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Step-by-Step: How to Save Netflix Movies for Offline Use
Do you know how to download movies on Netflix? You can check out the guide to find out how to save Netflix movies for offline use step by step easily!
In this Internet age, streaming media has completely changed our entertainment methods. When it comes to streaming platforms, Netflix is undoubtedly a must-have for many people every day. Whether it is a relaxing time after getting off work or a TV series on weekends, Netflix can always provide us with a vast amount of film and television content. From gripping suspense dramas to warm and healing family movies, there are all kinds of them. But how to download movies on Netflix?
Reality is often not so ideal. You may encounter these situations: you want to watch a movie to kill time when flying over a signal blind spot on the plane, but you find that you can't connect to the network. You are watching the climax of the plot on a long-distance train, but you can't watch it because of the freeze. Or you are ready to relax at the campsite, but there is no Wi-Fi signal available. At this time, if you have downloaded the Netflix content you want to watch in advance, you can avoid it. But how do you download movies on Netflix to watch offline?
In fact, Netflix launched the Netflix download function as early as 2016, and now it is constantly optimized and updated, allowing you to store your favorite movies and series on your device and watch them offline anytime, anywhere. Whether you want to make your trip less boring or enjoy a high-definition viewing experience in places with unstable Wi-Fi, learning how to download Netflix content is a "must-have skill." This guide will make your next trip or commute more fun and less boring with the simplest and clearest steps!
Can you watch Netflix offline?
Let's be clear, of course you can! How to download movies on Netflix is not a question. Netflix has long considered the needs of users to watch movies when there is no network connection, so it has specially launched the Netflix download function so that you can enjoy movies and TV content offline. Whether you are on a plane, on the subway, or outdoors without Wi-Fi, as long as you complete the download in advance, you can watch your favorite movies and TV series anytime, anywhere.
However, there is one thing to note: the download function only works with the Netflix application on supported devices. In other words, you must use a mobile phone, tablet, or Windows 10/11 computer with the Netflix app installed to download content. Download is not possible when playing content through the Netflix website browser. In general, Netflix's offline viewing function is both considerate and practical, as long as you master the correct operation method.
How do you download movies on Netflix to watch offline? Step-by-step guide
Step 1: Download the Netflix app
To watch Netflix movies or TV series offline, the first step is, of course, to have the Netflix app. Moreover, not all devices support the download function. You need to use a compatible device and install the latest version of the Netflix app.
Please note that the Netflix official website cannot download content directly. You must use the app. So if you want to watch without pressure on long-distance flights, high-speed trains, outings, or other scenarios where you can't connect to the Internet, be sure to install the app on a supported device first.
It is also very important to make sure that the app is the latest version. You can go to the App Store (iOS users) or Google Play Store (Android users) and click "Update" to check if there is an update available. If you are using a Windows computer, you can also update the Netflix app through the Microsoft Store.
After the installation is complete, open the app, click "Sign in," enter your account information, and everything is ready. Next, you can start browsing and downloading your favorite movies or series. It is the first step to solving the question of how to download movies on Netflix.
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Step 2: Choose your TV show or movie
Once you've opened the Netflix app and logged in, you may be eager to start downloading your favorite movies. But wait, not all content can be downloaded. This is restricted by the copyright agreement of the content. It is the second step of solving the question of how to download movies on Netflix is not a question.
The key to determining whether a program can be downloaded is to see if there is a "down arrow" icon. As long as the icon appears near the play button, it means it can be downloaded. If you don't want to click through each one to confirm, you can also browse Netflix's download content directly. Different devices have slightly different ways to find it:
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Mobile and tablet devices:
Tap the "Downloads" tab in the bottom navigation bar and select "Available for download," or use the search function to find it.
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Windows 10 or 11 devices:
Open the Netflix app, tap the menu (three horizontal lines) in the upper left corner, and select "See downloadable content" or "Find more downloadable content."
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Chromebook (Netflix app installed using Google Play):
You can also filter the movies available for download by navigating in the app.
If you already have a movie or series you like, you can directly enter the title in the search bar and see if there is a download icon. If there is no icon? That may be due to copyright restrictions, so it is recommended to change the program. In short, once you find the target and confirm that it can be downloaded, the next step is to download it and start the free experience of offline viewing.
Step 3: Download your TV show or movie
Once you've found a movie or TV show you want to watch, the next step is to click the "Download" button next to the show, which is the familiar downward-pointing arrow icon. As long as your device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network, downloading is usually faster and won't use up your mobile data plan. It is the third step to solve the problem of how to download movies on Netflix.
After downloading, you can find the downloaded content in the "Downloads" menu in the Netflix app and play it anytime, anywhere without worrying about a network connection. Downloaded content usually expires after a certain period of time, which depends on the copyright restrictions of the show or movie. Some content even limits the number of downloads per year, so remember to clear the downloaded files on your device in time after use to make room for new downloads.
