Netflix downloads work on phones and tablets, not computers
You can download movies and TV shows directly to your phone or tablet through the Netflix app, then watch them without an internet connection. The download button appears on most titles — but not all. Netflix limits downloads to phones and tablets running iOS or Android; you cannot download to a Windows PC or Mac, even though you can watch Netflix on those devices.
Downloaded content stays on your device for a set time. Most titles expire after 30 days, though some expire sooner. If you download a show mid-season, individual episodes may expire at different times depending on when Netflix's license to that content ends.
Key Takeaways
- The download button appears on the title's page in the Netflix app — tap it to save the movie or show to your phone or tablet.
- Downloaded content works only on the device where you downloaded it; you cannot move a download to a different phone.
- Most downloads expire after 30 days and must be refreshed by opening Netflix and letting the app update them.
- Netflix limits simultaneous downloads and total storage, so older downloads may be removed automatically if you download many new titles.
- Downloaded titles play through the Netflix app only — you cannot export them to another video player or share them with other people.
Finding and downloading a title
Open the Netflix app on your phone or tablet and search for the movie or show you want. Tap the title to open its page. Look for a download icon — usually a downward-pointing arrow or a circle with a down arrow inside it. Tap that icon once.
The app will begin downloading immediately. You will see a progress bar showing how much of the file has downloaded. Depending on your internet speed and the title's length, this can take anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes. Do not close the Netflix app while the download is in progress, though you can use other apps on your phone.
Once the download finishes, the download icon will change — usually to a checkmark or a filled circle. This means the title is now stored on your device and ready to watch offline.
Watching downloaded content without internet
Open the Netflix app and tap the Downloads section at the bottom of the screen (on most phones) or in the menu. You will see all the titles you have downloaded. Tap any title to play it. The video will play from your device's storage, not from Netflix's servers, so you do not need an internet connection.
Downloaded content plays through the Netflix app only. You cannot move it to another video player, send it to someone else, or watch it on a different device. If you want to watch the same show on your tablet and your phone, you must download it separately to each device.
Understanding download limits and expiration
Netflix limits how many titles you can download at once. Most accounts can download up to 100 titles total, though this limit varies depending on your subscription plan. If you reach the limit, you must delete older downloads before you can add new ones.
Downloaded titles expire after a set time — usually 30 days. When a download is about to expire, Netflix will notify you. To keep watching, open the Netflix app and tap the title again. The app will refresh the download and reset the expiration timer. You do not need to delete and re-download; refreshing takes only a few seconds.
Some titles expire faster than 30 days. This happens when Netflix's license to that content is ending soon. You will see the expiration date on the title's download page, so you know how long you have to watch it.
Freeing up space when downloads fill your device
Downloaded Netflix content takes up storage space on your phone or tablet. If your device is running low on space, you can delete downloads to free it up. Open the Netflix app, go to Downloads, and swipe left on any title (on iPhone) or long-press it (on Android). Tap Delete or Remove. The file will be removed from your device immediately.
If you delete a download by accident, you can download it again at any time — Netflix will not charge you extra. Just search for the title and tap the download button again.
Troubleshooting downloads that do not work
If the download button does not appear on a title, Netflix does not allow downloads for that content. This is usually because of licensing restrictions — the company that owns the movie or show has not given Netflix permission to let people download it. Try searching for a different title instead.
If a download starts but gets stuck, check your internet connection. Netflix needs a working connection to begin the download, even though you will not need it once the download finishes. If the connection drops during download, the process will pause. Reconnect to the internet and tap the download button again — Netflix will usually resume from where it left off rather than starting over.
If you see a message saying you have reached your download limit, delete some older downloads first. Open Downloads, remove titles you have already watched, and then try downloading the new title.
What you need to know about device storage
Downloaded movies and shows take up real space on your phone or tablet. A two-hour movie typically uses 500 MB to 2 GB depending on video quality. A full season of a TV show can use 5 GB or more. Before downloading many titles, check how much free space your device has. Go to Settings and look for Storage or About Phone to see available space.
Netflix automatically adjusts video quality based on your device's storage. If you are running low on space, Netflix may download at lower quality to fit more content. You cannot manually change the download quality — Netflix handles this automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download Netflix shows on my computer?
No. Netflix only allows downloads on phones and tablets with the Netflix app. You cannot download to a Windows PC or Mac. You can watch Netflix on a computer through a web browser, but you must have an internet connection.
What happens if I download a show, then cancel my Netflix subscription?
Downloaded content will stop playing once your subscription ends. Netflix requires an active subscription to watch any content, including downloads. The files remain on your device but cannot be opened without a valid account.
Can I share a downloaded movie with someone else?
No. Downloaded content is tied to your Netflix account and the specific device where you downloaded it. Other people cannot access your downloads, and you cannot transfer them to another phone or tablet.
How do I know when a download is about to expire?
Netflix sends a notification when a download has a few days left before expiration. You can also check the Downloads section — most titles show the expiration date next to the download. Tap the title to refresh it and reset the timer.
Do downloaded shows take up space even after I delete them?
No. Once you delete a download from the Netflix app, the file is completely removed from your device and frees up storage space. Deleting a download does not affect your Netflix account — you can download the same title again later.