Key Takeaways

  • Amazon Prime members can watch Prime Video as part of their membership.
  • You can watch Prime Video on your smart TV by installing the app or using a streaming device or game console.
  • If you don't have a smart TV, you can still watch Prime Video on your TV by casting it from your phone to a compatible device.

In the world of television production, some shows come with enormous budgets, and few can rival the scale of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.

Amazon's reported expenditure of $250 million for the rights to create this epic series, coupled with substantial episode budgets, has fueled speculation that the total cost could surpass $1 billion. Fortunately, you don't have to empty your wallet to enjoy it. If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can immerse yourself in its grandeur for free, as Amazon Prime Video is just one of the perks of an Amazon Prime membership.

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However, for a production of this magnitude, watching it on your phone hardly does justice. The good news is that, even if you don't own a smart TV, there are numerous ways for you to watch Prime Video on your largest screen.

Amazon Prime Video
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What is Amazon Prime Video?

Amazon Video is Amazon's streaming service for TV shows and movies, accessible on various devices. It consists of two components: Firstly, there is a vast library of films and TV series available for digital rental or purchase, with costs incurred on a per-title basis. Secondly, there is Amazon Prime Video, a subscription-based service that grants access to a wide selection of TV shows and movies as part of the Prime membership package.

Amazon Prime memberships costs $14.99 per month and give you access to Prime Video. (You also get a range of other perks, including free same-day or one-day delivery on thousands of products on Amazon, discounts and free shipping on grocery orders over $100, access to Amazon Music, and unlimited cloud photo storage.) There are popular films and TV shows available to watch on Amazon Prime Video, as well as content created exclusively by Amazon.

Amazon makes its four remaining Premier League games free-to-air photo 4
Amazon Prime Video

You can cancel your Amazon Prime Video subscription at any time, and there are no long-term contracts or cancellation fees associated with it.

How much does Amazon Prime Video cost?

Amazon offers multiple different ways to access Prime Video content, including a 30-day free trial:

  • Prime membership: Amazon Prime Video comes with an Amazon Prime membership, which costs $14.99 monthly or $139 annually in the US, or £7.99 monthly or £79 annually in the UK. It combines Prime Video access with other Prime perks, like quick shipping on eligible purchases.
  • Standalone Prime Video: If you're just into streaming, Prime Video also has a standalone service for $8.99 or £5.99 per month. Due to ads being included, Amazon now offers an option to remove them for an extra $2.99 in the US and £2.99 in the UK each month. You can also add Prime Video Channels to your subscription for more premium content, with prices varying by channel.
    • As of January 29, 2024, Amazon Prime Video will include limited ads unless you pay an extra $2.99 per month in the US, £2.99 per month in the UK, or a similar price in Australia.
  • Ad-hoc rentals: For movies or series not included with Prime Video, you can rent or buy them ad-hoc. The cost of renting non-free movies on Amazon Prime Video typically ranges from $2 to $20 per TV episode or full movie in the US.
  • Free trial: New subscribers can check out the service with a free 30-day trial, giving a full test run of what's on offer.
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How to watch Amazon Prime Video on a TV

register TV with Amazon Prime Video

Watch Prime Video on a smart TV

If you've bought a TV in last few years, it's highly likely that it's a smart TV. Smart TVs can connect to the internet and offer additional useful features such as giving you access to streaming services like Netflix or Hulu directly through your TV. Many smart TVs also allow you to stream Amazon Prime Video through your TV with no need for any additional equipment, by using the Prime Video app for your smart TV.

  1. Open the menu of your smart TV and look for your installed apps. You may find that you already have the Prime Video app installed on your smart TV.
  2. If you don't have the Prime Video app installed, open the app store on your smart TV and search for Prime Video.
  3. If the app is available, install it on your TV. If it's not available, you won't be able to watch Prime Video directly through your TV; you'll need to try one of the other options below.
  4. When the Amazon Prime app opens for the first time, select Sign in and start watching.
  5. A code will display on your TV.
  6. Open the Amazon website on your phone or computer and navigate to the Prime Video section.
  7. Click your Profile icon on the Prime Video page and select Accounts & Settings.
  8. In the menu at the top of the page, click Your Devices.
  9. Click Register New Device.
  10. Enter the code displayed on your TV and click Register Device.

Your account will now be linked to the app on your smart TV. You can watch Amazon Prime Video content on your TV and pick up where you left off on any other devices signed in to the same account.

Amazon Prime VideoWatch Prime Video on your TV with a streaming device

If you don't have a smart TV, it's still possible to watch Amazon Prime video on your dumb TV by using a streaming device. These are small devices that plug into your TV and allow you to stream content that will play on your TV, from streaming services such as Disney+, Netflix, and Prime Video.

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There are many such streaming devices to choose from, with popular brands including Roku streaming devices, Amazon Fire TV sticks, and Apple TV streaming boxes. With a compatible streaming device, all you'll need to do is install the Prime Video app on the device if it's not already preinstalled. You can then link the device to your account by following the instructions on your streaming device of choice. Once you're set up, you can watch Amazon Prime Video through the streaming device, and the content will play on your TV.

PS5
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Watch Prime Video on your TV with a game console

If you have a game console, you may already have everything you need to be able to watch Amazon Prime on your dumb TV. That's because some of the most popular consoles allow you to install the Prime Video app through the console. You can then view the content on your connected TV.

