Netflix lets you download shows and movies to your phone or tablet, then watch them without an internet connection
Netflix's download feature works on phones and tablets running Android or iOS, and on some Windows and Mac computers. You pick a show or movie, tap the download button, and Netflix saves it to your device's storage. You can then watch it anytime — on a plane, in a car, or anywhere else without needing WiFi or mobile data. Downloaded content stays on your device until you delete it or until Netflix removes it from the service.
The download button appears on most Netflix titles, but not all. Some films and shows are not available to download because of licensing agreements with studios. If you do not see a download button on a title you want, that particular show or movie cannot be downloaded through Netflix.
Key Takeaways
- The download button appears next to the play button on any title that supports downloading — tap it and Netflix saves the episode or film to your device.
- Downloaded content takes up storage space on your phone or tablet, so check how much free space you have before downloading multiple seasons.
- You can watch downloaded shows and movies for as long as they remain on Netflix's service, but Netflix can remove titles at any time.
- Downloaded episodes expire after a set period — Netflix tells you when each download will stop working, usually 30 days after you first watch it.
How to download on your phone or tablet
Open Netflix and find the show or movie you want to download. On the title's page, look for the download icon — it looks like a downward-pointing arrow inside a circle, and it sits next to the play button and the heart icon. Tap that icon once.
Netflix will ask you to pick which quality to download: Standard or High. Standard takes up less storage space but looks less sharp. High looks better but uses more of your device's storage. Choose whichever fits your device's available space, then tap the quality you want. Netflix starts downloading immediately and shows you a progress bar.
For TV shows, Netflix downloads one episode at a time by default. If you want to download multiple episodes or an entire season, tap the download icon again after the first episode finishes, or look for a "Download Season" option on the show's main page. Some shows let you download a whole season in one tap.
Checking your downloads and managing storage
To see everything you have downloaded, open Netflix and tap the Downloads tab at the bottom of the screen (on iPhone or iPad) or look for the Downloads section in the menu (on Android). This shows you every show and movie saved to your device, how much storage each one uses, and how much time is left before each download expires.
Downloaded content takes up real storage space on your phone or tablet. If your device is running low on storage, Netflix may warn you before you download. You can delete any downloaded show or movie by swiping left on it (iPhone) or pressing and holding it (Android), then tapping Delete. This frees up space without affecting your Netflix account or watch history.
Netflix also automatically deletes downloads when they expire. Most downloads work for 30 days after you first watch them, though some titles have different expiration times. Netflix shows you the exact expiration date for each download in the Downloads section.
Downloading on a computer
The Netflix app for Windows 10 and Windows 11 computers includes a download feature, but the Mac app does not. If you use a Mac, you cannot download Netflix content directly to your computer through the Netflix app.
On Windows, open the Netflix app and find the title you want. Look for the download icon next to the play button and tap it. Choose your quality, and Netflix saves the file to your computer. You can watch it offline by opening the Netflix app and going to Downloads, even if you are not connected to the internet.
What happens when you travel with downloads
Downloaded shows and movies work on any WiFi network or without any network at all. You do not need to sign in again or verify your account to watch them — just open the Netflix app and go to Downloads. This makes downloads useful for flights, road trips, or places where internet is slow or unavailable.
Netflix does check your account periodically, even when you are offline. If you have not connected to the internet in a while, Netflix may ask you to sign in again before you can watch your downloads. The exact timing varies, but Netflix usually requires a connection check every 30 days or so.
Why some titles cannot be downloaded
Not every show and movie on Netflix can be downloaded. Studios and production companies control whether Netflix can offer downloads for their content, and many choose not to allow it. If a title does not have a download button, that studio has not given Netflix permission to let you save it offline.
Netflix also removes titles from the service regularly when licensing agreements end. When that happens, any downloads of that show or movie stop working, even if they are still on your device. Netflix sends you a notification when a title is about to leave the service, giving you time to watch it before it disappears.
Troubleshooting downloads that are not working
If a download fails or gets stuck, first check that you have enough free storage space on your device. Open your phone or tablet's settings and look at how much storage is available. If you are low on space, delete some downloads or other files, then try again.
If the download still does not work, restart the Netflix app. Close it completely, wait a few seconds, then open it again and try downloading the same title. If that does not help, restart your device itself — turn it off and back on — then try once more.
Make sure you are connected to WiFi or have a strong mobile data connection when you start a download. Netflix needs a stable connection to save the file. If your connection drops during the download, Netflix pauses it and resumes when the connection comes back, but a very weak connection may cause the download to fail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download Netflix shows to watch on another device?
No. Downloads are tied to the device you download them on. A show you download to your phone will not appear on your tablet or computer, even though you use the same Netflix account. You have to download it separately on each device where you want to watch it offline.
How much storage do Netflix downloads use?
It depends on the quality and length of the content. A single episode of a TV show typically uses 300 MB to 1 GB of storage in Standard quality, or 1 GB to 3 GB in High quality. A full movie can use 1 GB to 4 GB depending on its length and quality. Netflix shows you the file size before you download.
What if I delete the Netflix app — do I lose my downloads?
Yes. Deleting the Netflix app also deletes all downloaded content stored within it. If you want to keep your downloads, do not uninstall the app. If you do uninstall it, you can download the content again after you reinstall Netflix.
Can I share my downloaded shows with someone else?
No. Downloads are locked to your Netflix account and the device they are on. Someone else cannot watch your downloads even if they use the same device, unless they sign into Netflix with your account. Netflix's terms of service do not allow sharing downloads between accounts.
Why did my download stop working even though it is still on my device?
Netflix removed that title from the service, which automatically expires all downloads of it. This happens when Netflix's licensing agreement with the studio ends. You can still watch the show or movie through Netflix if it is available in your region, but you cannot watch the offline download anymore.