The Basic Steps to Download a Netflix Show
To download a show on Netflix, open the app on your phone or tablet, find the show you want, and tap the download icon — usually a downward-pointing arrow next to the play button. The show will begin downloading to your device's storage. Once the download finishes, you can watch it without an internet connection by opening Netflix, going to your Downloads section, and selecting the episode or season you saved.
Netflix downloads work only on phones and tablets, not on computers or smart TVs. The download icon appears on the show's main page and on individual episode pages, so you can download an entire season at once or pick specific episodes. Downloaded content stays on your device until you delete it or until Netflix removes it from your account — Netflix can expire downloads after a set period, which varies by show.
The download process takes longer for full seasons than for single episodes, and the time depends on your internet speed and the video quality you choose. Netflix typically offers standard definition or high definition downloads; higher quality takes more storage space and longer to download.
Key Takeaways
- The download icon appears as a downward arrow on the show or episode page, and tapping it saves the content to your device's storage.
- Downloaded shows appear in your Downloads section within the Netflix app, separate from your regular watch list.
- Downloads work only on phones and tablets running iOS or Android, not on computers, web browsers, or streaming devices.
- Netflix sets expiration dates on some downloads, meaning a show may disappear from your device after a certain number of days even if you do not delete it.
- Your Netflix plan determines how many devices can have downloads at the same time — basic plans allow fewer simultaneous downloads than premium plans.
Which Netflix Plans Include Downloads
All Netflix subscription tiers include the ability to download shows and movies, but the number of devices you can download to at the same time varies by plan. A Basic plan allows downloads on one device, Standard allows two devices, and Premium allows four devices. This means if you have a Basic plan and download a show on your phone, you cannot download another show on a tablet until you delete the first download or your plan changes.
The download limit resets when a download expires or when you manually delete it from your device. If you reach your device limit and want to download something new, you will need to remove an old download first. Netflix does not charge extra for downloads — they are included in your regular subscription cost.
Storage Space and Download Quality Options
Before downloading, check how much free storage your phone or tablet has. A single episode in standard definition typically uses 300 to 500 megabytes, while high definition uses 1 to 3 gigabytes per episode. A full season in high definition can use 10 to 30 gigabytes or more, depending on episode length and the show itself.
When you tap the download icon, Netflix usually lets you choose the video quality. Standard definition downloads faster and uses less space but looks grainier on larger screens. High definition takes longer and uses more storage but looks sharper. If you do not see a quality option, Netflix is using its default setting for your device and plan.
If your device is running low on storage, Netflix will warn you before starting the download. You can free up space by deleting old downloads, photos, or apps, or by moving files to cloud storage or a computer.
Where Downloaded Shows Appear and How to Watch Them
Once a download finishes, it appears in the Downloads section of the Netflix app. On most phones, you reach Downloads by tapping the menu icon (usually three horizontal lines) at the bottom of the screen, then selecting Downloads. The section shows all your saved shows and movies, organized by title.
To watch a downloaded show, open the Downloads section, find the show, and tap it. Netflix will play the episode from your device's storage without needing an internet connection. You can watch downloaded content in airplane mode, on a train, or anywhere else without data or Wi-Fi.
Downloaded episodes appear in the order they aired, and Netflix remembers where you stopped watching. If you watch a downloaded episode on one device and then watch the same show on another device with internet, Netflix syncs your progress across devices.
How Long Downloads Stay on Your Device
Netflix sets expiration dates on most downloads, though the length varies widely by show. Some downloads expire after 7 days, others after 30 days, and some after several months. Netflix displays the expiration date on the download itself, usually shown as "Expires in X days" in the Downloads section.
When a download expires, Netflix automatically removes it from your device, even if you have not watched it. You can re-download the show at any time as long as it remains available on Netflix. If Netflix removes a show from its catalog entirely, you will no longer be able to download it, though any existing downloads will continue to play until they expire or you delete them.
You can manually delete a download at any time by opening the Downloads section, finding the show, and selecting the delete option. This frees up storage space immediately and counts as one fewer active download on your account.
Troubleshooting Common Download Problems
If the download icon does not appear on a show, that title may not be available for download in your region or on your device type. Some shows and movies are download-restricted by the content provider, so Netflix cannot offer them offline. Check whether you are using a phone or tablet — downloads do not work on computers or smart TVs.
If a download keeps failing, check your internet connection and make sure you have enough free storage space. Netflix requires a stable connection to start and complete downloads, though you do not need internet to watch once the download finishes. If the problem continues, try closing the Netflix app completely and reopening it, or restart your device.
If a downloaded show suddenly disappears, it likely expired. Check the Downloads section to see if an expiration notice appears. You can download it again immediately if it is still available on Netflix. If the show no longer appears in Netflix's catalog at all, it has been removed and cannot be re-downloaded.
Downloading on Different Devices
Netflix downloads work on iPhones, iPads, and Android phones and tablets. The process is the same across all devices — find the show, tap the download arrow, and wait for it to finish. The Netflix app must be up to date for downloads to work properly; if you have not updated the app in several months, download the latest version from your device's app store.
Downloaded content does not transfer between devices. If you download a show on your iPhone, it stays on your iPhone and does not automatically appear on your iPad or Android tablet. You must download the show separately on each device if you want it on multiple phones or tablets. Your Netflix account remembers which shows you have watched across all devices, but the actual downloaded files are stored locally on each device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download Netflix shows on my computer or laptop?
No. Netflix downloads are only available on phones and tablets running iOS or Android. You cannot download shows on Windows PCs, Macs, Chromebooks, or any computer. If you want to watch Netflix offline on a computer, you would need to use a different service or download method outside of Netflix.
What happens if I cancel my Netflix subscription — can I still watch downloaded shows?
No. Once your subscription ends, downloaded shows stop playing, even though the files remain on your device. Netflix requires an active subscription to unlock and play any downloaded content. If you resubscribe later, your old downloads will play again.
Can I share downloaded shows with someone else on a different device?
No. Downloaded shows are tied to your Netflix account and device. Someone else cannot watch your downloads on their phone or tablet unless they log into your Netflix account on their device. Each person needs their own Netflix account and their own downloads.
How much data does downloading use compared to streaming?
Downloading uses data only while the file transfers to your device. Once the download finishes, watching the show uses no data at all. Streaming uses data every time you play a show, so downloading is more efficient if you plan to watch the same content multiple times or in places without internet.
Why does Netflix say a show cannot be downloaded in my country?
Content providers set different rules for different regions. Some shows are licensed for streaming in your country but not for downloading. This restriction comes from the content owner, not Netflix, so you cannot change it. You can still stream the show with an internet connection.