How to Download Netflix Content for Offline Viewing

1. First, launch the Netflix app on your iPad or iPhone and sign into your account. That’s of course if you’re not already logged in.
2. This will take you to Netflix’s main page. Now select your movie or show that you’re looking to download.
3. Just on the right of the title, you’ll see a “Download” icon. It’s like an arrow facing south.
4. After that, your download will start. Remember, if it’s a TV show, you can’t download the whole season, only one episode at a time.
5. When the download begins, a progress wheel will take the arrow’s place.
6. Once the download is done, you can stream it wherever you are without the need of an internet connection.

Android

While using Android, downloading a show is as easy as tapping on the download button and letting Netflix handle the rest. You just need an internet connection and a valid subscription of course. If you own an Android and still wondering how to navigate through the downloading process, here’s what you need to do:

1. First, launch the Netflix application on your device. If you’re already logged in, this is where you’ll be at.
2. After that, select the show or movie you wish to download. In my example, I’m going to be using Lucifer.
3. Now press on the download icon that’s next to the episode you want to get.
4. Finally, your file is in the download section.
5. Wait for it to finish and you can watch in in offline mode.

Windows PC

You are able to watch shows offline on your Windows PC, but not on the browser my friends. Although Netflix is available for streaming using a web browser, the download function is only applicable inside the application. No matter what the situation is, this is great news for PC users who enjoy their series and movies on a 14″ screen. Go ahead, get the Netflix Windows app and follow my lead as I will show you exactly how to download some titles for your upcoming road trip:

1. If you don’t have the app already, go to Windows Store and download it.
2. Sign in with your Netflix credentials. This will take you to the main screen.
3. Now, select the title you wish to download. It’s pretty simple, the download icon will be visible directly.
4. I chose Underworld as an example, there’s the download button.
5. Finally, open the menu section on the top left part of the screen, select My Downloads, and check your download progress.

Mac OS

Unfortunately, not all Apple products got to be so lucky to offer such a feature with Netflix. The problem is that the app doesn’t even exist for download on Mac devices. I’m going to be telling you exactly why in a few seconds. For now, here’s what I got when I searched for the Netflix app for my mac.

Apparently, the Netflix app only covers iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV when it comes to Apple products. It’s really hard to know why, but I can guess a few reasons. Some of it may include what we call licensing of products. Netflix believes that it’s protecting its content from piracy. You may not know this, but streaming content on Mac makes it very easy to pirate content.

You don’t even need to download the show to watch at a later time. All you need to do is set a recording for the video you want and it’s all yours. Alright, I know that you have to go through playing the whole video before you can have it, but isn’t that the next best thing? After getting the perfect tool to record your video, you can then save it and watch whenever you want in offline mode. In my opinion, that’s exactly why Netflix doesn’t allow Mac users to download their app.

I don’t encourage such an action because it goes against copyright laws. So, if you’re a Mac user, just stick to Netflix’s website to stream it’s content legally.

Netflix Smart Download

This one is only for Android and iOS users. There’s a feature called Smart Downloads. Enabling this option will allow you to automatically delete the episodes that you’re done with. You can set up a certain series and more episodes will be downloaded without you taking part in the process.

All you need to do is go to the App Settings and slide the Smart Downloads’ switch to the “On” side.

I suggest you keep the “Wi-Fi Only” part on since Smart Download can download multiple episodes depending on what you’ve been watching. If you binge-watched like 3 episodes, the next time your phone connects to the internet they’ll be gone and 3 others start downloading.

How Long Does a Download Last?

If you think that owned the world once you have your download done, think again. Netflix’s download titles have a limited amount of time before they expire from your download section. Mostly, the timer will start when you have less than 7-day to watch a movie or show.

This is what Netflix has to say on their website:

One other question that haunts us is: “Can you watch the downloaded files even if you’re subscription expired?” I’m pretty sure the answer is no. You need an active username and password to access the app. Without an active subscription, you’ll be denied of all the privileges that you used to have.

New to Netflix? Get a Subscription

It’s rare to find anyone who doesn’t have a Netflix account nowadays. However, if you’re one of those, here’s how you can create a Netflix account:

1. First, go to Netflix’s official website and click on the “Try 30 Days Free” button.
2. After that, click on “See the Plans” on the next page.
3. You have 3 plans to choose from. Each one has its own features. You can pick from Basic ($8.99), Standard$12.99), or Premium ($15.99).
4. Now, submit your email and password to create an account.
5. Choose your Payment Method. You have several options including Credit or Debit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex or Discover), PayPal, or Netflix gift card.
6. Finally, tap on “Start Membership” and you’ll become Netflix’s newest subscriber.

More Titles with a VPN

With a Netflix account, you can tap into a wide variety of the best Netflix originals to ever exist. However, with a VPN, you get to access Netflix’s full American library no matter where you might be. Although the streaming service is available almost everywhere nowadays, its library of content varies from region to region. 

In other words, what you get in the UK is so much different than what you may get in France. So far, the American region gets the best of what Netflix has to offer. But what makes them better than you?

You too should be able to watch the best there is on the streaming giant just like any other American. That’s why you need the help of a VPN to change your location and appear to be browsing the web from the US region. So, without further ado, here’s how you can access American Netflix anywhere in the world:

1. To kick it off, you must sign up with a VPN that actually works with Netflix. I highly recommend ExpressVPN.
2. After you subscribe, download and install the VPN application on a compatible device. You’ll find clients available on Android, iOS, PC, Mac, as well as FireStick.
3. Now, sign in with your VPN account and head over to the server list.
4. Find a US server and hit connect.
5. Launch Netflix’s website or its dedicated app.
6. Finally, search for Star-Crossed. If the title is available, you now have US Netflix.

A VPN protects your identity when you’re browsing the web by hiding your IP address. Not only that but when you’re connected to a VPN server, you get to encrypt your data shielding it against any cyber attack that may target your device. Still confused and can’t figure out which VPN provider to use? Don’t worry, I got your back. To access American Netflix outside the US, you must make use of one of these top VPNs for Netflix.