The basic steps to download a Netflix film
Open the Netflix app on your phone or tablet, find the film you want to watch offline, and tap the download icon — usually a downward arrow next to the title. The film 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 film.
The download icon only appears on certain devices and for certain titles. Netflix does not allow downloads on web browsers or on all films — some titles are restricted by the studios that own them. If you do not see a download button next to a film, that title cannot be downloaded.
Downloaded films stay on your device until you delete them or until Netflix removes your access to them. Netflix periodically refreshes downloaded content to check that your subscription is still active, so a film you downloaded weeks ago may disappear if your subscription lapses.
Key Takeaways
- Netflix downloads work only on the Netflix app for phones and tablets, not on computers or through a web browser.
- Not every film can be downloaded — the download button appears only for titles Netflix has permission to offer offline.
- Downloaded films take up storage space on your device, and Netflix limits how many you can download at once depending on your subscription plan.
- Downloaded content expires if your subscription ends or if Netflix removes the title, so downloads are not permanent.
- You can watch downloaded films without internet, but Netflix still needs to verify your subscription periodically.
Which devices support Netflix downloads
Netflix downloads work on the Netflix app for iOS (iPhone and iPad) and Android phones and tablets. You cannot download films through the Netflix website on a computer, and downloads are not available on smart TVs, streaming devices like Roku or Apple TV, or web browsers.
If you want to watch Netflix offline on a computer, downloading is not an option through Netflix itself. Some people use screen recording or third-party tools, but these methods violate Netflix's terms of service and may be illegal depending on where you live.
Storage space and download limits
Each downloaded film takes up storage space on your phone or tablet. A typical Netflix film uses between 500 MB and 3 GB depending on video quality and length — a two-hour film in standard definition might use 1 to 2 GB, while the same film in higher quality uses more.
Netflix limits how many titles you can download at once based on your subscription plan. Basic plans allow fewer simultaneous downloads than Premium plans. If you reach your limit, you must delete a downloaded film before you can download another one.
Check your device's available storage before downloading multiple films. If your phone or tablet is nearly full, downloading large files may slow down your device or prevent other apps from working properly.
Video quality and download settings
When you download a film, Netflix uses the video quality setting you have chosen in your account. You can change this in Netflix's app settings under "Download quality" or "Playback settings." The options are usually Standard (lower quality, smaller file size) or Higher (better picture, larger file size).
Downloading in Standard quality uses less storage and downloads faster, but the picture will not be as sharp. Downloading in Higher quality looks better but takes up significantly more space on your device. Choose based on your device's storage and how much you care about picture quality for that particular film.
Netflix does not offer a choice of resolution or bitrate the way some other services do — you pick Standard or Higher, and Netflix handles the rest.
Why some films cannot be downloaded
Film studios and distributors control whether Netflix can offer offline downloads for each title. Some studios restrict downloads to protect against unauthorized copying, while others allow them freely. This is why you see the download button on some films but not others, even within the same genre or from the same studio.
Netflix has no control over which titles get download permission — the restrictions come from the rights holders. If a film you want to download does not have a download button, that restriction cannot be overridden by changing your subscription plan or account settings.
Managing and deleting downloaded films
To see all your downloaded films, open the Netflix app and tap the Downloads tab at the bottom of the screen (on most phones) or look for a Downloads section in the menu. From there you can play any downloaded film or delete it by swiping or tapping the delete option.
Deleting a downloaded film frees up storage space on your device but does not affect your ability to stream it later over the internet. You can download the same film again whenever you want, as long as your subscription is active and Netflix still has the right to offer downloads for that title.
Netflix automatically deletes some downloaded content after a set period if you have not watched it, though this varies by title. You will usually get a notification before Netflix removes a download.
What happens when your subscription ends
If your Netflix subscription lapses or is cancelled, downloaded films will no longer play. Netflix checks your subscription status periodically, and once it detects that you no longer have an active account, the downloaded files become locked.
Restarting your subscription will not automatically restore access to the same downloaded files — you will need to download them again. This is why Netflix downloads are not a permanent way to keep films; they are meant for temporary offline viewing while your subscription is active.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download Netflix films on my computer?
No. Netflix downloads are only available through the mobile app on phones and tablets. The Netflix website does not have a download feature, and downloads are not supported on computers, smart TVs, or streaming devices.
How long can I keep a downloaded film?
You can keep a downloaded film as long as your subscription is active and Netflix retains the right to offer it. Once your subscription ends, the film becomes unwatchable. Some titles may also be removed from Netflix's catalog, which will lock the downloaded version even if you remain subscribed.
Do downloaded films use my internet connection?
No. Once a film is fully downloaded, you can watch it without any internet connection. However, Netflix may periodically connect to the internet to verify that your subscription is still active, though this does not interrupt playback.
Can I transfer a downloaded Netflix film to another device?
No. Downloaded Netflix films are tied to the device and account that downloaded them. You cannot move or copy them to another phone, tablet, or computer. If you want to watch offline on a different device, you must download the film again on that device.
What if I run out of storage space while downloading?
The download will fail or pause if your device does not have enough free space. Delete other files or apps to free up storage, then try downloading again. Netflix will resume the download from where it left off if the connection was interrupted.