How to Download Netflix Episodes on Any Device in 2025
Summary: Want to binge your favorite Netflix series offline while traveling or commuting? Depending on your device, Netflix offers different ways to download episodes—but with some recent changes, things are no longer as simple, especially on PC or Mac. This guide walks you through the latest official methods, explains what’s changed, and introduces alternative download tools when needed.
I still remember the day Netflix canceled the download function on Windows. I tried a lot of times but only got error after error. Sigh. If you’re banging your head against the same problem, believe me, you’re definitely not the only frustrated soul wondering, “Why can’t I watch Netflix offline on my computer anymore?” or “Seriously, does any Netflix downloader still work these days?”
Anyway, here, I’m sharing what I dug up in 2025: why downloads on phones are okay now but not PC or Mac, what’s up with the legalities, and something that is still available for Netflix episodes.
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1 Install & open Netflix app (Android/iOS)
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2 Sign in & select content
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3 Tap Download icon next to episode/movie
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4 Find & watch in Downloads tab
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1 Download & install StreamFab Netflix Downloader
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2 Sign in to Netflix within the tool
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3 Choose episode/movie & click Download
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4 Enjoy offline playback on PC/Mac
Quick Compare: Which Devices Support Downloading Netflix Episodes
According to the latest information provided on the official Netflix website, all valid subscribers are eligible to download movies from Netflix, including the standard package with advertisements.
However, there are some Netflix download limits based on different devices. For example:
| Device/Platform | Download Function | Notes & Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Android/iOS | ✅ Yes | Need the Netflix app; some shows vary by region; Smart Downloads & “Downloads for You” supported. |
| Windows PC | ❌ No (since May 2024) | Official Windows app now a PWA—no offline downloads (Reddit). |
| Mac / macOS | ❌ No | No native app was ever available—stream only via browser. |
| Chromebook | ⚠️ Partially | If you can install Android apps, you might get downloads via Netflix’s mobile app. |
| Smart TVs / Consoles | ❌ No | Download functionality is limited to mobile only. |
1. How to Download Netflix Episodes on Android/iOS
Downloading via mobile is still the simplest and most reliable option. Personally, I use my Android phone daily for offline viewing—here’s my process:
Step 1: From the App Store, you need to download, install & launch the Netflix app on your iPhone and log into your Netflix account.
Step 2: After that, choose the titles to download & hit the "Download" button placed under the "Play" button. To download any individual episode, you need to tap on the "Download" icon next to the episode.
Step 3: Select the "Download" tab from the bottom menu bar to see the downloaded content. In the upper side of the "Download" tab, you can go for the "Smart Download" option for auto-deleting & auto-downloading episodes of watched ones and new ones, respectively.
Quick Highlights:
- Smart Downloads: Netflix deletes watched episodes and fetches the next ones.
- Downloads for You: The app recommends and auto-downloads shows based on my viewing habits.
- Expiration: Downloads typically expire in 7–30 days, and once viewing begins, you have 48 hours before they disappear
- Limits: Ad-free plans allow up to 100 downloads per device, while ad-supported plans are limited to 15 per month
2. PC and Mac No Longer Support Netflix Downloads
The download button on the Netflix app for Windows has vanished for years. Not even a trace. So, I did a little detective work with some official info and tips from real users to piece together what exactly happened to Netflix downloads.
- 2016 Nov: Netflix launches offline download feature on Android/iOS
- 2019: Mac still has no official support for downloading Netflix episodes
- 2023: Windows Store native Netflix app can download content
- 2024 May: Official notice will remove Windows download feature (PWA replacement)
- 2024 Jul: Windows version completely switched to Edge-based PWA, no download button
- 2025: Downloading Netflix videos on a MacBook is still not being supported on macOS
Netflix’s decision has really ruffled some feathers, mine included. People all over social media and forums were venting about how losing the download option was messing up their daily chill time at that time. I think Netflix should have worked on making their platform more versatile for us, not taken away features, and made my Netflix nights a bit less fun.
According to Netflix's official support documentation, as of now (2025), the download feature is limited to mobile devices, and Windows and macOS no longer support offline downloads. I often travel for business and need to watch episodes offline. After learning that PC and Mac are no longer available for download, I have to find a solution.
3. How to Download Netflix Episodes without Limits?
First of all, we need to make it clear that the downloaded Netflix videos should be limited to "personal offline viewing" and not for sharing, dissemination, or commercial purposes. If you are downloading for personal use, there is no problem at all; just choose a safe tool.
When I discovered that Netflix no longer officially supports episode downloads on Windows and Mac, I started evaluating some best Netflix video downloaders, especially for those who want to watch content offline on their laptops when they are out and about. Here are my findings and summary:
Tool Required: StreamFab Netflix Downloader
Allows you to download 1080P native lossless Netflix episodes on Windows and Mac, and save them permanently.
- Original DRM download: not screen-successful or re-encoded, but downloaded in original 1080p quality, lossless preservation, supporting Netflix high-spec output such as Dolby Vision, HDR10, EAC3 5.1 or AAC audio
- Strong batch downloading capability: You can add a whole season of content at a time, and a 20-minute download can be completed in about 10 minutes, which is significantly more efficient than re-encoding tools
- Flexible download features: StreamFab 6 has added automatic downloading and queue processing functions
- Compatible output format: Download Netflix to MP4 or MKV formats, including multi-language audio tracks and subtitle settings
| Feature | Official App | StreamFab Downloader |
|---|---|---|
| Supported Platforms | Android / iOS | Windows / macOS |
| Max Resolution | 1080p | 1080p HDR/Dolby Vision |
| Batch Download | No | Yes |
| Download Expiration | 7–30 days (auto-delete) | Permanent |
| Audio/Subtitles | Limited | All tracks/subtitles |
| Smart Download | Yes | No |
| Safety | Official App | Safe (if from official site) |
| Pricing | Netflix Subscription | Extra Fee |
Downloading Steps
Step 1: Launch this Netflix video downloader on your MacBook or Windows PC, select the 'Netflix' service.
Step 2: Sign into your account with your official credentials. After that, choose the Netflix episodes or movies to download.
Step 3: While playing your selected episodes, you will get "Download" pop-ups & you need to click on them to initiate the downloading process.
Step 4: You can add multiple episodes for batch download at once, and the content will be on your local device soon.
FAQs
Netflix says getting rid of downloads is supposed to somehow make things better, like smoother streaming and more handy features, maybe even those new live events they keep talking about. But, honestly, a lot of people (myself included, once on a bumpy train ride) are pretty annoyed, since we all agree that offline-watching was a lifesaver.
Some Netflix Originals are co-produced by Netflix in collaboration with other studios. While Netflix may have the right to offer streaming services, it is unable to provide downloads. If you wish to download such videos, you will need to use StreamFab Netflix Downloader.
3. Is it safe to download Netflix episodes with StreamFab?
Yes. Downloading Netflix movies on a laptop with StreamFab for personal watching is legally allowed, and StreamFab is a safe solution as long as you install it from the official website.
Last Word
If you are used to watching videos offline on your phone, you can use the Netflix official app to download episodes and movies; but if you prefer large-screen devices, such as PCs, then StreamFab Netflix Downloader will be a better supplement. Choose the right solution according to your needs.
