Download movies from Netflix for offline viewing
While Netflix doesn’t offer traditional downloads like some other streaming services, it does allow you to download movies and shows for offline viewing on specific devices. This is a fantastic feature for situations where you might have limited internet access, like traveling on a plane or spending time at the beach.
However, there are some important things to understand before we dive into the download process:
- Not all content is available for download: Licensing agreements may prevent certain movies and shows from being downloaded. You’ll see a download icon next to downloadable titles when browsing on your Netflix app.
- Downloads are device-specific: Downloaded content can only be viewed on the device where it was downloaded. You can’t transfer them to other devices.
- Downloads have expiration dates: Downloaded content won’t stay on your device forever. Netflix sets expiration dates, and you’ll need to reconnect to the internet to refresh them for continued viewing.
With these points in mind, here’s how to download movies and shows for offline viewing on Netflix:
What You’ll Need:
- A Netflix subscription
- A Netflix-compatible device (phone, tablet, computer) with the latest Netflix app installed
- A stable internet connection for downloading
Downloading on Mobile Devices (Phones & Tablets):
- Open the Netflix app and sign in to your account.
- Browse the Netflix library. Look for the download icon (downward facing arrow) next to the movie or show title. This indicates the content is available for offline viewing.
- Tap the download icon next to the movie or show you want to download.
- The download will begin. You can see the download progress on the Downloads tab (usually found at the bottom navigation bar).
Downloading on Computers:
Note: Downloading on computers is currently limited to Windows 10 devices with the Netflix app downloaded from the Microsoft Store.
- Open the Netflix app on your Windows 10 computer.
- Sign in to your Netflix account.
- Browse the Netflix library. Similar to mobile devices, look for the download icon next to the movie or show title.
- Click the download icon next to the movie or show you want to download.
- The download will begin. You can find downloaded content under “My Downloads” in the menu bar on the left side of the app.
Managing Downloads:
- See Downloaded Content: Once downloaded, you can access your downloaded movies and shows through the Downloads tab on mobile devices or the “My Downloads” section on your computer.
- Delete Downloads: To free up space on your device, you can delete downloaded content. On mobile devices, navigate to the Downloads tab, tap the Edit button, and select the titles you want to remove. On your computer, go to “My Downloads” and click the download icon (now with a checkmark) next to the title you want to delete.
- Check Expiration Dates: Downloaded content has expiration dates. You can usually see the expiration date within the Downloads section on your device. To continue watching past the expiry, you’ll need to reconnect to the internet and refresh the download.
Additional Tips:
- Download over Wi-Fi: Downloading movies and shows can use a significant amount of data. It’s best to download content over a Wi-Fi connection to avoid exceeding your mobile data plan.
- Storage Space Considerations: Downloaded content takes up storage space on your device. Be mindful of how much storage you have available before downloading a large library of movies and shows.
- Content Availability Changes: Just like with streaming content, what’s available for download can change over time due to licensing agreements. A movie you downloaded previously might not be available for download again in the future.
By following these steps and understanding the limitations, you can enjoy your favorite Netflix movies and shows offline whenever you need a break from the internet connection.