The basic steps to read a Netflix show

Open the Netflix app on your phone or tablet, search for the show you want, and tap the read icon next to the title or episode. The icon looks like a downward arrow inside a box. Netflix will begin downloading when ready and store it on your device — you can watch it later without an internet connection.

The read icon only appears on certain devices and for certain content. Netflix limits downloads to phones and tablets running iOS 11.0 or later, or Android 4.4.2 or later. Some shows and movies are not available for read because of licensing agreements with studios and producers.

You can check your downloads by opening the app and tapping the Downloads tab at the bottom of the screen. Downloaded content stays on your device until you delete it or until Netflix removes your access to it — which happens if you cancel your subscription or if your account is inactive for a long period.

Key Takeaways

  • The read button appears as a downward arrow next to the title or episode name, but only on phones and tablets, not on computers or smart TVs.
  • Not all shows are available for read — licensing restrictions prevent Netflix from offering downloads for some content.
  • Downloaded shows take up storage space on your device, and Netflix limits how many titles you can have downloaded at once depending on your subscription plan.
  • Downloaded content expires after a set period, usually 30 days, and you must refresh it by opening Netflix while connected to the internet.

Which devices support Netflix downloads

Netflix downloads work on phones and tablets only. You cannot read shows on a computer, smart TV, or streaming device like a Roku or Apple TV. If you want to watch offline on those devices, you will need to use a different method or service.

On iOS, you need an iPhone or iPad running version 11.0 or later. On Android, your phone or tablet must run version 4.4.2 or later. You can check your device's operating system in your phone's settings — look for "About Phone" or "About Device" on Android, or "General" then "About" on iPhone.

Storage limits and how many shows you can read

Netflix limits the number of titles you can have downloaded at the same time based on your subscription plan. Basic plans allow 1 read, Standard plans allow 4 downloads, and Premium plans allow 6 downloads. A "title" means one show or movie — if you read three episodes of the same show, that counts as one title.

Downloaded content also takes up storage space on your device. A single episode of a show typically uses 200 MB to 1 GB of space depending on video quality and length. A two-hour movie can use 1 to 3 GB. Before downloading, check how much free space your phone or tablet has available.

If you reach your read limit and want to read something new, you must delete an existing read first. Open the Downloads tab, find the title you no longer need, and swipe left on iOS or long-press on Android to remove it.

Why some shows cannot be downloaded

Netflix does not own the shows and movies on its platform — it licenses them from studios, networks, and producers. Those licensing agreements often do not include the right to offer downloads. A show might be available to stream but not to read because the studio did not grant Netflix that permission.

Licensing agreements also change over time. A show you downloaded months ago might no longer be available for new downloads if Netflix's contract with the studio expired or changed. You can still watch a show you have already downloaded even if it is no longer available for new downloads, as long as you refresh it before it expires.

How long downloaded shows stay on your device

Downloaded content expires after a set period, usually 30 days, though some titles expire sooner. Netflix will send you a notification when a read is about to expire. To keep watching it, you must open the Netflix app while connected to the internet — this refreshes the read and resets the expiration timer.

If a read expires and you do not refresh it, you cannot watch it offline anymore. You will need to read it again, which requires an internet connection and available storage space.

Downloaded content also becomes unavailable if you cancel your Netflix subscription or if your account goes inactive. Netflix defines inactive as not logging in for a certain period — the exact timeframe varies, but is typically several months.

Downloading specific episodes versus entire seasons

You can read individual episodes or entire seasons. When you open a show's page, you will see a read icon next to the show title itself and next to each episode. Tapping the icon next to the show title downloads the next unwatched episode. Tapping the icon next to a specific episode downloads only that one.

To read a full season at once, look for a "read Season" option on the season page. This is faster than downloading episodes one at a time, but uses more storage space all at once. If your device does not have enough free space, Netflix will tell you before it starts.

Troubleshooting downloads that do not work

If the read button does not appear next to a title, that content is not available for read. This is a licensing restriction, not a technical problem — there is no way around it. You can only stream it online.

If the read button appears but the read fails or gets stuck, try closing the Netflix app completely and opening it again. Make sure you have a stable internet connection — Netflix needs a connection to start the read, even though you will watch it offline later. If the problem continues, restart your phone or tablet.

If a downloaded show will not play, it may have expired. Open Netflix while connected to the internet to refresh it. If you are still having trouble, delete the read and try downloading it again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I read Netflix shows on my computer?

No. Netflix only allows downloads on phones and tablets. If you want to watch shows offline on a computer, you would need to use a different streaming service or method. Some services like Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video also offer downloads on computers, depending on the device and operating system.

What happens to my downloads if I change my phone?

Downloads are stored on the device itself, not in your Netflix account. If you get a new phone, your old downloads stay on the old phone. You will need to read the shows again on your new device. Your Netflix account and watch history move with you — only the downloaded files stay behind.

Do downloaded shows use data when I watch them?

No. Once a show is fully downloaded, watching it uses no internet data at all. You can watch it completely offline. However, Netflix may still try to connect to the internet periodically to check your subscription status, so airplane mode or a complete lack of signal is fine.

Can I read shows to watch on a trip if my subscription expires while I am away?

Downloaded shows will stop playing if your subscription expires, even if you are offline. Netflix checks your account status periodically, and if your subscription has ended, it will not let you watch downloaded content. You need an active subscription to watch anything on Netflix, whether it is downloaded or streamed.

How do I know how much storage space a read will use?

Netflix does not show the file size before you read. A rough estimate is 200 MB to 1 GB per episode and 1 to 3 GB per movie, depending on video quality and length. If you are unsure whether you have enough space, check your device's storage settings before downloading.