Netflix allows you to download movies and TV shows for offline viewing, ensuring entertainment even without an internet connection. This is particularly helpful during flights, commutes, or in locations with poor reception. The download process is straightforward, and this guide will walk you through the steps on various devices, including iOS, Android, Amazon Kindle Fire, Fire tablets, and Chromebooks. It’s important to note that downloading Netflix content is not available on Windows-based machines.
Understanding Download Limits:
The number of titles you can download depends on your Netflix plan. Plans with ads allow up to 15 downloads per month, resetting at the beginning of each calendar month. Ad-free plans offer greater flexibility with up to 100 active downloads per device, depending on your plan’s device allowance.
Downloading Your Favorite Content:
1.
Update the Netflix app:
Ensure the Netflix app on your device is up to date.2.
Select your show or movie:
Browse through Netflix and locate the title you wish to download.3.
Tap the download icon:
The download icon is usually a downward arrow with a horizontal line beneath it.4.
Access your downloads:
Once downloaded, your content will appear in the Downloads section. This can be found on the Downloads menu for mobile devices or the Menu button in the application’s upper-left corner on Windows.Choosing Download Quality:
Netflix offers two download quality levels: Standard and High. Standard downloads use less space and are quicker, while High offers better quality, typically up to 1080p resolution. Your choice will depend on your available storage space and device capabilities.
To adjust download quality, navigate to the App settings menu (often labeled ‘More’ or found under your profile icon). Under the Downloads heading, select ‘Video quality’ or ‘Download video quality’ and choose your preferred setting.
Storage Considerations:
The storage space required for downloads varies based on title length and resolution. For example, a 53-minute episode of a TV show might use 885.4MB in High quality and 259.9MB in Standard quality. Always check your device’s available storage before downloading to ensure sufficient space.
Finding Downloadable Content:
Netflix helps you easily identify downloadable titles by organizing them in a dedicated ‘Available for Download’ section. This can be found under the genre options when you select ‘TV Shows’ or ‘Movies’. Additionally, the download icon appears next to downloadable content.
Download Limitations:
While many titles are downloadable, some have restrictions on the number of downloads and expiration periods. Certain TV series may only allow three downloads of the same episode within a billing cycle. Downloaded content typically expires after a month. Some titles may be restricted to a single download and expire after a week or 48 hours after the first play due to licensing agreements.
Enabling Automatic Downloads:
Netflix’s ‘Downloads For You’ feature automatically downloads content based on your viewing history, ensuring you have recommendations ready for offline viewing. This feature works exclusively when connected to Wi-Fi. To activate:
1. Open the Netflix app and select your profile.
2. Choose ‘Downloads’.
3. Select ‘Set Up’.
4. Use the Plus and Minus icons to set your storage limit, then select ‘Turn On’ to activate.
Deleting Downloaded Content:
To delete downloaded content, you can either remove individual titles or delete all at once.
1.
Deleting Single Titles:
Go to the ‘My Downloads’ section, select the Pen icon, and choose the titles you wish to delete.2.
Deleting All Titles:
Navigate to ‘Settings’ and select ‘Delete All Downloads’ to clear your entire downloads library.Having a library of downloaded movies and shows readily available on your device provides a convenient and entertaining way to pass the time during travel or in locations with limited internet access. Enjoy your offline entertainment!
