Download an episode directly from the Netflix app on your phone or tablet
Open Netflix on your phone or tablet and find the show or movie you want to download. Look for the download icon — it looks like a downward arrow inside a circle — next to the play button. Tap that icon once, and Netflix will begin downloading the episode to your device. The download usually finishes within a few minutes, depending on the file size and your internet speed.
Once the download is complete, you'll see a checkmark or filled-in download icon in that same spot. You can now watch the episode without an internet connection. Netflix keeps downloaded episodes in a separate section of the app called Downloads or My Downloads, which you can find in the menu at the bottom of the screen.
Downloaded episodes stay on your device until you delete them or until Netflix removes them from your account — which can happen if your subscription ends or if Netflix removes the title from its library. You can delete a download manually at any time by tapping and holding the episode, then selecting delete.
Key Takeaways
- The download icon appears next to the play button on any episode or movie detail page in the Netflix app.
- Downloads work only on phones and tablets — you cannot download episodes on a web browser or smart TV.
- Downloaded episodes expire after a set period (usually 30 days for TV shows, longer for movies), and Netflix will remind you before they disappear.
- You need enough storage space on your device; Netflix shows you the file size before you download.
- Downloaded content requires a valid Netflix subscription to watch, even offline.
Check your device storage before downloading
Netflix shows you the file size of each episode before you tap download. A single episode typically uses 500 MB to 2 GB of storage, depending on the video quality and length. Before you download multiple episodes, check how much free space your phone or tablet has available.
On an iPhone, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage to see how much space is left. On an Android phone, open Settings > Storage to find the same information. If you're running low on space, delete old photos, videos, or apps you no longer use, or download episodes in standard definition rather than high definition to save space.
Understand expiration dates for downloaded episodes
Netflix doesn't let you keep downloaded episodes forever. TV show episodes typically expire and delete automatically after 30 days, though this varies depending on the show and your region. Movies usually have longer expiration periods — sometimes 48 days or more. Netflix sends you a notification a few days before a download expires, giving you time to watch it or download it again.
If your Netflix subscription lapses or ends, all your downloaded episodes will stop playing immediately, even if they haven't expired yet. The files stay on your device, but you won't be able to open them without an active subscription.
Download episodes in different video qualities
Netflix lets you choose the video quality for your downloads to match your device and storage space. Open the Netflix app and go to Settings (usually found in the menu or your profile icon). Look for Download Quality or Video Download Quality and select from the available options: Standard, High, or sometimes Ultra HD.
Standard quality uses the least storage — around 500 MB per episode — but looks grainier on larger screens. High quality uses more space (1 to 2 GB per episode) and looks sharper. Ultra HD uses the most storage but only works on certain devices and shows. If storage is tight, download in standard quality. If you're watching on a tablet or have plenty of space, high quality is usually worth it.
Download entire seasons at once
Instead of downloading episodes one at a time, you can download a whole season in one action. On the show's main page, look for a download icon next to the season number or title. Tap it, and Netflix will queue all episodes in that season for download. They'll download in the background, one after another, as long as your device stays connected to Wi-Fi.
Downloading a full season takes longer and uses much more storage — typically 10 to 30 GB depending on the number of episodes and quality setting. Make sure you have enough free space and a stable Wi-Fi connection before starting. You can pause or cancel the download at any time by tapping the download icon again.
Troubleshoot downloads that won't start or complete
If a download won't start, first check that you're connected to Wi-Fi. Netflix requires a Wi-Fi connection to download; you cannot download over cellular data. If you're on Wi-Fi and the download still won't start, try closing the Netflix app completely and opening it again.
If a download starts but gets stuck, check your internet connection — a weak or interrupted signal can pause the download. Move closer to your router or restart your Wi-Fi. If the problem continues, delete the incomplete download and try again. To delete it, tap and hold the episode in your Downloads section and select delete, then start a fresh download.
If Netflix says you've reached your download limit, you have too many episodes or movies downloaded at once. Netflix limits the number of downloads per account (usually 100 titles across all your devices). Delete some older downloads to make room for new ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download Netflix episodes on my computer or smart TV?
No. Netflix only allows downloads on phones and tablets using the mobile app. You cannot download on a web browser, Windows PC, Mac, or smart TV. If you want to watch offline on a larger screen, you'll need to download to a tablet instead.
What happens to my downloads if I cancel my Netflix subscription?
Downloaded episodes stop playing immediately when your subscription ends, even though the files remain on your device. If you reactivate your subscription later, the downloads will work again. The files themselves don't delete automatically, but you can remove them manually to free up space.
Can I transfer a Netflix download to another device?
No. Netflix downloads are locked to the device they were downloaded on and to your Netflix account. You cannot move, copy, or share a download to another phone, tablet, or person. Each device must download its own copy using the same Netflix account.
Why does Netflix say I can't download this episode?
Some shows and movies don't have download rights available in your region, or Netflix's license agreement with the studio doesn't include offline viewing. If the download icon doesn't appear, that title isn't available for download where you are. Try downloading a different show instead.
Do downloaded episodes use data if I watch them offline?
No. Once an episode is fully downloaded, watching it uses zero data. You can turn off Wi-Fi and cellular data completely and the episode will play normally. Downloads are stored directly on your device's storage, not streamed from Netflix's servers.