Netflix is undoubtfully the top streaming platform, with numerous exclusive content. But accessing them always requires a stable net connection. So, can you download movies from Netflix on Mac devices for offline viewing on a plane or on a road trip?
Can You Download Netflix Movies on a Mac in an Official Way?
No. Actually, Netflix has never created an official application for macOS. The download function is only available on its mobile Netflix app. However, there are some alternative ways to download Netflix movies on Macs. Move to the next section to pick one you like.
How to Download Netflix Movies on Mac?
Method 1: Download Netflix Movies on Mac via StreamFab
StreamFab Netflix Downloader is a 3rd-party Netflix video downloader that users can utilize to remove Netflix DRM protection and download Netflix movies and shows on macOS. Its development team keeps updating it to be constantly available to download movies from Netflix on Mac in lossless quality with a few clicks.
Use it to download all you want on Netflix on all Mac devices without any complex operations, but also with high audiovisual quality kept.
- Download Netflix movies up to 1080p Full HD quality
- Store Netflix videos as MP4 or MKV files
- Export Netflix videos with HDR10/Dolby Vision
- Preserve immersive audio with Dolby Atmos/EAC3 5.1 sound
- Batch-download multiple episodes of a Netflix series at once
- Auto-download the latest episodes
- Remove ads from all Netflix content, regardless of subscription type
- Download subtitles in user's preferred language from Netflix shows
- Only the first 3 downloads are free during the 30-day trial
Learn how to use StreamFab Netflix Downloader to download Netflix movies on Mac here. By the way, it downloads Netflix to MP4 by default. If you want MKV format files, adjust the settings before you start downloading:
Log in to the Netflix module in the built-in browser. Or you can also paste the Netflix video link in the address bar.
Find and play the Netflix video you want to download. StreamFab will start a quick analysis to provide you with a pop-up with all adjustable video settings.
Click "Download Now" after all options are set. Wait for several minutes for StreamFab to download the video to your device.
Keep in mind that the videos downloaded by StreamFab Netflix Downloader are legal only for personal entertainment. StreamFab officially strictly resists any violation of copyright laws, including but not limited to the distribution/selling of downloaded Netflix videos.
Method 2: Download Netflix Movies on Mac via Pazu
You can see this tool as an alternative to StreamFab Netflix Downloader. Pazu Netflix to MP4 Converter can convert Netflix movies to DRM-free formats on your Mac for you to watch Netflix offline on Mac without Wifi.
Most of its functions are the same as StreamFab. However, according to tests, it can not always download HDR10/Dolby Vision Netflix videos like StreamFab.
- Convert Netflix Videos to MP4/MKV formats
- Supports output videos with Dolby Atmos audio
- 1080p/720p resolution selectable
- Inevitable quality loss during the conversion
- Slow conversion speed on high-quality outputs
- Converting hiccups happen often
- No schedule-convert function available
- No background processing ability
- Chaos search function with random titles provided
- Terrible customer service
It has a simplified built-in browser with only the search function preserved. You can refer to the following steps to get started with it.
Install it on your MacBook or iMac. Launch it and first it will ask you to log in to Netflix with your account.
After logging in, type the titles you want on Netflix into the search bar and click on the magnifier beside it.
Pick the one you want to download and customize the specific properties of the video. Then click on the download arrow to start.
Method 3: Download Netflix Movies on Mac via Android Simulator
The person who thought of this idea could be called a genius. Since the download feature is only served on mobile devices, we can move it to Mac devices easily by running the Android apps in an Android simulator installed on your Mac. But you still have to face the official Netflix download limits, in fact.
- Allows you to download Netflix movies on Mac devices like on an Android device
- Download video & audio quality kept in the original
- Resource-intensive and may run slowly on some Macs
- Downloads may be limited to lower quality (often SD) due to DRM
- Still have to bear with official download limitations
- Not always work if Netflix detects the device info/updates the app
Go through the following steps to learn how to download movies on Netflix on Mac devices using an Android simulator.
Download and install BlueStacks Android simulator for Mac. It's OK to pick another simulator as you like; they work the same.
Launch BlueStacks simulator and log in to Google Play with your Google account.
Search for Netflix on the Google Play Store. Download and install it. Then launch it to log in to your Netflix account.
Find Netflix movies or TV series you want, then click the download button to save them on your Mac.
Method 4: Download Netflix Movies on Mac via iOS Simulator
This method suits the Macs equipped with M-series chips because they are able to run a part of iOS apps. Meanwhile, the macOS version should be Big Sur (11) or later. Please ensure your device is in the supported device list.
Although whether the app can run on these devices is decided by the software developers, you can still find Netflix as a decrypted file and install it on your Mac with an iOS simulator such as PlayCover.
