Did you know you can download movies without paying a dime or waiting for a hold to come in? Hoopla makes it simple. All you need is a library card, the free Hoopla app, and a few minutes to grab your next favorite film. Once it’s downloaded, that movie is yours to watch on a plane, a road trip, or anywhere your signal drops out.
New to Hoopla or just haven’t tried the download feature yet? This guide walks you through the whole process and shows you how Hoopla stacks up against other library streaming apps.
How to Download Movies on Hoopla
Getting started takes just a few steps:
- Download the Hoopla app on your phone or tablet (iOS or Android).
- Sign in with your library card. No credit card, no account fees.
- Search for a movie in the catalog and tap to borrow it. Borrows are instant, so there’s no waiting on a hold list.
- Tap the download icon to save the movie to your device.
- Watch anytime, even with no Wi-Fi or cell service. (This means you can watch on a plane, while camping, or anywhere you want!)
That’s It! That’s the whole process. Because Hoopla licenses its catalog directly from studios and content providers, every download is completely legal, and your device stays safe from the malware that often comes bundled with pirated files.
*Libraries typically set a monthly borrowing limit, so check your library’s Hoopla page to see how many free movies you can download each month.
Hoopla vs. Kanopy: Which Free Library App Should You Use?
Hoopla and Kanopy are the two most common free movie apps offered through public libraries, but they work differently. The standout difference is that Hoopla supports offline downloads and instant borrowing with no wait lists, while Kanopy streams only and often caps how many titles you can watch each month.
If offline viewing during travel or spotty signal matters to you, Hoopla is built for that. If you want to watch a movie now, Hoopla is built for that too, because there are no wait lists.
*Borrow and play limits vary by library, so check your library’s specific policy for your monthly allowance.
Your Questions About Downloading Movies, Answered
- Can I watch movies for free on Hoopla?
Yes. With a valid library card, every movie on Hoopla is free to borrow and watch, with no ads and no subscription required. - What happens if I download movies illegally instead of using Hoopla?
Illegal downloads from unlicensed sites can lead to fines or other legal penalties, and they often expose your device to malware. Hoopla gives you a fully legal, risk-free way to download free movies instead. - Is Hoopla safe to use for downloading movies?
Yes. Hoopla is backed by public libraries and licenses its entire catalog directly from studios, making it one of the safest ways to download movies for free. - Does Hoopla offer offline downloads on smart TVs?
Offline downloads are available through the mobile app on iOS and Android. Smart TVs like Roku, Fire TV, and Apple TV support streaming, but check your device for download availability. - How is Hoopla different from Kanopy?
Hoopla supports offline downloads and instant borrowing with no wait lists, while Kanopy allows only streaming. That means that with Hoopla, you can watch anywhere, even on an airplane! See the comparison table above for the full breakdown.
Download the Hoopla app today, sign in with your library card, and build an offline movie queue.
Additional Resources:
Free Movie Downloads with Hoopla Made Easy
Streaming Devices for Library Movies on Hoopla
What Trending Movies Are on Hoopla?
*Titles may vary by library.