Netflix downloads work on phones and tablets, not computers or TV sets
You can save shows and movies to your phone or tablet through the Netflix app, then watch them without an internet connection. Downloads are temporary — Netflix removes them after a set time, usually 30 days, though some titles expire sooner. You cannot download on a web browser, smart TV, or computer, only on iOS and Android devices.
The feature is included with your regular Netflix subscription at no extra cost. The amount of storage space available depends on your device, not your Netflix plan. A typical hour-long episode uses 300 to 500 megabytes, so most phones can hold 10 to 20 episodes before running out of room.
Key Takeaways
- Open the Netflix app on your phone or tablet, find the title you want, and tap the download icon next to the play button.
- Downloads appear in a separate Downloads tab in the app where you can watch them offline and delete them when you are done.
- Netflix removes downloads automatically after 30 days or when your subscription expires, whichever comes first.
- Some titles cannot be downloaded because of licensing restrictions, and Netflix shows you which ones are available before you try.
- Downloaded content uses your device's storage space, so deleting old downloads makes room for new ones.
Finding and downloading a title on your phone or tablet
Open the Netflix app and search for the show or movie you want. When you find it, tap the title to open its details page. Look for a download icon — it looks like a downward-pointing arrow inside a circle — next to the play button. Tap that icon and Netflix begins saving the episode or movie to your device.
For TV series, you can download individual episodes or entire seasons. When you tap the download icon next to a season title, Netflix downloads all episodes in that season. If you only want certain episodes, open the season and tap the download icon next to each episode you want instead. The app shows a progress bar while the download is happening and displays a checkmark when it is complete.
Some titles show a lock icon or a message saying downloads are not available. This means Netflix does not have permission to let you download that particular show or movie. You can still stream it online, but you cannot save it for offline viewing. Netflix tells you this before you try to download, so you will know right away if a title cannot be saved.
Watching your downloads without internet
Tap the Downloads tab at the bottom of the Netflix app to see everything you have saved. Your downloads appear in a list organized by when you saved them. Tap any title to start watching immediately — no internet connection needed. You can pause, rewind, and fast-forward just as you would with a streamed title.
Downloaded episodes and movies stay on your device until you delete them or until Netflix removes them automatically. You can watch a download as many times as you want before it expires. If you finish a series and want to make room for something new, swipe left on the title in the Downloads tab and tap Delete to remove it from your device.
Understanding expiration dates and automatic removal
Netflix automatically deletes most downloads 30 days after you save them, even if you have not watched them yet. Some titles expire sooner — Netflix shows you the exact expiration date on the download details page. The countdown starts the moment you finish downloading, not when you start watching.
If your Netflix subscription expires or you cancel your account, all your downloads disappear immediately. Netflix also removes downloads if you sign out of the app and sign back in on a different device. This is a security measure to prevent sharing downloads across multiple people's accounts.
When a download is about to expire, Netflix sends you a notification. You can re-download the same title as many times as you want, so expiration is not permanent — you just need to download it again when you are ready to watch.
Checking how much storage space you have left
Your phone or tablet has a fixed amount of storage, and downloads take up space just like photos or other apps. Go to your device's Settings app to see how much storage is available. On iPhone, tap Settings, then General, then iPhone Storage. On Android, tap Settings, then Storage or About Phone, then Storage.
If you are running low on space, delete downloads you have already watched. Open the Downloads tab in Netflix, swipe left on each title you want to remove, and tap Delete. You can also delete other apps or photos from your device to free up room. Netflix will tell you if a download fails because your device is full.
Downloading over WiFi versus mobile data
Netflix lets you download over WiFi or mobile data, but downloading over mobile uses your data plan. If you have a limited data plan, connect to WiFi before downloading, especially for full seasons or movies. A single hour-long episode uses roughly 300 to 500 megabytes, so a full season can use 3 to 5 gigabytes or more.
You can change your download settings in the app. Open your profile menu, tap App Settings, then find Download options. You can set Netflix to download only over WiFi, which prevents accidental data usage. This setting does not affect streaming — you can still stream over mobile data whenever you want.
Troubleshooting downloads that fail or do not appear
If a download fails, check that you have enough storage space on your device and that you are connected to WiFi or mobile data. Close the Netflix app completely and open it again. Try downloading a different title to see if the problem is with that specific show or a broader issue with your device.
If a download starts but never finishes, your connection may have dropped. Netflix pauses the download automatically if you lose internet, and it resumes when you reconnect. You can also delete the incomplete download and start over — swipe left on the title in the Downloads tab and tap Delete, then download it again.
If you cannot find the download icon on a title, that show or movie may not be available for download in your region. Netflix restricts downloads based on licensing agreements that vary by country. Try searching for a different title to confirm the download feature is working, then contact Netflix support if the feature seems broken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download Netflix shows on my computer or smart TV?
No. Downloads are only available on the Netflix app for iPhone and Android phones and tablets. You cannot download through the web browser or on smart TVs, streaming devices, or computers. You can stream these titles online on any device, but offline viewing requires a phone or tablet.
What happens to my downloads if I pause my subscription?
All your downloads are deleted immediately when your subscription ends or is paused. If you reactivate your subscription later, you will need to download the titles again. Netflix does this to prevent sharing downloads across multiple accounts.
Can I transfer downloads from one device to another?
No. Downloads are locked to the device where you saved them and the account you used to download them. You cannot move a download to a different phone or tablet. If you want to watch on a different device, you must download the title again on that device using the same Netflix account.
Do downloaded shows take up the same amount of space as streaming them?
Downloaded content uses less space than streaming the same amount of video because Netflix compresses downloads more heavily. A downloaded episode typically uses 300 to 500 megabytes depending on video quality, while streaming the same episode uses data from your internet plan but does not take up permanent storage.
Why does Netflix remove downloads after 30 days?
Netflix removes downloads automatically to comply with licensing agreements with content creators. The 30-day window gives you time to watch without storing content permanently on your device. You can re-download the same title as many times as you want, so the limit is not permanent.