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.
Netflix lets you download movies and shows straight to your phone or Windows computer. That way, even with zero internet, like on a plane, you can watch. Just remember, your plan, device space, and some licensing stuff decide what’s available.
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 a tool designed to help you manage Netflix offline viewing on laptops more smoothly—within your valid subscription and viewing rights. 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 video files saved locally for flexible device playback during personal offline viewing
- Support output high-resolution Netflix videos with HDR10/Dolby Vision
- Output premium and immersive Dolby Atmos/EAC3 5.1 audio effects
- Batch download multiple episodes of Netflix shows effortlessly
- Auto-download tasks on new episodes available in the user-customized schedule
- Offer a cleaner local playback experience when available, depending on the title and your account 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 | More flexible device management (personal use) |
| Downloads per Device | 15 per month | 100 titles | 100 titles | More flexible device management (personal use) |
| Download Expiry | Varies | Varies | Varies | Designed for longer-term offline access management (varies by title and rights) |
| Max Resolution | 1080p | 1080p | 4K+HDR | Up to 1080p |
Since the free trial is limited and you’ll need an active Netflix account, here’s the general workflow for personal offline viewing—please keep it for private use only and follow local laws and Netflix’s Terms.
Sign in to your Netflix account and open the title you can already watch under your subscription.
When the options panel appears, select your preferred quality, audio, and subtitles for offline viewing.
Start the task and let it finish. Keep downloads reasonable and strictly for personal offline viewing—do not upload, share, or redistribute.
Method 2: Method 2: Screen Recording as a Fallback (General)
If direct downloading of Netflix for offline viewing is highly restricted in your area, check this out. Some users try screen recording Netflix as a fallback for offline viewing, but results can vary widely depending on the title, device, and platform updates. If you choose this route, make sure you’re acting within your local laws and the platform’s terms, and keep it strictly for personal use. (If you want a recorder setup guide, refer to OBS’s official documentation rather than platform-specific walkthroughs.)
However, recording results can be inconsistent because streaming platforms regularly change their playback and delivery mechanisms. That’s why some recordings may fail or end up with a blank/black screen—especially after platform-side updates.
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 |
| Longer-term offline library management (personal use) |
✅ |
✅ |
❌ |
| Device-compatible local playback |
✅ |
✅ |
❌ |
|
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.
It really depends on where you live and what you’re doing. The safest route is to use it to watch stuff offline by yourself—stuff you’re actually allowed to see, legally. And please, check Netflix’s rules and your local copyright laws. Definitely don’t upload, share, or redistribute anything.
That mostly comes down to content rights. Some studios just don’t allow offline viewing, or their licenses vary depending on your region. So if a title’s missing that little download icon, it’s not you—it’s the contract. In cases like that, some third-party tools focus on improving offline viewing management and device compatibility—only for titles you can already legally access under your subscription.
Most download errors come down to bad Wi-Fi, not enough storage, or the app just acting up. Try restarting your device, checking your connection, and clearing the Netflix cache. If it still acts up, a quick reinstall usually does the trick.
Wrap Up
Netflix has decided to yank offline downloads from laptops. Plus, they’ve clamped down on download rules for all sorts of devices. If you’re stubborn like me and still want to watch on your PC, StreamFab Netflix Downloader might help you keep those episodes (legally, of course) for offline marathons.
No matter which method you choose, keep it for private, personal use only and follow local laws and Netflix’s terms.
This software is intended only for personal backup of streaming content you can legally access under a valid subscription or purchase.
