Can You Watch Netflix Offline

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Grace
August 28, 2024

Netflix’s download feature has been a game-changer since its launch in 2016. In 2024, they extended this convenience to ad-supported users, making offline viewing more accessible than ever. This guide dives into everything you need to know to get the most out of Netflix offline, including downloading and deleting titles, using Smart Downloads, and even watching Netflix offline without needing the app on any device. By the end of this guide, you’ll be a master of offline viewing on Netflix, ready to enjoy your favorite content anytime, anywhere.

Contents

  1. Can You Watch Netflix Offline?
  2. How to Download Movies and Shows with the Netflix app
  3. How to Find Netflix Downloads
  4. How to Delete Downloads on Netflix
  5. How to Change the Netflix Download Quality
  6. How to Use Smart Downloads on Netflix
  7. How to Watch Netflix Offline on Any Device
  8. Conclusion

1. Can You Watch Netflix Offline?

Yes, you can watch Netflix offline. In fact, offline viewing is included with all Netflix subscription plans, including the ad-supported tier – Netflix Standard with ads.

To download shows or movies with the Netflix app, you’ll need one of these devices.

  • Android phone or tablet (Android 4.4.2 and later)
  • iPhone or iPad (iOS 9.0 and later)
  • Amazon Fire tablet (Fire OS 4.0 and later)
  • Google Chromebook (with the Netflix app from the Google Play Store)
  • Windows 10/11 computer: Netflix used to allow ad-free users to watch Netflix offline on Windows 10/11. However, after a recent update to the Netflix app in July 2024, this feature was discontinued. The Netflix app no longer supports offline downloads on Windows devices.

If your device isn’t on the supported list, or it has an older operating system, this guide also includes an alternative method for watching Netflix offline on any device (such as a laptop, computer, or Smart TV) without needing the app.

2. How to Download Movies and Shows with the Netflix app

The Netflix app allows downloads on a wide range of devices, including phones, tablets (including Fire tablets), and Chromebooks. Ensure you’re using the latest version of the Netflix app for optimal performance. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Open the Netflix app and find the movie or show you want to download.
  2. To download a movie, simply click the Download button under the movie title.
Download-a-Movie

  1. For shows:
    • Download the current episode: Use the Download button under the show title.
    • Download specific episode: Tap the Download button next to the episode.
    • Download the entire season (Fire tablets and Android only): Tap the Download Season button. You can choose which seasons to download using the button above the episodes.
Download-a-Show

3. How to Find Netflix Downloads

Once downloaded, you can easily access your offline content:

  • Mobile device (iPhone, iPad, Android, Fire): Tap My Netflix > Downloads.
  • Chromebook: Click Downloads
Netflix-Downloads

4. How to Delete Downloads on Netflix

If you’ve finished watching a downloaded show/movie, you can manually delete Netflix downloads to free up space on your device:

Delete a Single TV Show or Movie

  1. Tap My Netflix > Downloads and find the title you want to delete:
  2. For a movie: Tap the Download Status icon (checkmark in a box) next to the movie and tap Delete Download.
  3. For an episode: tap the show, tap the Download Status icon (checkmark in a box)  next to an episode, and select Delete Download.
Delete-Netflix-Downloads

Delete All Downloads at Once

  1. From the Netflix app, tap My Netflix > the Menu icon (the three lines) and select App Settings.
  2. Select Delete All Downloads under Downloads.
  3. Click Delete/OK on the confirmation screen.
Delete-All-Downloads

5. How to Change the Netflix Download Quality

Did you know you can control the quality of downloaded content on Netflix? Here’s how to choose the download video quality that best suits your needs:

Netflix Download Quality: Standard vs. High/Higher

  • Standard – Standard Definition (SD):
    • Quality: Lower resolution (up to 480p)
    • Pros: Smaller file size, faster downloads, ideal for smaller screens or limited storage
    • Cons: Less detail and sharpness
  • High/Higher – High Definition (HD):
    • Quality: Higher resolution (up to 1080p)
    • Pros: Better detail and sharpness
    • Cons: Larger file size, slower downloads, requires more storage space

Choose “Standard” for a quick and space-efficient download, or opt for “High/Higher” for the best possible picture quality.

