How to Download Movies and TV Shows from Netflix

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

1. Introduction

Using the Netflix app on your device, you can download available movies and TV shows to your device and watch it later when you may not have data available or on a metered connection.

Before You Begin:

You must have the Netflix app installed.

Netflix

Downloading Netflix Movies and TV Shows

Using the Netflix app, you can download many movies and TV shows onto your device so that you can watch them later. This can be useful if you're wanting to avoid using data on a metered connection or watch movies when you have no data connection available. The quality of the Movies or TV Shows you download will be in a lower quality to save space on your device.

Downloading movies and TV shows from Netflix for offline viewing is a feature that many users find incredibly useful, especially when traveling or in areas with limited internet access. This service is available on various platforms including Mac and Windows computers, iOS mobile devices, and Android phones. Here’s a detailed guide on how to download your favorite Netflix content on these devices.

For Mac and Windows Computers

Using the Netflix App on Windows 10/11:

  1. Download the Netflix App: The first step is to download the Netflix app from the Microsoft Store on your Windows 10 or 11 computer.
  2. Sign In: Open the app and sign in with your Netflix account.
  3. Select a Downloadable Show or Movie: Not all content on Netflix is available for download. Look for titles with the download icon (an arrow pointing downwards).
  4. Download the Content: Click on the title you want to download and then click on the download icon.
  5. Accessing Downloads: Once downloaded, you can access your content from the 'Downloads' section within the app.

For Mac:

Netflix App Unavailability: As of my last update in April 2023, Netflix does not offer an app for macOS that allows for downloading content for offline viewing.

Alternative Method: One alternative is to use an iOS device to download the content and then sync it to your Mac, although this may not be an ideal solution.

For iOS Mobile Devices (iPhone and iPad)

  1. Download the Netflix App: Install the Netflix app from the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Sign In: Open the app and log in to your Netflix account.
  3. Find a Downloadable Title: Browse or search for a movie or show. Titles available for download will have the download icon.
  4. Download the Show or Movie: Tap on the title and then on the download icon. The download will start immediately.
  5. Watch Offline: To access your downloaded titles, go to the 'Downloads' tab at the bottom of the screen.

For Android Phones

  1. Install the Netflix App: Download the Netflix app from the Google Play Store.
  2. Log In: Open the app and sign in with your Netflix credentials.
  3. Choose the Title: Search for the show or movie you want to download. Look for the download icon to ensure it’s available for offline viewing.
  4. Start Downloading: Tap on the title and then the download icon. The content will start downloading to your device.
  5. Access Downloads: Your downloaded titles can be found under the 'Downloads' section of the app.

General Tips for Downloading Netflix Content

  • Storage Space: Ensure your device has enough storage space for downloads.
  • Download Quality: You can choose the download quality (standard or high) in the app settings. Higher quality uses more storage space and takes longer to download.
  • Wi-Fi Connection: It’s recommended to download over a Wi-Fi connection to avoid using your mobile data.
  • Expiration: Some downloads have an expiration time. Also, once you start watching a title, you typically have 48 hours to finish watching it before it expires.
  • Download on Multiple Devices: Netflix allows you to download titles on multiple devices, depending on your subscription plan.

Conclusion

Downloading movies and TV shows from Netflix is straightforward on Windows, iOS, and Android devices, allowing you to enjoy your favorite content without an internet connection. While Mac users don’t currently have a dedicated Netflix app for downloads, they can utilize iOS devices for offline viewing. Always keep an eye on your device's storage and download settings to optimize your viewing experience.

2. Download to Device

Not every movie is available to be downloaded. Due to content protection, requests of content owners, and other factors, movies may become not-downloadable and then removed from your device at Netflix' discretion.If your Netflix subscription lapses or is canceled, you will lose access to any movies you have downloaded.

Expand a selection below to explore how to download and watch shows offline with your device.

Windows

Windows

Download a Movie or Show

  1. Open Netflix, and locate a show or movie you'd like to download.
Netflix

Netflix showing a movie to watch or download
  1. Select Download.
Movie with Download highlighted.
  1. Wait for the download to complete.
  2. Download In Progress
Download Meter
  1. A small animated circle is displayed when you are downloading the video to your computer.
  2. Download Complete
Download Complete
  1. Once complete you will see a checkmark in a box.

Watch Downloaded Content

  1. Open Netflix, and select the Menu in the top-left.
Netflix

Menu
  1. Select My Downloads.
Netflix menu with My Downloads highlighted
  1. Select a show or movie you'd like to watch.
My Downloads with movie highlighted.
  1. Select Play.
Movie with Play button highlighted

Delete Downloaded Content

Due to licencing and piracy restrictions, you may only download the same movie or show once or twice per year.

Once deleted, you will still be able to watch the movie or show when you are online, just like all other content on Netflix.

  1. Open Netflix, and select the Menu in the top-left.
Netflix

Menu
  1. Select My Downloads.
Netflix menu with My Downloads highlighted
  1. Select a show or movie you'd like to delete.You can also see the rating and how much space the movie or show is taking up on your computer at the bottom of each item.
My Downloads with movie highlighted.
  1. Select the Downloaded checkbox, then select Delete Download from the menu.
Downloaded movie with Downloaded checkbox and Delete Download highlighted.

Apple

Apple macOS

At this time, Netflix does not offer a dedicated App for macOS, so you cannot download to watch Netflix movies and shows when you're offline.

You can continue to use Netflix with their website on your Apple laptop or desktop when you're online and enjoy all the programming they have available.

Android

Android

Download a Movie or Show

  1. Open Netflix, and locate a show or movie you'd like to download, then select Download.
Netflix

Movie with Download link highlighted.
  1. Wait for the download to complete. The icon will turn blue.
Movie downloaded.

Watch Downloaded Content

  1. Open Netflix, and select Downloads at the bottom.
Netflix

Downloads button
  1. Select a show or movie you'd like to watch.
Download page with downloaded items highlighted.
  1. Select Play in the center of the screen.

Delete Downloaded Content

Due to licencing and piracy restrictions, you may only download the same movie or show once or twice per year.

Once deleted, you will still be able to watch the movie or show when you are online, just like all other content on Netflix.

  1. Open Netflix, and select Downloads at the bottom.
Netflix

Downloads button
  1. Select the blue check icon to the right of an item, then select Delete Download to remove it.
Downloaded item with menu open and Delete Download highlighted.

Apple

Apple iOS

Download a Movie or Show

  1. Open Netflix, and locate a show or movie you'd like to download, then select Download.
Netflix

Movie with Download link highlighted.
  1. Wait for the download to complete. The icon will turn blue.
Movie downloaded.

Watch Downloaded Content

  1. Open Netflix, and select Downloads at the bottom.
Netflix

Downloads button
  1. Select a show or movie you'd like to watch.
Download page with downloaded items highlighted.
  1. Select Play in the center of the screen.

Delete Downloaded Content

Due to licencing and piracy restrictions, you may only download the same movie or show once or twice per year.

Once deleted, you will still be able to watch the movie or show when you are online, just like all other content on Netflix.

  1. Open Netflix, and select Downloads at the bottom.
Netflix

Downloads button
  1. Select the blue check icon to the right of an item, then select Delete Download to remove it.
Downloaded item with menu open and Delete Download highlighted.