Netflix offers users the ability to download movies and shows to watch offline. This is great on planes, trains, or without wifi or data. But how long do Netflix downloads last before disappearing? Here are some tips to maximize your offline Netflix viewing. Remembering when the downloads expire can help you plan what to watch offline.
Key Takeaways
- Standard definition downloads last seven days, and high-def last just three days before expiring.
- Pausing a download stops the expiration timer, allowing you to continue watching later.
- Connecting to the internet every 30 days gives you the full expiration window.
- Expired downloads can be renewed right from your device without re-downloading.
- Choosing lower-quality downloads saves storage space on your device.
The Download Expiration Window
Netflix downloads have an expiration window that starts as soon as you download the title. The length of the expiration window depends on the type of download, which determines how long Netflix downloads last:
- Standard definition content: downloads expire after seven days.
- High-definition content: downloads expire after three days.
So if you download a show in standard def on your LG TV, you’ll have a week before that Netflix download lasts. Download that same show in crisp high-def, and that Netflix download will only last 72 hours before expiring.
This expiration window applies whether you watch the download or not. Downloading it starts the countdown timer for how long the Netflix download will last.
Getting the Full Download Period
To get the full 7 or 3 days for your Netflix downloads, you need to have an internet connection at least once every 30 days. This is how Netflix verifies your account is still active.
If your device goes over 30 days without an internet connection, your downloads will expire early. For example, an HD download would only last 48 hours instead of 3 days.
If you’re going somewhere without internet, try to connect within 30 days of leaving to keep your full download period.
Pausing Downloads
What if you only watch part of a Netflix download before it expires? Is the rest gone for good? Fortunately, Netflix lets you pause your downloads. When paused, the expiration countdown stops, giving you unlimited time to finish watching that Netflix download.
For example, you download a movie on Monday and watch half by Friday. You can pause the download over the weekend. When you unpause on Sunday, you’ll still have three days to watch the rest of that Netflix download.
Pausing gives you much more flexibility with how long your Netflix downloads last. You can download several titles before a trip, pause them all, and unpause to spread your offline viewing over several weeks. Taking advantage of pausing allows you to extend how long your Netflix downloads last.
Renewing Expired Downloads
What if you only watch part of a download before Netflix removes it? Do you need to download the full video again?
Luckily, Netflix allows you to renew expired downloads from your device. Open the Netflix app and find the expired title in your downloads tab. The download button will be available to grab it again.
Renewing saves you from re-downloading large files when you still want to see the rest of a movie or show.
What Can Be Downloaded on Netflix?
Netflix does not allow you to download everything they have. You can get many of Netflix’s most loved original shows. However, some content from CBS or NBC you cannot download because of licensing rules. Mostly, Netflix’s stuff like House of Cards, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and Bojack Horseman is okay to download without problems.
Netflix is always working on getting permission to make more shows downloadable. Documentaries such as Making a Murderer or nature shows by David Attenborough can also be downloaded.
However, not every movie or show can be saved for offline yet. Before your next trip, check the download icon on the show’s page to see if you can download that one for the flight.
Smartphone Storage Considerations
One important consideration with Netflix downloads is having enough storage space on your smartphone or tablet. Lengthy movies or full TV series can quickly take up a lot of storage. For example, just ten TV shows at standard definition can use up to 3GB. So, be mindful of how much total storage you have as you build up your download queue.
Always choose standard definition rather than HD, as the files are much smaller. Reviewing your downloads tab occasionally to remove expired or already viewed content can free up much space.
By closely monitoring your device storage and the quality/quantity of downloads, you can ensure room for all the Netflix content you want on your next offline binge session.
Crazy Facts
- Netflix accounts for 15% of all internet traffic globally. With over 220 million subscribers streaming, it puts a massive load on internet infrastructure.
- In 2020, on average, Netflix released a new original film, TV show, or comedy special every 4.5 days. The content catalog is massive.
- The most expensive Netflix production was The Irishman, which cost $159 million to make. The epic mob film by Martin Scorsese used costly de-aging VFX.
- Netflix offers genres like “Feel-good Teen Romance Dramas” and “Quirky Crime Movies from the 1970s.” The specific niche genres number in the thousands.
- In 2021, Netflix tested a “Shuffle Play” feature that plays random content when you can’t decide what to watch. Talk about indecision!
The Bottom Line
With offline downloads, Netflix empowers viewers to enjoy content anywhere, any time. Understanding how long Netflix downloads last based on their expiration windows helps maximize offline access. While not every title can be downloaded yet, Netflix is expanding its downloadable catalog. Even with limitations on device storage and licensing, the convenience of downloads provides flexibility and entertainment on the go.
As Netflix continues dominating the streaming landscape, features like pausing downloads and renewing expired downloads will likely keep evolving to give subscribers even greater control over how long their Netflix downloads last, providing greater on-demand viewing power.
FAQs about How Long Do Netflix Downloads Last
Can I watch downloads without being connected to the internet?
Yes, that’s the whole point! Downloads allow you to watch Netflix anywhere without using mobile data or wifi.
Do all Netflix titles have the download feature?
Due to licensing, some shows and movies cannot be downloaded yet. Check for the download icon on the title page.
How much space do Netflix downloads take up?
It depends on quality and length. An hour-long TV episode in SD takes up about 300MB. A two-hour movie in HD can be up to 2GB.
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