How to Download Netflix Shows and Movies

This article explains how to download shows and movies on the Netflix app. Additional information covers how to delete downloads, manage download settings, use Smart Downloads, and enable and disable Downloads for You.

The Netflix download feature is available only on the Microsoft Store for Windows 10 and 8 and the official mobile apps for Android and iOS.

How to Find Netflix Shows to Download

If you just installed or updated the Netflix app for Windows, Android, or iOS, you should see an initial message telling you to look for the down-arrow symbol to download titles so you can watch them anywhere without having to find a Wi-Fi connection or using any data.

In the main menu at the bottom of the screen, tap Downloads, then tap Find Something to Download to see all the TV shows and movies that work with this feature so you can watch while on the go.

1. For mobile, on the main menu at the bottom of the screen, tap Downloads (or in Windows, select the hamburger menu in the upper-left corner).

2. Tap Find Something to Download to see all the TV shows and movies that work with this feature so you can watch while on the go. (For Windows, select My Downloads > Find Something to Download.)

How to Start a Download on Netflix

When you tap to view the details of a particular TV show or movie, you can spot the download button either to the right of a TV episode or underneath the Play button for a movie. After you settle on a title to download, tap the down-arrow and watch the icon turn blue as it shows you the download progress.

You can begin watching a movie or show that's only partially downloaded. This is handy if you're in an area with poor Wi-Fi and lose your internet connection. Once you regain a strong connection, you can choose to resume downloading and watching the video.

To start a download, do the following:

1. Find a movie or TV show you want to download.

2. Select Download.

3. Select Downloads to find and play your recent download (For Windows, select My Downloads.).

How to Delete Netflix Downloads

To remove a single download, do the following:

1. To remove a show or movie from your device, tap Downloads. (For Windows, select the hamburger menu and choose My Downloads.)

2. Tap the checkmark to the right of the title, then tap Delete Download. (For Windows, select the title, then select Downloaded > Delete Download.)

To delete all of your Netflix downloads, do the following:

1. Tap your profile icon in the upper-right corner. (For Windows, select the three-dot menu.)

2. Tap App Settings > Delete All Downloads. (For Windows, select Settings > Delete All Downloads.)

How to Manage Netflix Download Settings

To change your download settings, tap your profile icon in the upper-right corner of the Netflix app, then tap App Settings.

By default, the app has the Wi-Fi Only option turned on so that downloads only occur when you're connected to the wireless internet to help you save data, but you can turn this off if you wish.

Video quality is also set to standard by default to help you save storage space. Still, you can also change this option to higher quality if you want an improved viewing experience and have no storage limitations.

How Long Do Netflix Downloads Last?

Shows and movies you download on Netflix stay on your device for seven days. Many downloadable titles are renewed on Netflix and are still available to download even after they expire from your downloads section. So if you see titles expiring in your downloads section before you've watched them, tap the exclamation point beside the expired title to re-download it.

Netflix Smart Downloads and Downloads for You

If you have Netflix Smart Downloads enabled, Netflix automatically deletes episodes of shows you've watched, and then it downloads the next episode. With the Downloads For You feature enabled, the app automatically downloads shows and movies you might like based on your viewing history and profile preferences.

To manage these features, go to your Netflix downloads and tap Smart Downloads, then use the toggle switches to turn them on or off.

Enable Downloads For You

Netflix has a new feature called Downloads For You and is currently only available for Android. This feature automatically downloads movie and TV show recommendations based on your viewing history. However, you need to opt-in for this feature. Here's how:

1. If you don't see the prompt to Set up when you first log in, select Downloads.

2. Adjust how much storage space to use by tapping the plus (+) or minus (-) sign.

3. Tap Turn On.

Disable Downloads For You

If you decide you don't want to use the Downloads for You feature, here's how to disable it:

1. Tap your profile picture in the upper-right corner.

2. Tap App Settings.

3. Tap Smart Downloads.

4. Toggle off Downloads for You.