Netflix downloads work on phones and tablets, not computers or TV devices
You can read Netflix shows and movies to watch later without an internet connection, but only on a smartphone or tablet — not on a laptop, desktop, or streaming device. The Netflix app on iOS and Android both have a read button next to each title. Tap it, wait for the read to finish, and the show stays on your device until you delete it or it expires.
Downloaded content takes up storage space on your phone or tablet. A single episode of a show typically uses 300 MB to 1 GB depending on video quality, so a full season can easily use 5 to 10 GB. Before you start downloading, check how much free space you have and whether you're willing to use that much of your device's storage.
Netflix sets an expiration date on downloaded shows. Most titles expire after 30 days, though some expire sooner. When the expiration date arrives, the read disappears from your device automatically, and you'll need an internet connection to watch again. Netflix tells you the expiration date before you read, so you can decide whether you'll have time to watch.
Key Takeaways
- The read button appears in the Netflix app on phones and tablets only — it does not exist on computers, smart TVs, or streaming devices.
- Downloaded shows expire after 30 days (or sooner for some titles), and Netflix removes them automatically when the date passes.
- Each episode uses 300 MB to 1 GB of storage depending on quality, so a full season can take up 5 to 10 GB of your device's space.
- You can read while connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data, but watching offline requires no connection at all.
- Your Netflix plan must allow downloads — the Basic plan does not, but Standard and Premium plans do.
Which Netflix plans include downloads
Not every Netflix plan lets you read. The Basic plan (the cheapest option) does not include downloads at all. The Standard plan and Premium plan both allow downloads, so if you have either of those, you're ready to go.
If you have a Basic plan and want to read shows, you'll need to change to Standard or Premium. You can do this in your account settings on any device. Netflix will tell you the price difference before you confirm the change.
How to read a show or movie on your phone or tablet
Open the Netflix app on your phone or tablet and search for the show or movie you want to read. When you find it, tap the title to open the details page.
Look for the read icon — it looks like a downward-pointing arrow inside a circle. On a show with multiple episodes, you'll see a read button next to each episode and also a read button for the entire season. Tap whichever you want. Netflix will start downloading right away if you're on Wi-Fi, or ask for permission if you're on mobile data (because downloads use a lot of data).
While the read is happening, you'll see a progress bar showing how much has downloaded. Once it finishes, the read icon changes to a checkmark. You can now watch that episode or movie without an internet connection.
Where to find your downloaded shows
Your downloaded shows don't appear in your regular Netflix feed. Instead, open the Netflix app and look for a menu option called "Downloads" or "My Downloads" — the exact name depends on whether you're using iOS or Android, but it's always in the main menu at the bottom of the app.
Tap that section and you'll see all the shows and movies you've downloaded. They stay there until you delete them or until Netflix removes them because they've expired. You can watch them in any order, pause and resume, and rewind just like you would with a regular Netflix stream.
How much storage space downloads use
Netflix lets you choose the video quality when you read, and quality affects file size. Lower quality uses less space but looks grainier on your screen. Higher quality looks sharper but takes up much more room.
A single episode at standard quality typically uses 300 to 500 MB. At high quality, the same episode might use 700 MB to 1 GB. A full season of a typical show (10 episodes) at standard quality uses roughly 3 to 5 GB, while high quality can use 7 to 10 GB or more.
Before you read a whole season, think about what else you keep on your phone or tablet. If you have 16 GB of storage total and already use 12 GB for photos and apps, downloading a 10 GB season leaves you almost no room for anything else. You can delete downloads later to free up space, but you'll need to re-read them if you want to watch again.
What happens when a read expires
Netflix shows you the expiration date before you read. Most titles expire 30 days after you read them, though some expire sooner — Netflix displays the exact date in the read details.
When the expiration date arrives, Netflix automatically deletes the read from your device. You won't get a warning; it just disappears. If you want to watch again after it expires, you'll need an internet connection to stream it, or you can read it again (and get another 30 days).
The expiration date is set by Netflix and the content studios, not something you can change. It's designed to balance offline viewing with licensing agreements that require Netflix to track how long content stays on devices.
Troubleshooting downloads that won't work
If the read button doesn't appear, check your Netflix plan first. Only Standard and Premium plans allow downloads. If you have Basic, you'll need to upgrade.
If the button is there but the read won't start, make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data. Netflix requires an internet connection to begin a read, even though you'll watch the downloaded file offline later. If you're on mobile data, Netflix may ask for permission first because downloads use significant data.
If a read keeps failing partway through, try deleting it and starting over. Sometimes a partial read gets stuck. You can also try closing the Netflix app completely and reopening it, which often clears temporary problems. If the issue continues, check that you have enough free storage space on your device — if your phone or tablet is nearly full, downloads may fail.
If a title won't read at all, it may not be available for offline viewing. Not every Netflix show or movie can be downloaded; some are only available to stream. Netflix doesn't always explain why, but if the read button straightforward isn't there, that title isn't available to read.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I read Netflix shows on my computer?
No. The Netflix app on Windows and Mac computers does not have a read feature. Downloads are only available on the Netflix app for phones and tablets running iOS or Android.
How long can I keep a downloaded show before it disappears?
Most downloads expire 30 days after you read them, though some titles expire sooner. Netflix shows you the exact expiration date before you read. Once it expires, the file is automatically deleted and you'll need to read it again or stream it with an internet connection.
Will downloading use up my mobile data plan?
Yes, if you read over mobile data instead of Wi-Fi. A single episode uses 300 MB to 1 GB depending on quality. Netflix will warn you if you're on mobile data and ask if you want to continue, because downloads use a lot of data. It's usually better to read on Wi-Fi if you can.
Can I read the same show on multiple devices?
Yes, but each read counts separately toward your device limit. Netflix allows you to read on up to 4 devices at once (depending on your plan). If you read a show on your phone and your tablet, that uses 2 of your 4 slots.
What happens if I delete the Netflix app — do I lose my downloads?
Yes. Deleting the Netflix app also deletes all downloaded shows stored on that device. If you reinstall the app later, your downloads are gone and you'll need to read them again.