Netflix downloads work on phones and tablets, not computers
You can download episodes and films to your phone or tablet through the Netflix app, then watch them without an internet connection. Downloads are not available on computers or web browsers — only on Android phones, iPhones, and iPads. The downloaded file stays on your device until you delete it or until Netflix removes it from the service.
Downloaded content expires after a set time, which varies by title. Some shows let you keep a download for up to 30 days; others expire after seven days. Netflix tells you the expiration date when you download, and the app reminds you before it disappears.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Netflix app on your phone or tablet, find the episode you want, and tap the download icon next to the title.
- Downloaded episodes take up storage space on your device, so check how much free space you have before downloading multiple files.
- Your Netflix account must have an active subscription, and you must download on the same device where you plan to watch.
- Downloaded content expires on a schedule set by Netflix, ranging from seven to 30 days depending on the title.
- You can manage your downloads in the app's Downloads section and delete them manually at any time.
Steps to download an episode on your phone or tablet
Step 1: Open the Netflix app and sign in with your account. Make sure you are on the device where you want to watch the episode offline.
Step 2: Search for the show or film you want to download. Tap the title to open its page.
Step 3: Find the episode you want in the list. If you are downloading a film, skip to the next step. If you are downloading a TV show, tap the episode name to see its details page.
Step 4: Look for the download icon — it looks like a downward-pointing arrow inside a circle. On phones, this icon usually appears to the right of the episode title. Tap it once.
Step 5: Wait for the download to finish. Netflix shows a progress bar while the file downloads. The icon changes to a checkmark when it is complete. Depending on your internet speed and the episode length, this can take a few minutes to several minutes.
Once the download finishes, you can close the app, turn off your internet, or switch to airplane mode. The episode will play from your device's storage.
Where to find your downloaded episodes
Open the Netflix app and tap the Downloads tab at the bottom of the screen (on iPhones and iPads) or in the menu (on Android). This section shows all the episodes and films you have downloaded on that specific device.
Tap any downloaded episode to play it. You do not need an internet connection. If you want to delete a download to free up space, swipe left on the episode (iPhone) or long-press it (Android), then tap Delete.
Netflix also shows you how much storage each download uses. If your device is running low on space, deleting older downloads can help your phone or tablet run faster.
Storage space and device limits
Each episode or film takes up storage space on your device. A single episode typically uses 300 megabytes to 1 gigabyte, depending on video quality and length. A two-hour film can use 1 to 3 gigabytes. Before downloading multiple episodes, check how much free space your phone or tablet has.
You can download the same title on up to four devices at once using the same Netflix account. However, each download counts toward that device's storage limit separately. If you download ten episodes on your phone and then want to download them on your tablet, they take up space on both devices.
Netflix limits how many titles you can download based on your subscription plan. Standard and Premium plans allow more downloads than Basic plans. Check your account settings to see your download limit.
Expiration dates and how to renew downloads
When you download an episode, Netflix sets an expiration date. Some titles expire after seven days; others allow 30 days. Netflix shows the expiration date on the Downloads page, usually in small text below the episode title.
When an episode is about to expire, the Netflix app sends you a notification. You can download it again before the expiration date passes — the new download gets a fresh expiration date. If you wait until after it expires, you will need to download it again from scratch.
Expiration dates exist because Netflix licenses content from studios for limited periods. The studios control how long you can keep a download, not Netflix itself.
Troubleshooting downloads that do not work
The download button is grayed out or missing: Not all titles are available for download. Netflix decides which shows and films allow downloads based on licensing agreements. If a title does not have a download icon, it cannot be downloaded on that app version.
The download keeps failing: Check your internet connection — downloads need a stable connection to start, even though you watch offline later. If your connection keeps dropping, move closer to your router or switch to a stronger Wi-Fi network. If the download still fails, close the Netflix app completely and open it again.
You are running out of storage space: Delete downloads you have already watched. Go to the Downloads tab, swipe or long-press the episode, and tap Delete. Clearing space on your device helps downloads complete faster.
The episode disappeared from your Downloads: It likely expired. Check the expiration date that appeared when you downloaded it. Download it again if you want to watch it offline.
Watching your downloads offline
Once an episode finishes downloading, you can watch it without internet. Turn off Wi-Fi, switch to airplane mode, or go somewhere with no signal — the episode will play normally from your device's storage.
Downloaded episodes play in the same Netflix app you used to download them. You cannot transfer a download to another app or device, and you cannot share it with other people on your account. Each person who wants to watch offline needs to download on their own device.
If you delete the Netflix app, all your downloads disappear. Reinstalling the app does not restore them — you will need to download again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download Netflix episodes on my computer?
No. Downloads are only available on the Netflix app for phones and tablets. If you want to watch on a computer offline, you would need to use a different method like screen recording, which violates Netflix's terms of service.
What happens if I download an episode and then cancel my subscription?
Downloaded episodes stop working immediately when your subscription ends. Even though the file is on your device, Netflix requires an active account to play it. Reactivating your subscription restores access to your downloads.
Can I download the same episode on multiple devices?
Yes, but each download takes up storage on that device separately. You can download the same episode on your phone, tablet, and up to two other devices using the same account. Each device stores its own copy.
How do I know if an episode is about to expire?
Open the Downloads tab and look for the expiration date listed under the episode title. Netflix also sends notifications a few days before expiration. If you see a warning, you can download it again to get a fresh expiration date.
Can I move a downloaded episode to another device?
No. Downloads are locked to the device where you downloaded them. You cannot transfer, email, or share a downloaded episode with another device or person. Each device must download separately.