Changing Netflix Download Quality:

  1. Open the Netflix app and tap My Netflix in the lower right.
  2. Tap the Menu icon (the three lines) in the upper right corner and select App Settings from the menu.
  3. Tap Download Video Quality or Video Quality under Downloads.
  4. Choose your preferred setting from Standard or High/Higher.
Download-Quality

6. How to Use Smart Downloads on Netflix

Netflix’s Smart Downloads feature can automatically download TV shows and movies to your device and manage your watched episodes. It includes two options: Download Next Episode and Downloads for You.

Download Next Episode  

This feature is ideal for binge-watching TV shows. As you finish watching an episode, Netflix automatically deletes it and downloads the next in the series – all while you’re connected to Wi-Fi, so no data charges. This feature is already enabled by default, but you can turn it off if you prefer to keep the watched episodes.

Downloads for You

If you don’t know what to watch offline, let Netflix suggest something new. Downloads for You automatically download shows and movies based on your viewing habits and preferences. Downloads will be deleted after you finish watching. You can adjust the storage space Netflix uses for “Downloads for You” in the app settings.

Turn Netflix Smart Downloads On and Off

  1. Launch the Netflix app, tap My Netflix > the Menu icon (the three lines), and select App Settings.
  2. Select Smart Downloads.
  3. Toggle the switch next to “Download Next Episode”/”Downloads for You” to turn the setting on or off.
  4. When Downloads for You is enabled, use the +  and – buttons to adjust the storage amount to download for each profile.
Netflix-Smart-Downloads

7. How to Watch Netflix Offline on Any Device

While Netflix allows subscribers to download movies and shows for offline viewing through its app, there’s a key point to remember: downloaded files are encrypted specifically for the Netflix app on your device. This means you can’t simply transfer them to another device or platform and expect them to play even if you find the download locations.

If you’re looking to watch Netflix offline on a wider range of devices, including Windows PCs, MacBooks, smart TVs, and game consoles, there’s an alternative method available. Pazu Netflix Video Downloader is a desktop program that allows Netflix users to download videos without using the Netflix app. It can download Netflix movies and TV shows in MP4 and MKV formats on both Mac and Windows. This enables you to transfer and play the downloaded Netflix files on any supported device.

Netflix video downloader

Netflix Video Downloader

Download Netflix movies & TV shows to MP4 with HD quality. 

  • Download movies & TV shows from Netflix.
  • Download videos in 1080P.
  • Preserve audio tracks and subtitles.
  • Fast downloading speed.

Step 1. Launch Pazu Netflix Video Downloader

Download, install, and launch Pazu Netflix Video Downloader on your Mac or Windows. Log in to your Netflix account.

Click the key icon and enter your registration code to unlock the full version of the downloader if you have purchased a registration. If you haven’t, go ahead with the free trial version.

Netflix video downloader

Step 2. Add Netflix movies/TV shows

Search for a show or movie you want to download from Netflix.

add movies or shows

Step 3. Choose video format/quality

Click the gear icon on the top right corner to choose the video formats and settings such as:

  • Video format: MP4 or MKV
  • Video codec: H264 or H265
  • Audio language: English, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, Chinese
  • Subtitle language: English, French, German, Japanese, Spanish, Chinese
video settings

Step 4. Start to Download Netflix videos

Click the Download icon on the right of the title you want to download.

As you can see from the screenshot, all episodes are checked by default. Uncheck those episodes you don’t want to download if there are any.

select episodes

You can also click the three lines and gear icon to choose audio/subtitle languages for each episode. To close the window, click the OK button.

episode settings

Click the Download button on the bottom right corner. The downloading begins.

download netflix videos

After downloading, click History and find the video in MP4 format. You can now transfer the downloaded videos and watch them on any device you want.

find downloads

Conclusion

These download tips empower you to get the most out of Netflix offline viewing with the Netflix app, allowing you to enjoy your favorite shows and movies on the go or without an internet connection. However, remember that these downloads are encrypted and can only be played within the Netflix app on the original download device.

For Netflix offline viewing on other devices, such as MacBooks or smart TVs, explore the alternative method – Pazu Netflix Video Downloader. This tool allows you to download Netflix videos in MP4 or MKV format, enabling you to watch them on any device without needing the Netflix app.