How to download (and remove) movies and TV shows on your iPhone and iPad

When traveling or somewhere that has limited internet access, go offline.

- GLENN FLEISHMAN

Streaming video gives you the world of television and video at your fingerprints on an iPhone or iPad in an age of unlimited internet download bandwidth (although many ISPs and wireless providers have their own definition of unlimited.) Often overlooked, however, is how many streaming services have added offline options for low-bandwidth and no-bandwidth periods including Apple TV+.

As someone who recently spent about 40 hours on airplanes and 30 hours on trains across one business trip and one vacation, let me extol the virtue of not having to rely on in-flight or in-transit data options, even when they prove surprisingly good.

Big tip to those with Wi-Fi available on flights and not paying for data, just using a free or cheap option for text messages: When you're connected to Wi-Fi, even if you don't have an internet connection, some streaming apps attempt to authenticate before playing offline content. Swipe to reveal the Control Center, tap the Wi-Fi icon to disable that connection, and then try the app again. You can reenable Wi-Fi after the video starts to play.

Here's a quick rundown on how to download videos and where to find your downloads in a few of the most popular apps, including Hoopla, a partner to many public libraries: