Netflix downloads work differently depending on your device and subscription plan
Netflix lets you download shows and movies to watch later without an internet connection, but not every title is available to download, and the feature works only on phones, tablets, and some computers — not on web browsers. The download option appears as a down-arrow icon next to the play button when you're viewing a show or movie that supports it. You need an active Netflix subscription to download anything, and the downloaded content stays on your device for a limited time before it expires.
The steps are straightforward once you know where to look, but the availability of downloads depends on Netflix's licensing agreements with studios. Some titles are available to download immediately; others never will be. This guide walks you through the actual process on different devices and explains what happens to your downloads.
Key Takeaways
- The download button (a down-arrow icon) appears only on titles Netflix has licensed for offline viewing, and you cannot download from the web version of Netflix.
- On phones and tablets, open the title, tap the download icon, and Netflix stores it in the Downloads section of the app for offline viewing.
- Downloaded content expires after a set period — typically 30 days for most titles, though some expire sooner or require you to open Netflix periodically to refresh them.
- Your Netflix subscription plan determines how many devices can download at once, and downloads count against your total simultaneous streams.
Downloading on iPhone and iPad
Open the Netflix app and find the title you want to download. Scroll down to see the description, cast, and buttons. If a down-arrow icon appears next to the play button, that title is available to download. Tap the down-arrow icon once.
Netflix begins downloading immediately and shows a progress circle over the icon. Once the download finishes, the icon changes to a filled-in arrow. To watch your download, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom of the screen, then tap Downloads. Your downloaded titles appear here, and you can watch them without an internet connection.
To delete a download and free up space, open the Downloads section, swipe left on the title, and tap Delete. Netflix also removes downloads automatically after they expire, which is usually 30 days from the download date for most titles.
Downloading on Android phones and tablets
The process on Android is nearly identical to iPhone. Open Netflix, find your title, and look for the down-arrow icon. Tap it to start the download. A progress circle appears while Netflix downloads the file.
Once finished, go to the menu (three lines at the bottom), tap Downloads, and your titles appear there. To remove a download, long-press the title and tap Delete, or swipe left and confirm deletion. Android devices handle expiration the same way as iPhones — most downloads last 30 days unless Netflix or the studio sets a shorter window.
Downloading on Windows and Mac computers
Netflix downloads on computers work only through the Netflix app, not through a web browser. On Windows, download the Netflix app from the Microsoft Store. On Mac, download it from the App Store. Open the app and sign in with your Netflix account.
Find the title you want and look for the down-arrow icon. Click it to download. The app shows a progress bar. Once finished, click the menu icon (three lines), select Downloads, and your titles appear there. To watch, click the title and select Play. To delete, right-click the title and select Remove Download.
Expiration works the same way on computers as on phones. Most downloads last 30 days, though some titles have shorter windows. Netflix removes expired downloads automatically, but you can also delete them manually to save space.
Why some titles cannot be downloaded
Netflix does not control which titles are available to download — studios and content owners do. When Netflix licenses a show or movie, the studio decides whether to allow offline downloads as part of that deal. Some studios permit downloads; others do not. This is why you might see the download button for one season of a show but not another, or for a movie but not its sequel.
If a title you want is not downloadable, the down-arrow icon simply will not appear. There is no way to download it through Netflix's system. Your only option is to watch it while connected to the internet.
How long downloads stay on your device
Most Netflix downloads expire 30 days after you download them. Some titles expire sooner — Netflix shows the expiration date in the Downloads section. A few titles require you to open Netflix and refresh your subscription periodically, even if you do not watch them, or they will be removed.
When a download is about to expire, Netflix sends a notification. You can re-download the same title as many times as you want, as long as your subscription is active. If your subscription ends, all downloads disappear immediately, even if they had not reached their expiration date yet.
Downloads and your subscription plan
Your Netflix plan determines how many devices can download at the same time. The Basic plan allows downloads on one device. Standard allows two devices. Premium allows four devices. These limits are separate from your streaming limits — a download uses one of your simultaneous-stream slots while it is actively downloading, but once the download finishes, it no longer counts against your limit.
If you reach your download limit, Netflix prevents you from downloading on additional devices until you delete a download or wait for one to expire. You can manage your downloads from any device by opening the Downloads section and removing titles you no longer need.
Troubleshooting downloads that do not work
If the download button does not appear, the title is not available for offline viewing in your region or on your device type. Netflix also hides the download option if you are using a web browser — you must use the mobile or desktop app.
If a download starts but stops partway through, check your internet connection. Netflix needs a connection to begin the download, though you can watch once it finishes. If the download keeps failing, try closing the Netflix app completely and opening it again. On phones, swipe up from the bottom (iPhone) or tap the back button repeatedly (Android) to close the app fully, then reopen it.
If your downloaded title suddenly disappears, it has likely expired. Check the Downloads section to see if Netflix shows an expiration notice. If your subscription ended, all downloads are removed automatically. Reactivate your subscription to download titles again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download Netflix shows on my computer using a web browser?
No. Netflix downloads work only through the Netflix app on Windows or Mac, not through any web browser. If you want to download on a computer, download the Netflix app from the Microsoft Store (Windows) or App Store (Mac), sign in, and use the down-arrow icon there.
What happens to my downloads if I cancel my Netflix subscription?
All downloads are deleted immediately when your subscription ends. You cannot watch them offline or online. If you reactivate your subscription later, you can download the titles again, but you start from scratch.
Can I transfer a Netflix download to another device?
No. Netflix downloads are tied to the device they were downloaded on and to your account. You cannot move a download file to another phone or computer. To watch on a different device, download the title again on that device using your Netflix account.
How much storage space do Netflix downloads use?
Storage varies by title and quality. A one-hour show typically uses 300 MB to 1 GB depending on resolution. A two-hour movie might use 1 GB to 3 GB. Netflix does not publish exact sizes, but the app shows available storage on your device before you download, so you can check whether you have room.
Do I need WiFi to download, or can I download over cellular data?
Netflix allows downloads over both WiFi and cellular data. However, downloading large files over cellular can use significant data from your phone plan. If you have a limited data plan, download over WiFi instead to avoid overage charges.