How to Download Netflix Movies and Shows on Your Mac

Netflix downloads work differently on Mac than on iPhone or iPad

Netflix does not have a native download feature in its web browser version on Mac. If you want to watch Netflix content offline on a Mac laptop, you have three actual routes: use the Netflix app from the Mac App Store, stream to an iPad or iPhone and download there, or use screen recording software to capture content while it plays.

The Mac App Store version of Netflix does support downloads, but only if your Mac runs macOS 10.15 or later. This is the most straightforward method if your device meets that requirement. The downloaded files stay in the Netflix app and expire after a set period — Netflix removes them automatically to manage storage and licensing.

If your Mac is older or you prefer not to use the app, downloading to a separate iOS device and syncing it to your Mac via iCloud is a common workaround, though the files remain on the iOS device rather than your Mac itself.

Key Takeaways

The Netflix app from the Mac App Store supports downloads on macOS 10.15 or later, but the web browser version does not.
Downloaded content expires automatically — Netflix removes files after a period of time to enforce licensing terms.
If your Mac is too old for the app, you can download to an iPad or iPhone instead and watch offline there.
Downloaded files take up storage space on your device, and Netflix limits how many titles you can download at once depending on your subscription plan.

Installing and using the Netflix app on Mac

Open the Mac App Store and search for "Netflix". Click the Get button, then Install. You will be asked to sign in with your Apple ID. Once installed, open the app and sign in with your Netflix account credentials — these are separate from your Apple ID.

After you are logged in, search for a title you want to download. Open the title's page. Look for a download icon — it appears as a downward-pointing arrow, usually near the play button. Click it. The download begins immediately and appears in your Library under "Downloads" once it finishes.

Downloaded content is available only in the Netflix app on that specific Mac. You cannot transfer the files to another device or watch them outside the app. Netflix removes downloaded titles automatically after 30 days if you have not watched them, or after seven days if you have watched them completely.

Storage limits and download restrictions

Netflix limits the number of downloads based on your subscription tier. Basic plans allow four simultaneous downloads across all your devices. Standard plans allow four. Premium plans allow six. These limits apply to your entire Netflix account, not just your Mac — if you have downloaded three titles on your phone, you can download only one more on your Mac before hitting the limit.

Downloaded files consume storage space on your Mac. A single movie typically uses 500 MB to 2 GB depending on video quality and length. A TV episode uses 200 MB to 800 MB. Check your available storage before downloading multiple titles. You can delete downloaded content manually by opening the Netflix app, finding the title in your Downloads section, and clicking the delete icon.

Checking your Mac's macOS version

The Netflix app download feature requires macOS 10.15 (Catalina) or newer. To check your version, click the Apple menu in the top left corner of your screen and select "About This Mac". Look at the line that says "System Software" or "macOS". If it shows 10.15 or higher, you can use the app's download feature.

If your Mac runs an older version, you have two options: update your Mac if it supports a newer macOS version, or use an iPad or iPhone to download Netflix content instead. Updating macOS is free through System Preferences or System Settings, depending on your current version.

Using iPad or iPhone as an alternative

If your Mac cannot run the Netflix app with downloads, you can download Netflix content to an iPad or iPhone instead. The Netflix app on iOS supports downloads on all recent versions of iOS. Download the Netflix app from the App Store, sign in, find a title, tap the download icon, and the file saves to that device.

You can then watch the downloaded content on that iOS device offline. If you want to view it on your Mac, you would need to watch it on the iOS device itself or use AirPlay to stream it to an Apple TV connected to your Mac's display. Downloaded files on iOS devices follow the same expiration rules as Mac downloads — Netflix removes them automatically after 30 days unwatched or seven days after you finish watching.

What happens when your download expires

Netflix automatically removes downloaded titles on a schedule you cannot change. If you download a movie and do not watch it within 30 days, Netflix deletes it from your device. If you watch it completely, Netflix deletes it after seven days. If you watch part of it, the 30-day timer continues from the original download date.

When a download expires, you see a notification in the Netflix app. To watch the title again, you must download it once more. This system exists because Netflix licenses content for limited periods and must enforce those licensing terms by removing offline copies after a set time.

Troubleshooting downloads that do not work

If the download button does not appear on a title, that content is not available for offline viewing. Netflix restricts downloads on some titles due to licensing agreements with studios. Try searching for a different title to confirm the feature is working.

If downloads start but do not complete, check your internet connection — Netflix must maintain a connection to verify your account during the download process. Also check that you have enough free storage space on your Mac. If the app crashes during a download, restart the app and try again. Netflix will resume the download from where it left off if the connection was interrupted.

If you see an error message about your subscription, sign out of the Netflix app completely and sign back in. Sometimes the app's cached login information becomes outdated and prevents downloads from working.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I download Netflix movies on the Netflix website using my Mac browser?

No. Netflix's web browser version does not have a download feature on any computer, including Mac. You must use the Netflix app from the Mac App Store to download content on a Mac laptop.

How long can I keep a downloaded Netflix movie before it disappears?

Netflix removes unwatched downloads after 30 days and watched downloads after seven days. You cannot extend this period. When the expiration date approaches, the Netflix app shows a notification so you can watch the title before it is removed.

Can I share downloaded Netflix content with other people on my Mac?

No. Downloaded content is tied to your Netflix account and can only be watched in the Netflix app on the device where you downloaded it. Other users on the same Mac cannot access your downloads, and you cannot transfer files to another person's device.

What is the difference between downloading on Mac versus iPad?

Both work the same way — Netflix removes downloads after 30 or seven days depending on whether you watched them. The main difference is that the Mac app requires macOS 10.15 or later, while iPad downloads work on all recent iOS versions. Downloaded files stay on whichever device you download them to.

Do downloaded Netflix movies use data when I watch them offline?

No. Once a download finishes, you can disconnect from the internet and watch it without using any data. Netflix only needs an internet connection to verify your account during the download process itself.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.