The fastest way depends on which streaming service you use
Most major streaming services let you download entire seasons, but the method and what you can download varies by service. Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max all have download features built into their apps — you do not need a separate tool. The catch is that downloads work only on the app itself, only on the device where you downloaded them, and only while your subscription is active.
The process is nearly identical across services: open the show, find the season, and tap or click a download button. On some services you can download one episode at a time, one season at a time, or the entire series. On others, you choose the season and the app downloads all episodes in it automatically. A few services let you pick the video quality before downloading, which affects how much storage space the season uses.
If a streaming service does not offer downloads, or if you want to download from a source that is not a major streaming platform, your options narrow significantly and the legality depends entirely on what you are downloading and from where.
Key Takeaways
- Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max all have built-in download buttons in their apps — tap the download icon next to the season you want.
- Downloads only work on the app and device where you made them, and only while your subscription remains active.
- Downloading a full season uses between 5 and 20 gigabytes of storage depending on video quality and episode length.
- Some services let you choose video quality before downloading; lower quality saves storage space but looks grainier on larger screens.
- If a streaming service does not offer a download button, downloading from that service is not supported by the platform.
How to download a season on Netflix
Open the Netflix app on your phone, tablet, or computer. Search for the show you want, then tap or click on it to open the show page. Scroll down to find the season you want to download. Next to the season number, you will see a download icon — it looks like a downward arrow or a circle with a line underneath. Tap or click that icon.
Netflix will begin downloading all episodes in that season. The app shows a progress bar next to each episode as it downloads. Once all episodes finish, a checkmark appears instead of the download icon. You can watch downloaded episodes in the Netflix app even when you have no internet connection. If you delete the show from your device, you can download it again later as long as your subscription is active.
On some Netflix accounts, you can choose the video quality before downloading. Look for a settings icon or quality option on the show page. Standard quality uses less storage; higher quality looks sharper but takes up more space. Netflix typically stores downloads on your device for 30 days after you start watching, though this varies by show.
How to download a season on Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max
Disney+ works almost identically to Netflix. Open the app, find the show, tap the download icon next to the season, and the app downloads all episodes. The download icon appears as a downward arrow. Once downloaded, a checkmark replaces the arrow. Disney+ downloads expire after 30 days if you do not watch them, and you must renew your subscription to keep watching.
Amazon Prime Video uses the same approach but calls the feature "Download for Offline Viewing." Open the app, find the show, and look for a download button — usually a downward arrow or a cloud with an arrow. Tap it to download the season. Prime Video stores downloads for up to 30 days, and some titles let you choose video quality before downloading.
HBO Max (now called Max) has a download button on the show page that looks like a downward arrow. Tap it to download the season. Max downloads expire after 30 days, and you can only download on phones and tablets — the web version does not support downloads. Some shows on Max are not available for download due to licensing restrictions, so if you do not see a download button, that show cannot be downloaded on that service.
Storage space and video quality settings
A full season typically uses between 5 and 20 gigabytes of storage, depending on how many episodes are in the season, how long each episode runs, and what video quality you choose. A 10-episode season of a 30-minute show in standard quality might use 5 to 8 gigabytes. The same season in high definition could use 15 to 20 gigabytes. A 10-episode drama with 45-minute episodes uses roughly double that amount.
Most phones and tablets have between 64 and 256 gigabytes of total storage. If you download multiple seasons, you can run out of space quickly. Before downloading, check how much free space your device has. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. On Android, go to Settings > Storage. If you are running low on space, delete old downloads or move photos and videos to cloud storage to make room.
Some services let you choose video quality to save space. Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ all have quality settings in their app preferences. Standard or "Good" quality uses the least storage and works fine on phones. "Better" or "High" quality looks sharper and works well on tablets. "Best" or "4K" quality looks sharpest on large screens but uses the most storage and may not be available for all shows.
What to do if a show does not have a download button
If you open a show on a streaming service and do not see a download icon or button, that show is not available for download on that service. This usually happens because of licensing agreements — the company that owns the show may not have given the streaming service permission to let people download it. It does not mean the show is broken or that you are doing something wrong.
Your options are limited. You can watch the show only while connected to the internet. You can check if the show is available on a different streaming service that does support downloads — for example, a show might be downloadable on Disney+ but not on Hulu. You can also purchase individual episodes or seasons through services like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon, which often let you download what you buy. Purchased content usually stays on your device even after you delete it, unlike subscription downloads.
Do not look for third-party download tools or websites that claim to download shows from streaming services. These tools violate the terms of service for every major streaming platform and may expose your device to malware or compromise your account security.
How downloads work when your subscription ends
Downloaded episodes remain on your device, but you cannot watch them once your subscription ends. When you open the app after your subscription expires, the downloaded files are still there, but the app will not play them. If you resubscribe later, you can watch the downloads again without re-downloading them.
If you cancel your subscription and do not plan to return, you can delete the downloaded files to free up storage space. On most apps, you can delete individual episodes or entire seasons by swiping or long-pressing on the title and selecting delete. The files are removed from your device immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download a show to watch on multiple devices?
No. Downloads are tied to the device and app where you made them. If you download a season on your phone, you cannot watch it on your tablet or computer. You would need to download the season separately on each device. Some services limit how many devices you can download to at once.
How long do downloads stay on my device?
Most services keep downloads for 30 days after you start watching. Some shows may have different expiration dates. If you do not watch a downloaded episode within that window, the app may delete it automatically to free up space. You can always re-download it later.
Can I transfer downloaded episodes to another app or device?
No. Downloaded episodes are locked to the streaming app and device where you downloaded them. You cannot move them to another app, email them, or transfer them to another person's device. This is a security measure to protect the shows from unauthorized sharing.
What happens if I download a season and then the show is removed from the service?
You can still watch the downloaded episodes on your device as long as your subscription is active. Once your subscription ends, you cannot watch them. The downloads remain on your device taking up storage space until you manually delete them.
Do I need WiFi to download a season, or can I use mobile data?
You can use either WiFi or mobile data to download, but WiFi is faster and does not count against a data limit. If you have a limited mobile data plan, downloading over WiFi is the better choice. Downloading a full season over mobile data can use several gigabytes and may trigger overage charges depending on your plan.