Netflix downloads work on phones and tablets, not computers
You can download shows and movies on Netflix using the mobile app on your phone or tablet, then watch them without an internet connection. Netflix does not let you download on a computer or web browser — only the Netflix app on iOS or Android devices supports this feature. The download stays on your device until you delete it, and you can keep it for up to 30 days before Netflix removes it automatically.
Not every title on Netflix is available to download. Netflix decides which shows and movies allow downloads based on licensing agreements with studios. If a title does not have a download button, that studio has not permitted it.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Netflix app on your phone or tablet, find the show or movie you want, and tap the download icon next to the play button.
- Downloaded content stays on your device for up to 30 days, then Netflix automatically removes it even if you have not watched it.
- You need enough storage space on your phone or tablet — a full season of a show can take 1 to 5 gigabytes depending on video quality.
- Netflix downloads only work offline on the device where you downloaded them; you cannot transfer downloads to another device or computer.
- If a download fails or gets stuck, delete it from your device and try again, making sure you have a strong internet connection.
Finding and downloading a show or movie
Open the Netflix app on your phone or tablet and search for the show or movie you want to download. Tap on the title to open its details page. Look for a download icon — it looks like a downward-pointing arrow inside a circle — next to the play button. Tap that icon and Netflix will begin downloading the content to your device.
The download progress appears on the same screen. Netflix shows you how much of the download is complete and how much storage space it is using. Once the download finishes, the download icon changes to a checkmark, which means the content is ready to watch offline.
If you are downloading a full season of a show, Netflix downloads one episode at a time by default. You can tap the download icon next to the season title to download all episodes at once, but this uses more storage space and takes longer.
Checking your downloads and managing storage
To see everything you have downloaded, open the Netflix app and tap the Downloads tab at the bottom of the screen. This shows all your downloaded shows and movies in one place. You can watch them from here, or delete them if you need storage space.
Downloaded content takes up significant space on your device. A single movie might use 500 megabytes to 2 gigabytes, while a full season of a show can use 1 to 5 gigabytes depending on the video quality. Check your phone or tablet's storage before downloading large amounts of content. If your device is running low on space, delete downloads you have already watched.
Netflix automatically removes downloads after 30 days, even if you have not watched them. Some titles expire sooner if Netflix loses the right to stream them. If you see a message that a download has expired, you can download it again if it is still available on Netflix.
What to do if a download fails or gets stuck
If a download stops or fails, the first step is to delete it and try again. Open the Downloads tab, find the title with the problem, and swipe left on it (or press and hold on Android) to delete it. Then search for the title again and tap the download icon to start over.
Make sure you have a strong internet connection before downloading. Netflix needs a stable connection to download content — if your Wi-Fi keeps dropping or your mobile signal is weak, the download may fail. Try moving closer to your router or switching to a different network.
If the same title keeps failing to download, the problem may be with your Netflix account or app. Try signing out of Netflix completely, then signing back in. If that does not work, delete the Netflix app and reinstall it from the App Store or Google Play Store.
Watching your downloads offline
Open the Netflix app and go to the Downloads tab. Tap any downloaded show or movie to start watching. You do not need an internet connection once the download is complete — Netflix plays the file directly from your device storage.
You can pause, rewind, and fast-forward through downloaded content the same way you would with any other video on your phone or tablet. If you stop watching partway through, Netflix remembers where you stopped and picks up from that point the next time you open it.
Downloaded content only works on the device where you downloaded it. You cannot move a download to another phone, tablet, or computer. If you want to watch the same show on multiple devices, you need to download it on each device separately.
Why some titles cannot be downloaded
Netflix does not control which shows and movies you can download — the studios and production companies that own the content do. When Netflix licenses a show or movie, the studio decides whether to allow downloads as part of the deal. Some studios say no to downloads, which is why you will not see a download button for those titles.
This means a show might be available to stream on Netflix but not to download. It also means a title you downloaded before might stop being available for download if Netflix's licensing agreement changes. Netflix will notify you before removing a download due to a licensing change.
Downloading on different Netflix plans
All Netflix subscription plans — Basic, Standard, and Premium — let you download shows and movies. The main difference is how many screens can watch at the same time. Basic allows one screen, Standard allows two, and Premium allows four. Downloads do not count toward this limit, so you can download on one device while someone else is streaming on another device.
If you share your Netflix account with other people, each person can download content to their own device. Downloads are stored on individual phones and tablets, not on a shared account, so your downloads will not appear on someone else's device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download Netflix shows on my computer or laptop?
No. Netflix only lets you download on the mobile app for phones and tablets running iOS or Android. The web browser version and the Windows app do not have a download feature. If you want to watch Netflix offline on a computer, you would need to use a different method.
How long can I keep a downloaded show before it disappears?
Netflix keeps downloads on your device for up to 30 days. After 30 days, the download automatically deletes itself, even if you have not watched it. Some titles may expire sooner if Netflix loses the streaming rights. You can download the same title again as long as it remains on Netflix.
What happens if I delete the Netflix app — do my downloads disappear?
Yes. Deleting the Netflix app also deletes all your downloads from that device. If you reinstall the app later, your downloads will be gone and you will need to download them again. Your Netflix account and watch history remain the same.
Can I download Netflix content and share it with someone else?
No. Downloads are tied to your device and your Netflix account. You cannot transfer a download to another person's phone or tablet, and you cannot share downloaded files through email, cloud storage, or any other method. Each person who wants to watch something offline needs to download it on their own device.
Why is my download taking so long?
Download speed depends on your internet connection and the size of the content. A movie might take 5 to 15 minutes on a fast connection, while a full season could take an hour or more. If the download is extremely slow, check that you have a strong Wi-Fi signal and that no other apps are using most of your bandwidth.