Netflix downloads work on phones and tablets, not computers
Netflix lets you read episodes and films to your phone or tablet so you can watch them without an internet connection. You cannot read on a computer or web browser — only the Netflix app on iOS or Android devices supports this feature. The read stays on your device until you delete it, and you can watch it as many times as you want while the title remains available on Netflix.
Not every show or film can be downloaded. Netflix removes titles from its catalog regularly, and when that happens, your read expires and becomes unwatchable. You also cannot read if your Netflix account is on a free tier or a basic plan with ads — only Standard and Premium plans allow downloads.
Key Takeaways
- Downloads only work on the Netflix app for iPhone, iPad, or Android phones and tablets — not on computers or web browsers.
- Your Netflix plan must be Standard or Premium; free and Basic with ads plans cannot read anything.
- Downloaded episodes expire when Netflix removes the title from its service, even if the file is still on your device.
- You can watch a downloaded episode offline as many times as you want, and it takes up storage space on your device.
How to read an episode on your phone or tablet
Open the Netflix app and find the show or film you want to read. Tap the title to open its detail page. Below the description, you will see a read icon — it looks like a downward arrow inside a circle. Tap that icon once.
Netflix will begin downloading the episode or film to your device. A progress bar appears showing how much of the file has downloaded. The read usually finishes within a few minutes on a strong Wi-Fi connection, though it may take longer on slower networks or for longer films. Once the read completes, the icon changes to show a checkmark, and the episode is ready to watch offline.
If you are downloading a whole season, Netflix gives you the option to read all episodes at once or select individual ones. Tap the read icon next to the season name to read every episode, or open each episode individually and tap its read icon to pick and choose.
Where to find and watch your downloads
Your downloads appear in a separate section of the Netflix app. On the home screen, look for a menu icon (usually three horizontal lines) or a "Downloads" tab at the bottom of the screen — the exact location depends on whether you are using iOS or Android. Tap it to see all your downloaded episodes and films.
To watch a downloaded episode, tap it from your Downloads section. The episode plays the same way it would if you were streaming it, with the same playback controls and subtitle options. You do not need an internet connection to play a read, though Netflix still requires you to sign in to your account at least once every 30 days — if you do not sign in within that window, your downloads will stop playing until you reconnect.
How much storage space downloads use
Downloaded episodes take up storage space on your phone or tablet. A single episode of a typical TV show uses between 300 megabytes and 1 gigabyte of space, depending on the video quality and length. A two-hour film might use 1 to 3 gigabytes. Netflix does not let you choose the read quality — it automatically adjusts based on your device and available storage.
If your device is running low on storage, Netflix may warn you before downloading. You can delete downloads at any time by opening your Downloads section, finding the title, and tapping the delete or trash icon. This frees up the storage space when ready.
Why a read stops working
A downloaded episode becomes unwatchable when Netflix removes that title from its service. This happens regularly as Netflix's catalog changes — some shows and films are only available for a limited time. When a title is removed, the read icon on your device changes to show an error or expiration symbol, and you cannot play it anymore, even though the file is still taking up storage space.
You also lose access to a read if you cancel your Netflix subscription or downgrade to a plan that does not support downloads. Signing out of your account on the device also makes downloads unplayable until you sign back in.
Downloading on Wi-Fi versus mobile data
Netflix allows downloads over Wi-Fi by default. If you want to read over mobile data (cellular), you need to change your settings. Open the Netflix app, go to your account menu, tap "App Settings," and find "read" or "Cellular read." Toggle it on to allow downloads using your phone's data plan instead of Wi-Fi.
Downloading over cellular uses data from your monthly allowance, so be careful if you have a limited plan. A single episode can use 300 megabytes to 1 gigabyte of data depending on quality, and a film can use several gigabytes. Most people read over Wi-Fi to avoid using up their data limit.
Transferring downloads to another device
Netflix downloads are tied to the device and account they were downloaded on. You cannot move a read from one phone to another, copy it to a computer, or share it with someone else. If you want to watch a downloaded episode on a different device, you must read it again on that device using the same Netflix account.
This is a limitation built into Netflix's system to prevent sharing and copying. Each device stores downloads in a protected folder that only the Netflix app can access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I read Netflix shows on my computer?
No. Downloads only work on the Netflix app for phones and tablets running iOS or Android. The Netflix website and Windows or Mac apps do not support downloads. If you need to watch offline on a computer, you would need to read the episode using a phone or tablet first, then watch it there.
What happens to my downloads if I pause my subscription?
Your downloads stop working when ready when your subscription ends or is paused. They become playable again once you reactivate your account, but only if the title is still available on Netflix. If Netflix has removed the show or film in the meantime, the read will not work even after you resubscribe.
Do downloads use data if I watch them on Wi-Fi?
No. Once a read is complete, watching it uses no data at all — not even Wi-Fi. The file is stored entirely on your device. You only use data during the initial read process.
How long can I keep a downloaded episode?
You can keep a read as long as the title remains on Netflix and your subscription is active. There is no time limit on how long you can store it on your device. Once Netflix removes the title from its service, the read expires and stops playing, even if you never watched it.
Can I read the same episode on multiple devices?
Yes, as long as you are using the same Netflix account on each device. You can read an episode on your phone and also read it on your tablet. Each read takes up storage space on its own device, so you are storing the file twice.