The basic steps to download on Netflix

To download a show on Netflix, open the app on your phone or tablet, find the title you want, and tap the download icon — usually a downward arrow next to the play button. The show will begin downloading to your device immediately. You can watch it later without an internet connection.

Netflix downloads only work on phones and tablets, not on computers or web browsers. The app must be installed on your device, and you need enough storage space for the files. Downloaded episodes typically take up 300 MB to 1 GB each, depending on video quality.

Once downloaded, you can watch the episode as many times as you want while it remains on your device. Netflix automatically removes downloaded content after a set period — usually 30 days for most shows, though some titles expire sooner. You can also delete downloads manually at any time to free up space.

Key Takeaways

  • The download button appears next to the play button on most show and movie pages in the Netflix app for phones and tablets.
  • Downloaded content works offline and takes up 300 MB to 1 GB per episode depending on the show and your quality settings.
  • Netflix removes downloaded episodes automatically after 30 days, though some titles expire faster — you can delete them sooner if you need storage space.
  • Not every show or movie can be downloaded; availability depends on licensing agreements with studios and varies by region.

Which devices support Netflix downloads

Netflix downloads work on iPhones, iPads, and Android phones and tablets. You must use the Netflix mobile app — downloading is not available through a web browser or on computers, even if you have Netflix installed on your Mac or Windows machine.

Your device needs enough free storage space for the files. A single episode typically uses 300 MB to 1 GB depending on the show's resolution and your download quality settings. A full season of a typical drama might use 5 to 10 GB. Check your device's storage before downloading large amounts of content.

How to find downloadable titles

Not every show or movie on Netflix can be downloaded. Licensing agreements with studios determine which titles support downloads, and this varies by region and changes over time. When a title is downloadable, you will see a download icon next to the play button on its page.

If you do not see a download icon, that title cannot be downloaded on your account or in your region. Some shows are downloadable in certain countries but not others. If you are looking for specific content to download, search for it in the app and check whether the download button appears.

Netflix also has a dedicated Downloads section in the app's menu. This shows all your currently downloaded content and how much storage each item uses. You can also see how long each download will remain available before Netflix removes it automatically.

Download quality and storage settings

Netflix lets you choose the quality of your downloads. Higher quality uses more storage space but looks better on your screen. Lower quality saves space and downloads faster, which matters if you are on a slower internet connection.

To change download quality, go to your Netflix account settings, select Download, and choose Standard or High. Standard quality is usually fine for phones; High quality is better if you plan to watch on a tablet or a larger screen. Netflix does not offer an Ultra HD download option — the highest available is High quality.

You can also set Netflix to download only when connected to Wi-Fi, which prevents large downloads from using your mobile data. This setting is in the app's settings menu under Download and is useful if you have a limited data plan.

Managing your downloaded content

To delete a download and free up storage space, open the Downloads section, find the title, and tap the delete button (usually an X or trash icon). Deleting a download does not remove the show from your Netflix account — you can download it again later.

Netflix automatically removes downloaded episodes after 30 days, though some titles expire faster. You will see a countdown timer next to each download showing how many days remain before Netflix removes it. If you want to keep watching, you can re-download it before the timer runs out.

If you have multiple devices, downloads on one device do not appear on another. A show downloaded on your phone will not automatically appear on your tablet. You must download it separately on each device where you want to watch it offline.

Troubleshooting download problems

If the download button does not appear, the title may not be available for download in your region, or your Netflix plan may not support downloads. Some basic plans do not include download access — check your account settings to confirm your plan type.

If a download keeps failing, try closing the Netflix app completely and reopening it. Make sure you have a stable internet connection and enough free storage space on your device. If the problem continues, try downloading a different title to see if the issue is specific to one show or a broader problem.

If a download disappears before the 30-day timer runs out, Netflix may have removed it due to a licensing change. This happens occasionally when studios revoke download rights for specific titles. You can check the Downloads section to see the expiration date for each item.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I download Netflix shows on my computer?

No. Netflix downloads only work on the mobile app for phones and tablets. You cannot download through a web browser or on a Mac or Windows computer, even if you have the Netflix app installed. If you need offline viewing on a computer, you would need to watch the content while connected to the internet.

How long can I keep a downloaded show before Netflix deletes it?

Most downloads remain on your device for 30 days before Netflix automatically removes them. Some titles expire sooner depending on licensing agreements. You can see the expiration date in the Downloads section of the app. You can delete downloads manually at any time and re-download them later.

Do downloaded shows use my Netflix account on other devices?

No. Downloads are stored only on the device where you downloaded them. If you download a show on your phone, it will not appear on your tablet or another phone. You must download the content separately on each device where you want to watch it offline.

What happens if my Netflix subscription expires while I have downloads?

Downloaded content becomes unwatchable once your subscription ends. Netflix removes access to all downloads when your account is no longer active. If you reactivate your subscription later, you can download the shows again, but the old downloads will not return.

Why does the download button not appear for some shows?

Not all titles support downloads due to licensing restrictions with studios. Availability varies by region and changes over time. If a show does not have a download button, it cannot be downloaded in your area or on your current plan. Some basic Netflix plans also do not include download access.