Netflix downloads work on Mac, but only through the Netflix app — not the web browser
You cannot download Netflix movies or shows using Safari, Chrome, or Firefox on a Mac. Netflix limits downloads to its standalone app, which you can install from the Mac App Store. Once you have the app installed and are signed in, the download button appears next to most titles, and the files save to your Mac's local storage so you can watch without an internet connection.
The download feature works on most recent versions of macOS, but Netflix does not support downloads on older systems. If you are running macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or newer, you should be able to download. Titles available for download vary by region and change regularly — not every movie or show Netflix offers can be downloaded.
Key Takeaways
- Download Netflix content only through the Netflix app for Mac, available free from the Mac App Store — the web browser version does not have a download option.
- The download button appears next to the play button on most titles, but some content is not available for offline viewing due to licensing restrictions.
- Downloaded files take up storage space on your Mac and expire after a set period, typically 30 days, even if you never watch them.
- You can manage downloaded content in the app's Downloads section, where you can delete files to free up space or check how much time remains before expiration.
Installing the Netflix app on your Mac
Open the Mac App Store on your Mac — it comes built in and appears in your Applications folder or Dock. Search for "Netflix" in the App Store search box at the top right. Click the Netflix result, then click the "Get" button, which changes to "Install" and then "Open" once installation finishes.
You can also visit the Netflix page directly in the App Store by searching for it by name. The installation takes a few minutes depending on your internet speed. Once installed, the Netflix app appears in your Applications folder and in Launchpad.
Finding and downloading a title
Open the Netflix app and sign in with your account. Search for a movie or show using the search box, or browse categories like "Movies" or "TV Shows." When you find a title you want to download, click on it to open the detail page.
Look for the download icon — it looks like a downward-pointing arrow inside a circle — next to the play button. If you see the download icon, click it to start downloading. The app shows a progress bar while the file downloads. If you do not see a download icon, that title is not available for offline viewing in your region.
Some titles let you choose which episodes to download if it is a show with multiple seasons. Click the download icon next to individual episodes, or look for a "Download Season" option to download all episodes at once.
Where downloaded files are stored
Netflix does not let you choose where downloads save on your Mac. The app stores all downloaded content in its own folder, which you cannot access directly through Finder. This protects the files from being copied or shared outside the Netflix app.
You can see how much storage your downloads are using by opening the Netflix app, clicking your profile icon in the top right, selecting "App Settings," and looking at the storage information. If your Mac is running low on space, you can delete individual downloads from the app to free up room.
How long downloads stay on your Mac
Downloaded movies and shows expire after a set period — usually 30 days from the date you downloaded them, though some titles expire sooner. Netflix shows the expiration date in the Downloads section of the app. You do not have to watch the content before it expires, but once the expiration date passes, you cannot watch the downloaded file offline.
If a title expires and you want to watch it again, you can download it again as long as you have an active Netflix subscription and the title is still available in your region. Expiration dates exist because of licensing agreements between Netflix and content creators.
Deleting downloads to free up space
Open the Netflix app and click the Downloads section in the left sidebar. Find the title you want to delete, hover over it, and click the trash icon that appears. The file is removed from your Mac immediately, freeing up storage space.
You can also delete all downloads at once by going to App Settings, selecting "Storage," and choosing "Delete All Downloads." This removes every downloaded file but does not affect your watch history or saved preferences.
Troubleshooting download problems on Mac
If the download button does not appear next to a title, that content is not available for offline viewing in your region. Netflix restricts downloads based on licensing agreements, and availability changes over time. Try searching for a different title to confirm the feature is working.
If downloads start but do not finish, check your internet connection — Netflix pauses downloads if your connection drops. Restart the download by clicking the download icon again. If the problem continues, try signing out of the Netflix app, closing it completely, and signing back in.
If you see an error message about storage space, your Mac may not have enough free storage for the download. Check how much space is available by clicking the Apple menu, selecting "About This Mac," and looking at the storage information. Delete other files or applications to free up space, then try downloading again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download Netflix movies on my Mac using the web browser?
No. Netflix only allows downloads through the official Netflix app for Mac, not through any web browser. You must install the app from the Mac App Store to download content.
Do downloaded Netflix movies work if I cancel my subscription?
No. Downloaded files stop working once your subscription ends or if you are logged out of the app. You need an active Netflix account and an internet connection to verify your subscription periodically, even for offline viewing.
How much storage space do Netflix downloads use?
Storage depends on the title and video quality. Movies typically use between 500 MB and 3 GB each, while TV episodes use 200 MB to 1 GB. The Netflix app does not let you choose download quality on Mac, so the size varies by title.
Can I transfer downloaded Netflix movies to another device?
No. Downloaded Netflix files are encrypted and locked to the Netflix app. You cannot copy them to another Mac, an iPhone, or any other device. Each device must download content separately through its own Netflix app.
What happens if I update macOS after downloading movies?
Your downloads should remain intact after a macOS update. However, if the update causes problems with the Netflix app, you may need to reinstall it from the Mac App Store. Your downloaded files are usually preserved, but sign back in to confirm.