If you are familiar with Netflix on mobile devices, you may have noticed that there is a dark "Download" button just below the play button. Click it to start downloading the local version of the episode or movie immediately.
It is worth noting that Netflix only allows downloads on Wi-Fi networks by default to avoid users accidentally consuming a large amount of mobile data. If you wish, you can also adjust the download options in the "Settings" of the Netflix app to allow downloads using mobile data, but use it with caution to avoid additional data charges.
However, Netflix has not yet launched an official application for macOS, which means that Mac laptop users cannot directly download Netflix content unless they install a Windows system or use other unconventional means. Once you master this step, you can watch your favorite Netflix movies and TV shows offline anytime, anywhere without worrying about network restrictions.
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Which movies and TV shows can't be downloaded from Netflix?
While Netflix offers a large number of movies and TV shows for download, not all of them can be watched offline. Whether a movie can be downloaded depends mainly on the licensing agreement between Netflix and the copyright holder of the content. In other words, it's not that Netflix doesn't want you to download, but it may not have the right to do so.
There are usually three reasons why content cannot be downloaded:
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Other companies have exclusive rights
Some movies or TV shows may have exclusive rights to other streaming platforms or TV stations, and Netflix can only play them online and cannot provide download permissions.
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The copyright cannot be purchased
Some content does not allow downloads in the licensing terms themselves, or its copyright structure is too complicated to obtain download permissions.
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Popularity, cost, or seasonal factors
If a show is not popular enough, the cost of broadcasting is too high, or it is only available during certain periods, Netflix may choose not to provide a download option.
Don't worry too much. Netflix said it will try to make more content available for download. In fact, a survey on October 3, 2024, showed that all of the top ten movies and TV shows in the United States can be downloaded. So your favorite blockbusters and TV series can probably be saved in advance and watched at any time. Just pay attention to whether there is a "download" icon next to the movie, and everything is under control.
Can I watch Netflix's downloaded content in any country?
It depends. And it is the important step of solving the question of how to download movies on Netflix. While you can download your favorite movies or series at home ahead of time, whether you can play them abroad depends on whether Netflix has the rights to play them in the country you are visiting.
Netflix's content rights are divided by region, which means that some content available in your country may not be available in another country, even if you have downloaded it. For example, if you download a movie in the United States, but when you travel to Germany, Netflix does not have the rights to play the movie locally, the movie may be grayed out in your app or even pop up a prompt: Not available for download in this country. Not all downloaded content is available in every country. This restriction may sound disappointing, but it is actually part of the content licensing contract.
Some users may try to use VPNs (virtual private networks) to bypass this geographical restriction, but be aware: Netflix explicitly opposes the use of VPNs to access its service content. Once the system detects that you are using a VPN, your playback function may be restricted, or even an error message may pop up. More importantly, this practice may also be considered a violation of Netflix's terms of service.
Therefore, to avoid unnecessary trouble, it is recommended to confirm in advance whether the content you want to watch can be watched offline at your destination before traveling. A safe approach is to download Netflix original content, which is usually available worldwide and is a "safe choice" when traveling.
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How does Smart Download work on Netflix?
How to download movies on Netflix? How do you download movies on Netflix to watch offline? Netflix's "Smart Download" feature is designed to help users easily manage downloaded movies and TV shows without having to manually delete and re-download them. This feature mainly includes two core options: "Download Next Episode" and "Download for You."
After turning on the "Download Next Episode" feature, when you finish watching an episode of TV show on your device, Netflix will automatically delete the episode from your device and automatically download the next episode of the season. This means that you can continue to enjoy the latest episodes offline without having to manage the downloads yourself. For users who like to catch up on TV shows, this greatly simplifies the process and avoids the device storage space being occupied by the episodes you have watched.
It is worth noting that in the Windows version of the Netflix app, although the name "Smart Download" is not specifically marked, enabling the "Download Next Episode" feature can also achieve the effect of smart downloads, helping you automatically update your downloads.
In general, Netflix downloads make offline viewing more worry-free, without having to worry about the tedious manual operations, and also avoid the storage space being filled up by unnecessary old content. It allow you to enjoying your favorite movies and TV shows.
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Conclusion
With the above few simple steps, you can easily download your favorite Netflix movies and TV shows for offline viewing anytime, anywhere. How to download movies on Netflix is no longer a question. Whether you are traveling, in a place with poor signal, or want to save data, the download function can greatly facilitate your viewing experience. Remember to keep the Netflix application updated, manage downloads and storage space properly, and make full use of the smart download function to make your entertainment life easier and more enjoyable. Now, try downloading your favorite movies and start a worry-free offline viewing journey!
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Written by
Kimmy
Published on
May 20, 2025
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