Netflix downloads work on Mac, but only through the app — not the web browser
You cannot download Netflix content through a web browser on any computer, including Mac. Netflix offers downloads only through the Netflix app, which you can install on a Mac running macOS 10.15 or later. Once you have the app installed and signed in, the download button appears next to most titles — though not all content is available to download, since licensing varies by show and film.
Downloaded content stays on your Mac for 30 days (or until you finish watching, whichever comes first for some titles). After that window, you need to refresh the download or delete it and re-download later. This is different from some other streaming services, which let downloads persist longer.
Key Takeaways
- Download Netflix content only through the Netflix app for Mac, not through a web browser.
- Not every title has a download button — licensing restrictions mean some shows and movies cannot be downloaded at all.
- Downloaded content expires after 30 days, and you will need to refresh it to keep watching offline.
- Downloaded files take up storage space on your Mac, so check available disk space before downloading multiple titles.
Installing the Netflix app on Mac
Go to the Mac App Store and search for "Netflix". Click the Get button, then Install. You may need to sign in with your Apple ID. Once installed, open the app and sign in with your Netflix account email and password.
If you prefer not to use the App Store, you can also download the Netflix app directly from Netflix.com. Click your profile icon in the top right, select "Account", then scroll down to "Downloads" and look for the Mac app link. Both routes give you the same app.
Finding and downloading a title
Open the Netflix app and search for or browse to the show or movie you want to download. When you open the title's page, look for a download icon — it looks like a downward-pointing arrow inside a circle. Click it once. The app will begin downloading immediately and show a progress bar.
If you do not see a download button, that title is not available for download. This happens because Netflix's licensing agreements with studios and networks do not always include download rights. There is no way around this — you can only stream those titles online.
Downloaded files go into the Downloads section of the app. Tap the Downloads icon (it looks like a folder with a downward arrow) at the bottom of the app to see everything you have downloaded and manage your offline library.
How much storage space downloads use
A single episode of a TV show typically uses 300 MB to 600 MB of storage. A full-length movie uses 1 GB to 4 GB depending on video quality. Netflix automatically downloads at the quality your Mac can handle, but you can change this in settings if you want to save space.
To adjust download quality, open the Netflix app, click your profile icon, select "App Settings", then find "Download Quality". Choose between Standard (uses less space) or High (uses more space but looks sharper). Standard quality is usually fine for watching on a Mac screen.
Refreshing downloads before they expire
When a download is about to expire, Netflix shows a countdown timer next to the title in your Downloads section. To refresh it and keep watching, click the download icon again. The app will re-download the content and reset the 30-day timer.
You do not have to wait until the last day to refresh. You can refresh a download at any time, even if it has not expired yet. This is useful if you know you will want to watch something again in the future and want to make sure it stays on your Mac.
Deleting downloads to free up space
Open the Downloads section of the Netflix app. Find the title you want to remove, click the three-dot menu next to it, and select "Remove Download". The file will be deleted from your Mac immediately, freeing up storage space.
Deleting a download does not remove the title from your Netflix account or your watch history. You can download it again at any time, and the 30-day timer will start fresh.
Watching downloaded content offline
Once a download is complete, you can watch it without an internet connection. Open the Netflix app, go to Downloads, and select the title. The app will play it just as it would online, with the same playback controls and subtitle options.
You do need to sign in to your Netflix account at least once every 30 days, even to watch downloaded content. If you have not signed in within that window, the app will ask you to reconnect to the internet and verify your account before playing anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download Netflix shows on my Mac using the web browser?
No. Netflix downloads are only available through the Netflix app for Mac, not through any web browser. You must install the app from the Mac App Store or Netflix.com to download content.
Why does a show or movie not have a download button?
Netflix's licensing agreements with studios vary by title. Some content is not licensed for download, only for streaming. There is no way to download these titles — you can only watch them online with an internet connection.
How long can I keep a downloaded show on my Mac?
Downloaded content expires after 30 days. Before it expires, you can refresh the download to reset the timer. If you do not refresh it, the file will be deleted automatically and you will need to download it again to watch offline.
Do downloaded Netflix files take up a lot of space on my Mac?
It depends on how many titles you download. A TV episode uses 300 MB to 600 MB, and a movie uses 1 GB to 4 GB. If you have limited storage, download only what you plan to watch soon and delete files after you finish watching them.
Do I need internet to watch a downloaded Netflix show?
No, you do not need internet to play a downloaded title. However, you do need to sign in to your Netflix account at least once every 30 days. If you have not signed in within that window, the app will require an internet connection to verify your account before playing anything.