Netflix lets you download most shows and movies to your phone or tablet, but not to a computer
Netflix's download feature works on Android phones, iPhones, iPads, and some tablets. You open the Netflix app, find the title you want, tap the download icon (usually a downward arrow), and the video saves to your device. You can then watch it without an internet connection. The downloaded file stays on your device until you delete it or until your subscription ends.
Desktop and laptop computers cannot download Netflix content, even though the Netflix app exists on Windows and Mac. This is a technical limitation Netflix built into the service — the company restricts downloads to mobile devices only.
Not every title on Netflix can be downloaded. Netflix licenses content from studios, and some licenses don't include download rights. If a show or movie has a download button, you can save it. If there's no button, that title isn't available for download on your account.
Key Takeaways
- Downloads work on iPhones, iPads, Android phones, and some tablets through the Netflix app, but not on computers.
- Tap the download icon next to a title to save it; the file stays on your device until you delete it or your subscription ends.
- Not all Netflix content can be downloaded — only titles with a visible download button are available in your region and on your account.
- Downloaded videos use storage space on your device and count against any data limits your phone plan may have.
How to download on iPhone or iPad
Open the Netflix app and search for or browse to the show or movie you want to download. On the title's detail page, look for a downward-pointing arrow icon — this is the download button. Tap it once. Netflix will begin downloading the video to your device; you'll see a progress indicator showing how much has downloaded.
Once the download finishes, a checkmark appears next to the download icon. You can now watch that title without internet. To find your downloads later, tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) at the bottom of the screen, then tap "Downloads." All your saved videos appear there, organized by show or movie.
Downloaded videos take up storage space on your phone or tablet. A single episode typically uses 300 MB to 1 GB depending on video quality. If your device is running low on storage, Netflix may delete older downloads automatically to make room for new ones.
How to download on Android phones and tablets
The process on Android is nearly identical to iPhone. Open Netflix, find your title, and tap the download icon (a downward arrow). A menu may appear asking you to choose video quality — "Standard" uses less storage, while "High" uses more but looks sharper. Select your preference and tap "Download."
Netflix shows a progress bar while downloading. Once finished, you'll see a checkmark. To access your downloads, open the menu (three lines at the bottom), select "Downloads," and your saved videos appear there. You can watch them anytime without an internet connection.
On Android, you can also download entire seasons at once on some titles. When viewing a show's page, look for a download icon next to "Season 1," "Season 2," and so on. Tapping it downloads all episodes in that season.
Storage space and data use
Downloaded Netflix videos live on your device's internal storage, not in the cloud. This means they take up real space — space you could use for photos, apps, or other files. Before downloading many videos, check how much free storage your device has. On iPhone, go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage. On Android, go to Settings > Storage.
The file size depends on the video quality you choose. Netflix typically offers "Standard" (lower quality, smaller file) and "High" (better quality, larger file) for downloads. A single movie might be 500 MB to 2 GB; a TV episode might be 300 MB to 800 MB. A full season of a show can easily use 5 GB or more.
Downloading does not use your mobile data plan if you download over Wi-Fi. However, if you download over cellular data, it counts against any monthly data limit your phone plan includes. Most people download at home or at a location with free Wi-Fi to avoid this.
How long downloads stay on your device
A downloaded video remains on your device until you delete it manually or until your Netflix subscription ends. If you stop paying for Netflix, all downloaded content becomes unwatchable — Netflix removes the ability to play it, even though the file technically still exists on your device.
Netflix also removes downloads if you haven't watched them in a while. The exact timeframe varies, but Netflix may delete downloads older than 30 days to free up space, especially if your device is running low on storage. You'll receive a notification before this happens.
You can delete a download yourself at any time. Open the Downloads section, find the title, and tap the trash or delete icon. This frees up storage space immediately.
Why some titles cannot be downloaded
Netflix's licensing agreements with studios and production companies determine what can be downloaded. Some studios allow downloads; others do not. Netflix has no control over this — it's written into the contract Netflix signs to show that content.
Additionally, Netflix may restrict downloads by region. A show available for download in the United States might not be downloadable in Canada or the United Kingdom, depending on who owns the rights in each country. If you travel internationally, you may find that titles you downloaded at home are no longer playable in another country.
If a title has no download button, there's no workaround. You cannot download it through Netflix's app, and Netflix does not offer an alternative method.
Troubleshooting downloads that don't work
If a download fails or gets stuck, first check your internet connection. Netflix needs a stable Wi-Fi or cellular connection to start a download, though it can continue if the connection drops briefly. If the download keeps failing, try closing the Netflix app completely and reopening it.
If your device is low on storage, Netflix cannot download new videos. Delete some old downloads or other files to free up space, then try again. On iPhone, you can also offload the Netflix app (which removes it but keeps your data) by going to Settings > General > iPhone Storage, tapping Netflix, and tapping "Offload App."
If a download was interrupted and now shows a partial file, open Downloads, find that title, and tap the delete icon. Then try downloading it again from scratch. Sometimes Netflix's servers have temporary issues; waiting a few hours and trying again often resolves the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I download Netflix shows on my computer?
No. Netflix restricts downloads to mobile devices — iPhones, iPads, Android phones, and tablets. Computers cannot download Netflix content, even with the Netflix app installed on Windows or Mac. This is a technical limitation built into the service.
What happens to my downloads if I cancel my Netflix subscription?
Downloaded videos become unwatchable immediately when your subscription ends. The files remain on your device, but Netflix removes the ability to play them. If you resubscribe later, you can download them again.
Do downloaded videos use my mobile data plan?
Only if you download over cellular data instead of Wi-Fi. Downloading over Wi-Fi does not count against your data limit. Most people download at home or at a location with free Wi-Fi to avoid using their monthly data allowance.
How much storage space do Netflix downloads use?
It varies by title and quality. A single TV episode typically uses 300 MB to 800 MB; a movie might use 500 MB to 2 GB. A full season can use 5 GB or more. You can choose "Standard" quality (smaller file) or "High" quality (larger file) when downloading.
Can I download Netflix content and share it with someone else?
No. Downloaded videos are tied to your Netflix account and device. You cannot transfer them to another device or person. Only your account can play downloads on your device.