The basic steps to download a Netflix episode

Open the Netflix app on your phone or tablet, find the show or movie you want to watch offline, and tap the download icon — usually a downward arrow next to the title or episode name. The download starts immediately and appears in your Downloads section once it finishes. You can watch it anytime without an internet connection, and Netflix keeps it on your device until you delete it or it expires.

The download icon only appears on certain titles. Netflix does not allow downloads for every show or movie in its catalog because of licensing agreements with studios and networks. If you do not see a download button, that title is not available to download.

Downloaded episodes stay on your device for a set time before Netflix removes them automatically. Most titles expire after 30 days, though some expire sooner. Netflix sends you a notification before the expiration date so you know when to watch or re-download.

Key Takeaways

  • The download icon appears next to most show titles and episodes in the Netflix app on phones and tablets, but not on web browsers or smart TVs.
  • Downloaded episodes expire automatically after 30 days on most titles, and Netflix notifies you before they disappear.
  • You can download multiple episodes of the same show at once by opening the show page and tapping download next to each episode.
  • Downloaded content uses storage space on your device, so deleting old downloads frees up room for new ones.

Which devices let you download Netflix episodes

You can download episodes on the Netflix app for iPhone, iPad, and Android phones and tablets. The download feature does not work on web browsers, smart TVs, or streaming devices like Roku or Apple TV. If you want to watch offline, you need to use a mobile device.

Downloaded episodes stay only on the device where you downloaded them. If you download an episode on your phone, you cannot watch it on your tablet unless you download it there too. Each device has its own Downloads section in the Netflix app.

How to download multiple episodes at once

Open the show page and scroll to the episodes list. Tap the download icon next to each episode you want to save, or look for a "Download Season" option if Netflix offers it for that show. Netflix downloads them one after another in the background while you use the app normally.

You can check the download progress in your Downloads section. If your phone or tablet runs out of storage space, Netflix pauses the downloads and tells you to free up room. Delete old downloads, photos, or other files to make space, then the downloads resume.

Where to find your downloaded episodes

Tap the Downloads icon at the bottom of the Netflix app — it looks like a downward arrow or a folder. All your downloaded shows and movies appear here, organized by title. Tap any episode to watch it immediately, even without internet.

The Downloads section shows how much time each title has left before it expires. If an episode expires in a few days, Netflix highlights it so you remember to watch it soon. You can also delete downloads manually by swiping left on the title or tapping the delete option.

Storage space and download limits

Downloaded episodes take up storage space on your phone or tablet. A single episode typically uses 300 MB to 1 GB depending on video quality and length, so a full season can use several gigabytes. Check your device's storage settings to see how much free space you have before downloading many episodes at once.

Netflix limits how many titles you can download at the same time. Most accounts can download up to 100 titles total, though this limit varies by subscription plan. Once you hit the limit, you have to delete something before downloading more.

Why some titles cannot be downloaded

Netflix does not own the rights to download every show and movie. Studios and networks that license content to Netflix often restrict downloads as part of their licensing deal. This is why you see the download icon on some titles but not others, even within the same genre or from the same network.

If a show you want to download does not have a download button, there is no way around it — Netflix cannot offer that feature for that title. You can only watch it with an active internet connection.

What happens when your download expires

Netflix automatically deletes downloaded episodes after 30 days on most titles, though some expire in 7 days or 48 hours depending on the licensing agreement. Netflix sends you a reminder notification several days before the expiration date so you have time to watch or re-download.

If you want to keep watching after expiration, simply download the episode again. There is no limit to how many times you can download the same episode, so you can delete and re-download as needed to manage your device storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I download Netflix episodes on my computer or smart TV?

No. Netflix only allows downloads on the mobile app for phones and tablets. You cannot download on web browsers, smart TVs, Roku, Apple TV, or other streaming devices. If you need offline viewing on a larger screen, you would need to watch on a tablet instead.

Do downloaded episodes count against my data plan?

No. Once an episode is downloaded, watching it uses no data at all because it plays from your device storage, not from the internet. Downloading itself uses data, so download over WiFi if you have a limited data plan.

What if I delete a downloaded episode by accident?

You can download it again anytime. There is no penalty for deleting and re-downloading. Simply find the episode in the Netflix app and tap the download icon again.

Can I share downloaded episodes with someone else?

No. Downloaded episodes are tied to your Netflix account and device. Someone else cannot watch your downloads even if they use the same device, because Netflix requires them to sign in with their own account to access the Downloads section.

Why did my downloaded episode disappear?

It likely expired after 30 days. Netflix removes downloads automatically on that schedule and sends a notification before it happens. You can download it again if you want to watch it offline.