Netflix lets you download episodes and films to your device, but only certain titles and only to the Netflix app

Netflix's download feature works only inside the Netflix app on phones, tablets, and some computers — not through a web browser. You can download most Netflix originals and licensed shows, but not all titles. Some films and series are restricted by licensing agreements with studios, so they won't have a download button even if you have an active subscription.

The download stays tied to your Netflix account and the device you downloaded it to. You cannot transfer a downloaded episode to another device, email it, or share it with someone else. The file expires after a set period — usually 30 days for most titles, though some Netflix originals allow longer — and you'll need an internet connection to verify your subscription before you can watch it, even though the file itself is stored locally.

Key Takeaways

  • Downloads work only in the Netflix app on phones, tablets, and some computers, not on web browsers or through any other method.
  • Not all Netflix titles can be downloaded; licensing restrictions prevent studios from allowing certain shows and films to be stored offline.
  • Downloaded episodes expire after 30 days for most titles and require an internet connection to verify your subscription before playback.
  • Downloaded files are locked to the device and account they were downloaded on and cannot be transferred, shared, or moved to another device.

Which devices support Netflix downloads

The Netflix app on iOS devices (iPhone and iPad) supports downloads on any device running iOS 12.0 or later. On Android phones and tablets, you need Android 5.0 or higher and the Netflix app from Google Play — sideloaded versions may not have download functionality.

On Windows computers, the Netflix app from the Microsoft Store supports downloads, but the web browser version does not. On Mac computers, downloads are not available at all, even through the app. Chromebooks and Linux machines cannot download Netflix content.

If you're using a tablet or phone with limited storage, check how much space is free before downloading multiple episodes. A single hour-long episode typically uses 300 MB to 1 GB depending on video quality, so a full season can consume several gigabytes.

How to download an episode or film

Open the Netflix app and navigate to the title you want to download. On the title's detail page, look for a download icon — it looks like a downward-pointing arrow inside a circle. If you see this icon, tap it to start the download. If the icon is missing or grayed out, that title cannot be downloaded.

Netflix will ask you to choose a video quality for the download. Standard quality uses less storage but looks grainier on larger screens. High quality uses more storage but looks sharper. Select your preference and confirm. The download will begin immediately and continue in the background even if you close the app or lock your device.

To check download progress, go to the Downloads section of the Netflix app (usually a tab at the bottom of the screen). You'll see a list of titles currently downloading, completed downloads, and how much storage each one uses. If a download fails, Netflix will usually retry automatically, but you can also delete it and start over.

Where to find and watch your downloads

Open the Netflix app and tap the Downloads tab or section — the location varies slightly between iOS and Android, but it's always accessible from the main menu. Your downloaded titles appear here organized by show or film. Tap any title to see individual episodes you've downloaded.

To play a downloaded episode, tap it from the Downloads section. The video will play from your device's storage without needing to stream from Netflix's servers. You do not need an active internet connection to watch the video itself, but Netflix will check your subscription status before playback begins — this verification requires a brief internet connection, usually just a few seconds.

If you finish watching a downloaded episode and want to free up storage space, swipe left on the title (iOS) or long-press it (Android) and select Delete or Remove Download. The episode will be removed from your device but will remain in your Netflix account, so you can download it again later.

Understanding expiration dates and storage limits

Most Netflix titles expire 30 days after you download them. After that period, the file becomes unplayable and you'll see a message asking you to download it again if you want to watch it. Some Netflix original series and films have longer expiration windows — occasionally 48 hours or 7 days for certain licensed content — so check the expiration date shown next to each download.

Netflix does not set a hard limit on how many titles you can download, but your device's storage is the real constraint. A phone with 64 GB of storage can typically hold 30 to 50 hours of video depending on quality settings. If you run out of space, delete older downloads you've finished watching or lower the quality setting for future downloads.

If your subscription lapses or you cancel Netflix, your downloaded files will stop playing even though they remain on your device. Once you reactivate your subscription, Netflix will verify your account again and the downloads will work.

Why some titles cannot be downloaded

Studios and content creators control whether Netflix can offer downloads for their work. A film studio might allow downloads for a Netflix original they produced but forbid it for a licensed film they sold to Netflix. This is why you might see a download button for one show but not another, even though both are available to stream.

International licensing also affects downloads. A show available to download in the United States might not have download rights in Canada or the UK, so the button will not appear if you're in a region where the studio didn't grant download permission. If you travel internationally, check whether your downloaded titles will still play — some may not work outside the country where you downloaded them.

What Netflix downloads cannot do

Netflix downloads are not files you can edit, convert, or share. You cannot email a downloaded episode to a friend, upload it to another service, or move it to a different device. The file is encrypted and locked to your Netflix account and the specific device it was downloaded on.

You also cannot download Netflix content using third-party tools or browser extensions, even if such tools exist. Netflix's terms of service prohibit circumventing their download restrictions, and using unauthorized tools to extract or convert Netflix files violates both Netflix's terms and copyright law in most countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I download Netflix episodes on my computer?

Only on Windows computers using the Netflix app from the Microsoft Store. Mac computers do not support downloads. Web browsers on any computer cannot download Netflix content, even if you have a subscription.

What happens if I download an episode and then cancel my subscription?

The downloaded file remains on your device but becomes unplayable. Netflix checks your subscription status before allowing playback, even for offline downloads. If you reactivate your subscription later, the downloads will work again.

Can I download Netflix content to watch on a plane or during travel?

Yes, that's one of the main reasons Netflix offers downloads. Download episodes before you travel, and you can watch them without an internet connection. Netflix only needs to verify your subscription once before playback, which takes a few seconds of internet access.

Why does a show I want to download not have a download button?

The studio or rights holder did not grant Netflix permission to allow downloads for that title. Licensing agreements vary by content, so some shows and films can only be streamed, not stored offline. This is not a technical limitation — it's a legal one set by the content creator.

How much storage do Netflix downloads use?

A typical one-hour episode uses 300 MB to 1 GB depending on whether you choose standard or high quality. A full season of 10 episodes might use 3 to 10 GB. Check your device's available storage before downloading multiple seasons.