored in DRM-protected M4V or MOV-based containers rather than standard MP4 files. Though Apple TV does let you download movies and shows for offline viewing, it's only within the Apple TV app on supported Apple devices like iPhone, Mac, and Vision Pro. Although M4V is technically similar to MP4, the added DRM limits playback to the Apple TV app and Apple devices, meaning you can't convert and play Apple TV files freely on other devices or media players.
Part 2. Convert Apple TV Movies to MP4 with Desktop Downloader
Once converting Apple TV to real MP4 files without DRM, you can truly own your Apple TV movies and watch them on any device. While Apple's built-in download feature exists, it keeps your files 'locked' within the TV app. This is where DRmare Apple TV Downloader steps in. It empowers you to save Apple TV content as standard MP4 files and maintain crystal-clear 5.1 Surround Sound audio. This ensures your offline library remains high-quality, offering you total media freedom to watch Apple TV on any player.
- Lossless Efficiency: Bulk download entire seasons at up to 5x faster than real-time playback without waiting for a long time.
- Customize Output Quality: Choose from video encoding options like H.264 or AVI, and select the ideal video quality from High (up to 1080P), Medium, or Low for stunning visuals on large-screen TVs.
- Multi-language Support: You can choose exactly which subtitle tracks to embed for your favorite movies.
How to Download Apple TV to MP4 with Apple TV Downloader
- Step 1Choose Output Settings as MP4
Launch DRmare on your computer and tap "Sign In" in the built-in Apple TV web player. Before starting the download, navigate to "Preferences" from the menu list, then go to "Download" to adjust output settings. Here, you can select MP4 as the output format, as well as change video resolution, audio tracks, and subtitle options. Customizing these settings ensures your downloaded Apple TV movies and shows are optimized for playback on any device.
- Step 2Select Apple TV Movies and Shows to Download
Browse your Apple TV library and find the movies or TV episodes you want to save. Then you can click "Download" on a specific title to add it to the download queue, and then use "Add to List" to batch-select multiple Apple TV episodes, making it easy to prepare a collection of Apple TV content in MP4 format for offline use.
- Step 3Download Apple TV Content to MP4
Once your selection is ready, click the "Download" button in the upper-right. DRmare Apple TV MP4 Converter will start converting the Apple TV movies and shows into DRM-free MP4 files, and the conversion time depends on the length and number of movies and shows from Apple TV.
- Step 4Access Your Downloaded Apple TV MP4 Files
Once the downloads are complete, you can check your MP4 files on the "History" tab or on your designated output folder. These DRM-free videos are now stored locally, letting you play and watch Apple TV movies on any device without a subscription.
Note:
This method is intended for personal backup and offline viewing only. We strictly prohibit the use of these tools for commercial distribution or copyright infringement.
Part 3. Download Apple TV Movies as MP4 via Screen Recording
Besides the Apple TV to MP4 converter, screen recording offers another workaround to help you get MP4 files from Apple TV. By recording the video as it plays on your screen, you can create an MP4 copy for offline viewing. To get the best results, pick a reliable screen recording program. Software like AceMovi Video Editor is a great choice, letting you record, edit, and save your Apple TV movies in MP4 format.
How to Download Apple TV Movies to MP4 using Video Screen Recorder
Step 1. After installing, launch AceMovi. On the main interface, click "Create" and select the default project settings by clicking "OK". This sets up a new project ready for recording and editing.
Step 2. Click the "Record" button on the left toolbar. You'll be prompted to select the recording area. Make sure the audio source is correctly set so you can capture both video and sound.
Step 3. Then play the movie or show in the Apple TV app or web player. Once it begins, press the "REC" button to start recording. You can pause and resume if needed, making it easy to capture only the parts you want.
Step 4. When the playback is complete, click "Stop". The recording will appear in AceMovi's media section. Drag it into the editing section and click the "Export" button. Then select MP4 as the output format, and alter more settings like bit rate from the "Advanced Settings" button. Then those Apple TV videos will be saved to your computer as MP4 files.
Note:
The video and audio quality of the recording may not be as high as the original. Since screen recording captures what's playing in real time, an unstable or slow network can result in choppy or interrupted footage, which can be time-consuming.
Part 4. FAQs About Converting Apple TV Movies to MP4
Is there an online Apple TV to MP4 converter?
Unfortunately, there are no reliable online converters that can directly turn Apple TV movies or shows into MP4 due to the DRM protection. Most online MP4 converters struggle with DRM, being unable to bypass the protections for Apple TV content.
Will I lose my purchased movies if I cancel the Apple TV subscription?
No, canceling your Apple TV subscription won't cause you to lose your purchased movies. However, you will lose access to Apple Originals and any subscription rentals once your subscription is canceled. If you want to ensure that you have a permanent backup of your movies in MP4 format, using a tool like DRmare Apple TV Downloader can help you save your purchased content directly to your computer, independent of the Apple TV service.
Does Apple TV support 4K downloads?
No, Apple TV does not support downloading 4K content. The maximum download resolution is 1080p (HD), even on the latest Apple TV devices. 4K, HDR, and Dolby Vision content can only be streamed online due to storage and bandwidth limitations.
How to play MP4 files on Apple TV?
Apple TV supports MP4 files in several ways. Here are a few methods to watch MP4 files on your Apple TV:
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Using Home Sharing: Open the Apple TV app on your Mac or Windows PC. Go to File > Import and select the MP4 file or folder you want to add. This will place the file under the Home Videos section, making it available for playback on your Apple TV. Alternatively, you can simply drag and drop the MP4 file directly into the Library section of the Apple TV app.
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Using AirPlay: If your MP4 file is on an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you can easily stream it to Apple TV using AirPlay. Just play the video on your device and select your Apple TV as the target.
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Using Third-Party Apps: Install a media player like VLC for Apple TV to stream MP4 files stored on your computer or external drive. The app will allow you to access and play your MP4 files directly from local storage or network servers.
Part 5. Conclusion: Best Apple TV to MP4 Converter
| Feature | DRmare Apple TV Downloader | AceMovi Video Editor |
|---|---|---|
| Implementation | Direct download | Screen recording |
| Output Format | MP4 /MKV | MP4 /MKV /MOV /WKV |
| Speed | 5x Faster (Bulk downloading) | Real-time (Takes as long as the movie) |
| Resolution | Up to 1080p | Variable (Depends on screen resolution) |
| Audio Quality | 5.1 Surround Sound | Stereo (System audio capture) |
| Subtitles | Automatically detects and saves all available tracks (English, Spanish, French, etc.) in one file. | Can only record the one specific audio language being played during recording. |
If you want to build a high-quality offline Apple TV library, save entire TV seasons quickly, and enjoy the original sound on your device, DRmare Apple TV Downloader is the best solution. However, if you only need to save a specific clip or scene for a video project or want to use built-in editing features after recording, then AceMovi Video Editor is a great alternative.
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