If you own an Xbox or a PlayStation that isn't ancient, you should be able to download the Prime Video app from the app store on your console. Once the app is installed, you can follow the instructions to link the app to your account and start watching Prime Video content. As long as your console is connected to your TV, you'll be able to see the content on the TV screen. If you're a Nintendo Switch owner, you're out of luck; there's currently no official Prime Video app for the Switch.

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How to cast Amazon Prime Video to a TVAmazon Prime Video

Cast Prime Video from your phone to Chromecast or Android TV

If you don't want to set up the Prime Video app on your smart TV, or the app isn't available on your TV, you can still watch Amazon Prime video on your TV by playing content on your mobile device, and then casting it to your TV. To do so, you'll either need a compatible TV or a device such as a Chromecast plugged in to your TV. If you have an Android TV or a Chromecast, you can cast Prime Video content from your iOS or Android phone.

  1. Power on your TV (and Chromecast if you're using one) and make sure that it's connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your phone.
  2. If you're casting from an iPhone, open the Settings app, scroll down, and open the Prime Video app settings.
  3. Ensure that Local Network is on, allowing you to cast from the Prime Video app to local devices.
  4. Open the Prime Video app and tap the Cast icon that looks like a TV screen with a Wi-Fi symbol in one corner.
  5. Select your Android TV or Chromecast.

Once connected, any content your play on your phone will stream to your TV.

Amazon Prime Video
Pocket-lint

Cast Prime Video from an Android phone to a Fire TV

If you have a Fire TV, which is made by Amazon, then you cast directly from your Android phone to your TV. You'll need to be signed in to the same Amazon account on your phone and your Fire TV for casting to work.

  1. Power on your Fire TV and ensure that it's connected to the same Wi-Fi network as your phone.
  2. Tap the Cast icon.
  3. Select your Fire TV.
  4. Ready to Cast will appear on your TV to show you're connected.
  5. Any content you play in the Prime Video app on your phone will now be streamed to your Fire TV.

Amazon Prime VideoCast Amazon Prime Video from your iPhone to a TV via AirPlay

If you're an iPhone user, and you have an AirPlay-compatible TV, you can also stream content from the Prime Video app directly to your TV.

  1. Power on your AirPlay-compatible TV.
  2. Open the Prime Video app and start playing some content.
  3. In the top of the screen, tap the AirPlay icon. If this isn't visible, tap the screen of your iPhone once to bring it up.
  4. Select your TV from the list of compatible AirPlay devices.
Your content will now stream from your iPhone to your TV.
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FAQ

Q: Can I download content on Amazon Prime Video to watch offline?

Yes, you can download select movies and TV shows on Amazon Prime Video to watch offline -- but only on your mobile device or computer, not your TV. You can always cast from your device to your TV, but you would need a connection.

On mobile devices (iOS and Android):

  1. Open Amazon Prime Video app.
  2. Find content and tap on it.
  3. Tap "Download" or similar button.
  4. Choose download quality.
  5. Wait for download to finish.
  6. Access downloads in the "Downloads" section.

Q: Are subtitles and closed captions available on Amazon Prime Video?

Yes, Amazon Prime Video offers subtitles and closed captions in multiple languages for most of its content.

For smart TVs:

  1. Open Amazon Prime Video app on your Smart TV.
  2. Select content and start playing it.
  3. Access playback controls.
  4. Enable subtitles from the controls.
  5. Choose your language if available.
  6. Subtitles will display on your TV screen as you watch.

Q: Can I share my Amazon Prime Video account with family members or friends?

Yes, Amazon allows you to share your Prime Video account with one other adult and up to four child profiles as part of your Amazon Household.

Setting up Amazon Household:

  1. Visit Amazon's website and log in.
  2. Go to "Your Account" > "Amazon Household."
  3. Add an adult and create up to four child profiles.

Q: Is 4K UHD content available on Amazon Prime Video?

Yes, Amazon Prime Video offers a growing library of 4K UHD content, provided you have a compatible device and internet connection. Here's a quick list of a few big 4K UHD titles we currently see on the service - some of which are included and others need to be rented or bought ad-hoc:

Movie Title

Year

Rating

Starring

Directed by

Fast X

2023

PG-13

Vin Diesel, Jason Momoa, Michelle Rodriguez, et al.

Louis Leterrier

Top Gun: Maverick

2022

PG-13

Miles Teller, Val Kilmer, Tom Cruise

Joseph Kosinski

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts

2023

PG-13

Luna Lauren Velez, Anthony Ramos, Dominique Fishback

Steven Caple

Saltburn

2023

R

Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, Rosamund Pike, et al.

Emerald Fennell

Guy Ritchie's The Covenant

2023

R

Jake Gyllenhaal, Dar Salim, Antony Starr, et al.

Guy Ritchie

The Flash

2023

PG-13

Ezra Miller, Sasha Calle, Michael Shannon, et al.

Andy Muschietti

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves

2023

PG-13

Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Regé-Jean Page

John Francis Daley, Jonathan Goldstein

Q: Can I watch live TV on Amazon Prime Video?

Yes, Amazon offers live TV channels through Prime Video Channels, allowing you to watch live sports, news, and more with additional subscriptions.

Q: What is the difference between Amazon Prime and Amazon Prime Video-only memberships?

Amazon Prime includes access to Prime Video and various other perks like free shipping, while Amazon Prime Video-only memberships provide access to the streaming service without the other Prime benefits.

Q: How often does Amazon Prime Video update its content library with new movies and TV shows?

Amazon Prime Video regularly adds new content to its library, including both original and licensed titles. The frequency of updates varies, but it's generally updated every month. You can see a listing of the latest releases here.