Can I download a Netflix TV series to watch when I don't have internet?

Another question raised this week in relation to travelling with technology was about whether it is possible to download Netflix content to watch 'offline' (i.e. when you don't have internet).

This question arose during a discussion about 'geo-blocking' of Netflix, ABCiView, SBS On Demand and other Australian content - which prevents you accessing these Australian services when you are not in Australia.

My client had heard of a TV series that was available on Netflix (which she subscribes to), and wanted to be able to watch it during her trip.

The good news is that, since late last year, you CAN download content from Netflix to watch 'offline'.

Here is how to do it.

Downloading Netflix content to your iPhone or iPad

• Make sure you have the Netflix app on your iPad or iPhone.
• Tap on the Menu symbol at top left

• Select 'Available Downloads'

• Use the search bar option (magnifying glass) at the top to search for the program you require.
• When you find it, scroll down to see the episodes (if it is a TV program) and choose the 'download' symbol of the episodes you wish to download to your device.

• Once you have downloaded content, you can access it from the My Downloads option in the Netflix app's menu.

How much data will I use by downloading this content, and how much space will it take?

The amount of data that you will use when downloading content - and then how much room that content uses on your device - will depend on the program.

You will use somewhere around 200MB for one hour of SD (standard definition) quality content, and about double that for HD (high definition) quality content.

For our mobile devices, SD quality is usually good enough and will ensure fastest download and require less storage space.

​Find out more in the below Netflix Help article.

• How can I control how much data Netflix uses? | Netflix Help  ​

Will my downloads 'expire'?  How long do I have to watch them

You can't keep the downloaded Netflix content forever - and the expiry of the content you download will vary.  Generally, you will have 48 hours to watch once you have hit 'Play'.  

You will be able to check in My Downloads to see if a downloaded program is on a countdown to expiry!

Can I 'renew' an expired download?

It is possible to 'renew' an expired download, but only by deleting it and downloading it again. You must have an internet connection to do this.

Here's how to remove it from your My Downloads

1. Tap My Downloads (refer above)
2. Tap Edit (top right).
3. Tap the red X - this will remove it.

Then you will need to follow the steps above to download again. 

A warning here: you may not be able to re-download all programs due to studio limits.  In such a case, you would just need to wait until you have internet access (and are in the correct country) to watch it.

Want to read more about this?

Here is a good article from The Age, published in December 2016 - shortly after the 'offline' capability was introduce   

• Netflix downloads: everything you need to know | The Age  

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