I was looking for a way to watch Netflix offline since I have a flight in a few days and I don't see how to do it. Any ideas?
--From a Reddit user
As this Reddit user asked, viewing Netflix with an unstable internet connection during a trip can certainly lead to a frustrating experience. So, is it possible to watch Netflix offline on Mac without Wifi or on Windows now? Are there any restrictions associated with offline viewing?
This article thoroughly examines Netflix's offline feature and its limitations, providing various verified solutions on PC to watch Netflix offline.
The Netflix offline feature allows subscribers to download movies and TV shows directly to their mobile devices or Windows computers. This enables playback anytime, anywhere, without an internet connection, subject to your subscription plan, device storage, and specific content licenses.
Can You Watch Netflix Offline on Laptop?
Since August 2024, Netflix has discontinued the offline viewing feature for Windows devices. Hence, you can only watch downloaded Netflix content on Android/iOS/Amazon Fire Tablet/Google Chromebook.
So, the official says no. Certainly, you can't download Netflix movies and series to watch offline on your laptop anymore. As long as you don't mind the official Netflix download limits, you can go to the mobile app with certain official subscription plans:
| Netflix Plans | Features |
|---|---|
|
Basic |
|
|
Standard |
|
|
Premium |
|
How to Watch Netflix Offline on Laptop?
While Netflix has officially ended offline downloads for its Windows app, several community-verified methods still allow you to save your favorite content for offline viewing on a laptop. We've gathered the most effective solutions for you to try.
- *You might have seen some posts saying that you can use the old version of the Netflix Windows app to keep the download feature available and watch Netflix offline on laptops originally. Don't bother yourself, the editor has already tried, and it's not working at all.👇
Method 1: StreamFab Netflix Downloader
To provide you with an easy and comfortable Netflix offline viewing experience on laptops, we bring you the most professional Netflix offline solution among all the existing ones, StreamFab Netflix Downloader.
It is such a tool that makes watching Netflix offline on laptops without any extra restrictions possible. Check the details below to learn why it's the best solution you can find.
- Save Netflix movies for offline viewing in up to 1080p FHD quality
- MP4/MKV format Netflix video files kept on your laptop for infinite playbacks
- Support output high-resolution Netflix videos with HDR10/Dolby Vision
- Output premium and immersive Dolby Atmos/EAC3 5.1 audio effect
- Batch download multiple episodes of Netflix shows effortlessly
- Auto download tasks on new episodes available in the user-customized schedule
- Remove ads from all Netflix titles without being affected by the kind of subscription plan
- Smart download subtitles from Netflix shows in your preferred language
| Feature | Standard with Ads | Standard | Premium | StreamFab Netflix Downloader |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downloads Supported | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Active Download Devices | 2 | 2 | 6 | Unlimited |
| Downloads per Device | 15 per month | 100 titles | 100 titles | Unlimited |
| Download Expiry | Varies | Varies | Varies | Never Expire |
| Max Resolution | 1080p | 1080p | 4K+HDR | Up to 1080p |
Since its free trial lets you have 3 free downloads as long as you have an active Netflix account, don't waste it and follow the steps below to achieve watching Netflix offline on your laptop running any kind of system with StreamFab:
Log in to your Netflix account, and look for the movie or show you would like to download.
Play the Netflix movie or show, and after the video analysis, customize the download per your preference.
Click on the Download Now button to start watching Netflix movies and shows offline.
Method 2: Record Netflix with OBS
If direct downloading of Netflix for offline viewing is highly restricted in your area, check this out. Another popular way to watch Netflix offline on laptops is to screen record Netflix playing on your local browser with OBS. You can watch the recorded copies on any device you like, including your laptop. Many users reported that they indeed succeeded after trying this method.
But this software didn't make any compatibility with DRM-encrypted content, so it's obvious to find that sometimes OBS may fail and only provide you with a black screen after hours of recording, especially frequently after Netflix updates its DRM again.
Method 3: Using the App on an Android Simulator
So if we can watch Netflix offline on mobile devices, why not try changing the laptop to a "mobile device"? Some Netflix bingers find this, and it actually works. By the way, this one also works on MacBooks.
You can pick any one of the popular Android simulators to achieve this. Follow the guides below to see how to borrow the official download feature to download movies on Netflix:
Install an Android simulator on your laptop and then launch it.
Download and install the Netflix app with its built-in Google Play. Log in to Netflix with your own account.
Find the Netflix videos you want for offline viewing and click the download arrow. Wait until the downloads are finished.
Now you can binge your favorite shows or movies on Netflix offline on your laptop.
Which Method to Watch Netflix Offline Suits You?
You might be confused now because you do not know which method fits your needs. To clear your mind and help you make the best choice for you, we present you with a complete sheet here:
| StreamFab Netflix Downloader | OBS | Android Simulator | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
System |
Win/Mac |
Win/Mac |
Win/Mac |
|
Resolution |
Lossless 1080p + HDR10/Dolby Vision |
Depends (Quality loss exists) |
Original |
|
Audio |
Dolby Atmos/EAC3 5.1 |
Original |
Original |
|
Permanent playback |
✅ |
✅ |
❌ |
|
Transferable files |
✅ |
✅ |
❌ |
|
Auto-download |
✅ |
❌ |
✅ |
|
Batch saving |
✅ |
❌ |
✅ |
FAQ
Still have some questions about watching Netflix offline? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
The official Netflix App already has the download function. If the titles are available for downloading, you can press the download arrow and enjoy them offline later.
No. No matter what kind of device you use to save Netflix content, watching Netflix content offline requires no internet at all. But if you prefer better offline quality, StreamFab is the deal.
Yes. StreamFab Netflix Downloader is safe and legal for personal use only. Please don't use it for any commercial purposes.
Yes. StreamFab Netflix Downloader is safe and legal for personal use only. Please don't use it for any commercial purposes.
Availability for download depends on content rights, which can vary by country or be time-limited. Some production companies do not permit offline viewing for their titles. If you find a title is unavailable, tools like StreamFab can often bypass these restrictions.
Common download errors often relate to network issues, insufficient storage, or app glitches. Start by restarting your device and checking your internet connection. If problems persist, clearing the Netflix app cache or reinstalling the app can resolve many common error codes.
Wrap Up
Netflix has discontinued the offline viewing feature for laptop users and has also imposed limitations on offline viewing duration and device usage. Therefore, the reliable StreamFab Netflix Downloader can serve as a more effective solution.
Sidestep the issue of the download feature only on mobile devices, and watch Netflix offline with StreamFab Netflix Downloader on your own laptop today!