- Run apps that are not otherwise available on macOS
- Download video & audio quality kept in the original
- .ipa files obtained from unofficial sources may contain malware
- Decrypted .ipa apps may have UI problems or lack necessary hardware features
- Updates or app signing issues
- Still have to bear the official limitations
Here is how you can go with the steps on how to download the Netflix app for Mac.
Find a decrypted .ipa file for the Netflix app and download it.
Install an .ipa installer like Apple Configurator 2, iMazing, PlayCover, or Sideloadly on your Mac.
Now, install the .ipa file you just downloaded:
Option A: Simple drag-and-drop (may not always work)
- Try dragging the .ipa file onto the Applications folder in Finder.
- If the app is compatible, it may install, but most apps need to be signed or use a utility.
Option B: Using the installer
- Download and install iMazing or Sideloadly.
- Connect your Mac (or a physical iOS device if required).
- Use the app’s “Install .ipa” function and select your decrypted .ipa file.
- Sign in with your Apple ID when prompted to sign the app.
Once installed, find Netflix in your Applications folder and try opening it. You may see a warning the first time, so you may need to right-click and choose "Open".
Comprehensive Comparison Between Netflix Download Methods for Mac
| Feature | StreamFab Netflix Downloader | Pazu Netflix Converter | Android Emulator (e.g., BlueStacks) | iOS Simulator (e.g., PlayCover) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Native Mac Support | Yes (dedicated Mac version) | Yes (dedicated version) | No (needs emulator installation) | Only for M-series on Big Sur+ |
| Max Video Quality | 1080p HD (HDR10/Dolby Vision) | 1080p/720p | Varies, often SD/720p (due to DRM) | Usually 720p (depends on setup) |
| Audio Quality | Dolby Atmos, EAC3 5.1 | Supports Dolby Atmos | Original Netflix (as on Android) | Original Netflix (as on iOS) |
| Subtitles | Multi-language supported | Multi-language supported | Native Netflix support | Native Netflix support |
| Batch Download/Auto-Episode | Yes | No | Yes (as on Android Netflix app) | Yes (as on iOS Netflix app) |
| Output Format | MP4/MKV | MP4/MKV | Encrypted Netflix cache | Encrypted Netflix cache |
| DRM Removal/Permanent Ownership | Yes (personal use only) | Yes (DRM-free) | No (cache expires) | No (cache expires) |
| Download Speed | Fast, supports batch | Slow (especially in HD) | Moderate, depends on Mac specs | Moderate, depends on Mac specs |
| System Resource Usage | Moderate | Moderate | High (emulation is resource-heavy) | High (especially initial setup) |
| Ease of Use/Stability | Stable and simple | Frequent failures/bad UI | Prone to bugs/app detection issues | Tricky, app compatibility varies |
| Free Usage/Trial | First 3 downloads free, then paid | Paid, partial trial | Free | Free |
| Risks/Downsides | Low (reputable developer) | Occasional failed downloads, support complaints | Detection risk, possible Netflix ban | IPA from unofficial sources may be unsafe |
Is It Legal & Safe to Download Netflix Movies on a Mac with Third-Party Tools?
Rest assured, all the tools and methods I discuss here are designed for users with a valid, paid Netflix account; you’ll still need to log in with your own credentials. There’s no way to get free access or bypass any paywalls with these options. I want to remind you, though, that while it’s totally fine to download episodes or movies for your personal, offline viewing, it’s really important to respect copyright and never share, distribute, or upload those files anywhere else.
As for safety, my advice is always to stick with trusted software and sources. Make sure you protect your Netflix account details and your device from any possible security risks, like malware or phishing. If you just want to conveniently watch your favorite shows on your Mac while you’re offline, these methods are a safe and helpful solution, as long as you use them responsibly.
FAQ
The official app can sometimes show download errors due to network issues, device storage, or content restrictions. StreamFab provides a more stable download process that is less prone to these errors. Because it saves files directly to your Mac, it also bypasses device storage limitations within the app.
Yes. This is a key advantage. Once a title is removed from Netflix, it becomes unplayable even if you downloaded it via the official app. With StreamFab, you download a permanent file. As long as you download it before it's gone, the movie or show is yours to keep and watch forever.
Final Words
In this article, we talked about several solutions for downloading movies from Netflix on a Mac. Each way has its own pros and cons, so it's totally up to you which approach you would like to choose in the end. If you want a valuable purchase for long-term, stable download experiences, while also outstanding quality, StreamFab Netflix Downloader is noteworthy.
Before picking other methods, note that every user can get 3 free downloads offered by StreamFab Netflix Downloader.
