Downloading movies from Netflix has become increasingly popular as it allows users to enjoy their favorite content without needing a continuous Internet connection. This can be useful if you have an unstable connection or want to watch movies offline while travelling.
Not all movies and TV shows on Netflix are enabled for download, but you can easily find which ones are available as they display a download icon.
This guide provides an overview of how to download movies from Netflix across various devices.
Key Takeaways
- Netflix allows downloading of movies for offline viewing on several devices through the Netflix app.
- Different devices have different methods for downloading content.
- Storage space requirements vary based on the quality of the download.
- The Smart Downloads setting allows you to automatically download the next episode of a TV show to enhance your offline viewing experience.
- Downloads from Netflix for offline viewing are only available for a limited time. They cannot be transferred to other devices or kept indefinitely.
What is Netflix?
Netflix is a leading streaming service that offers a wide range of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and original content. It allows users to stream content online and also provides the option to download titles for offline viewing.
How to Download Movies from Netflix
Downloading movies from Netflix is straightforward, but the steps differ depending on your device. Below, we explain how to download movies on various devices.
How to Download Movies from Netflix on Your Phone (Android, iPhone, iPad)
Open the Netflix app
Ensure you have the latest version of the app installed.Sign in
Log in to your Netflix account.Find the movie
Browse or search for the movie you want to download.Download icon
Tap the download icon (a downward-facing arrow) next to the movie title.View your downloads
Access downloaded movies through the ‘Downloads’ section of the app.
How to Download Movies from Netflix on Macbook
Currently, there is no native Netflix app for macOS that supports downloading. However, you can use an alternative method:
Install Windows on Mac
Use Boot Camp to install Windows on your Macbook.Download the Netflix app
Navigate to the Microsoft Store and Install the Netflix app on the Windows partition.Follow Windows download steps
Follow the instructions below for Windows devices to download movies.
How to Download Movies from Netflix on Windows Devices
Open the Netflix app
Download and install the Netflix app from the Microsoft Store (if you haven’t already.)Sign in
Log in to your Netflix account.Find the movie
Search for the movie you wish to download. You can also click on the Available to Download option on the left-hand menu.Download icon
Click the download icon next to the movie title.Access downloads
View your downloads in the ‘My Downloads’ section of the app.
How to Download Netflix Movies for Offline Viewing
To download movies for offline viewing, follow the steps outlined for your specific device. Ensure your device has enough storage and a stable Internet connection during the download process.
How Much Space Do You Need?
The amount of space required for downloaded movies on Netflix depends on the quality of the download:
Typically, an hour of standard-quality video consumes about 300MB, while high quality video can use up to 3GB per hour.
How to Delete Titles
- Open the Netflix app.
- Navigate to the ‘Downloads’ section.
- Tap the ‘Edit’ button.
- Select the titles you want to delete and tap the delete icon.
How to Enable Automatic Downloads
You can change your Netflix settings to automatically download the next episode of a TV show using a feature called Smart Downloads. You can also use the Downloads For You feature to automatically download recommended movies or TV shows based on your viewing activity.
- Open the Netflix app.
- Go to Downloads tab.
- Switch on Downloads For You. Choose the maximum amount of storage space you want to allow the feature to use—1GB, 3GB or 5GB.
How to Activate Smart Downloads on Netflix
- Open the Netflix app.
- Go to ‘Downloads’ and tap on the ‘Downloads’ tab.
- Select ‘Smart Downloads’: Toggle the switch to enable automatic downloads. This feature will automatically download the next episode of a series you are watching and delete watched episodes.
Which Netflix Plans Allow for Downloads?
Netflix offers several plans, and all of them allow you to download content.
The Bottom Line
Downloading movies from Netflix is a convenient feature that allows for offline viewing across various devices. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can enjoy your favorite movies and shows anywhere, at any time, without the need for an Internet connection, such as when you are travelling.