In this article, we cover:
- What is the download offline feature?
- How do I download content to view offline?
- How do I create a playlist of content that I want to download later?
- How do I update my download internet preferences?
- Quick how-to guides
- FAQs section
What is the download offline feature?
This feature allows you to download content from Gaia to your device to watch offline. It currently available for all active members using the Gaia Android or iOs app.
How do I download content to view offline?
To download content immediately, please follow the steps below:
1. Tap any video’s name to visit the video detail screen and click "Save for Offline." Note: this does not automatically download that video to your device. Example
2. Click "Download Now" on that same screen. Example
Tip: if you have never used the feature before, you will see some screens explaining how to use Offline Download, and you will be asked if you want to allow downloads over cellular network, or Wi-Fi only. Choose Wi-Fi only if you are concerned about data limits on your mobile plan.
How do I create a playlist of content that I want to download later?
To save content to a playlist to download at a later date, please follow the steps below:
1. Click "Playlists." Example
2. Click "Save For Offline." Example
3. You will see a list of the videos that you have added to your playlist. If a video has not been downloaded, then a downward facing arrow (⬇️) will appear over the video icon. Example
4. Click this downward facing arrow (⬇️) to download the video to your device. Once it has been downloaded, you will see a play symbol over the video icon (▶️) Example
How do I change my download internet preferences?
If you would like to use cellular data to download videos then you will need to toggle this setting on by following the steps below:
1. Click the circular avatar icon in the top right-hand corner of your screen. Example
2. Click "Download Settings." Example
3. Toggle on the use cellular data for downloads button on. Example
Quick How-To Guides
How can I see what videos are downloaded on my device?
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Click the "Playlists" tab.
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Click "Saved for Offline."
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Choose to “See All,” or just what’s already downloaded “On Device.”
How do I remove videos from my device?
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Hit “Edit” in the upper right-hand corner, or swipe left on the video you would like to remove.
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Tap to delete the download or simply remove from playlist.
How do I remove videos from my offline playlist?
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Hit edit in the upper right-hand corner, or swipe left on the video you would like to remove.
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Click to delete the download or simply remove from playlist.
The episode is freezing and won’t download. What should I do?
If you are trying to download a video and it is going slowly, freezing, or has stopped, then please follow the steps below:
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Check that your device isn’t in sleep mode.
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Check that your device has a minimum available storage of 1 GB.
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Ensure you have an active, stable internet connection. A video can sometimes stall if you switch your network preferences from Wi-Fi to cellular or from cellular to Wi-Fi. If you have done this, please restart the download process by cancelling in-progress downloads from the Saved for "Offline playlist" screen and then restarting one at a time.
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Uninstall and reinstall the Gaia app.*
*Please note that by doing this, all of the downloaded content you currently have on your device will be lost.
FAQs Section
On which devices can I use the offline download feature?
The only available when using the Android and iOS apps.
Who can use the offline download feature?
Offline download is available to all logged-in Android and iOS users with current subscriptions.
How many videos can I download?
There is no limit to the number of videos that Gaia allows you to download. Video files can be large and will take up space while saved on your Android/iOS phone or tablet. Some devices have more storage space than others.
Why do I have to “Save for Offline” before I can download?
Some users don’t want to automatically download every playlisted video to all of their devices, namely because of storage capacity, so we made the download option a choice for each video.
Can I download videos with closed captions or subtitles?
Unfortunately, subtitles are not currently supported on downloaded videos.
Do I need to be connected to Wi-Fi while downloading?
No, however, we recommend downloading while connected to Wi-Fi only because video files are large and can use a lot of data. In general, downloading will happen faster when you’re connected to WiFi.
Additionally, for people without unlimited data plans, depending on your carrier and plan, this can cause higher cell phone bills or reductions in access to data for the duration of your plan period. Your Gaia app will ask you if you want to allow data use the first time you start a download, so there will be no surprises! If you want to change your setting later, you can go to your account section under “Download Settings.”
You can set your Gaia app to allow downloading only while on Wi-Fi.
Can I watch downloaded videos forever?
Downloaded videos can be watched for 30 days without an internet connection. After that, you’ll need to connect to the internet again to refresh this window and confirm you’re still a Gaia member. Opening your Gaia app while connected to either your cell network or a WiFi network will refresh this time limit automatically as long as you are still a member.
Will downloading videos use all my data in my data plan?
No, you can set Gaia to only download videos while on Wi-Fi on your account page.
Why are my videos grayed out/why do I see expiration notes in my playlist?
Downloaded videos are available for 30 days without internet. Connect to the internet, which will confirm you’re still a Gaia member and will refresh your access to downloaded videos.
Why do my videos expire after 30 days without the internet?
We do this to ensure your membership is active when you’re enjoying Gaia.
Can I download the videos to a memory stick or external drive?
No, you can only download content offline to the device that you have used to log in to your Gaia account.