Can you get Netflix without the Internet?

Wondering if you can enjoy Netflix without an Internet connection? Did you know that you can download your favorite movies and TV series to watch offline, even on specific devices? Let’s explore all the options and limitations for enjoying Netflix without an Internet connection.

Downloading content for offline viewing

Downloading content from Netflix for offline viewing is pretty straightforward. First, make sure you have the latest version of the Netflix application. Open the application, find the movie or series you want, then click on the download icon. It’s that little down arrow, often next to the title or episode.

But not all content is downloadable. This depends on the licensing agreements Netflix has with content creators. In general, Netflix original productions are available for download, but this is not always the case for other films and series.

Once downloaded, videos are not available indefinitely. They expire after a certain time, generally 48 hours after the start of viewing. Some titles even have a limited number of annual downloads. So if you’re planning a long trip without an Internet connection, be sure to check the expiration dates.

For those who like to binge-watch, Netflix offers a “Download next episode” option. It automatically deletes every downloaded episode after viewing, except the last in the series. Practical, isn’t it? You can enable or disable this option in the application settings.

And if you ever have download problems, here are a few tips. Check that your device is compatible and that you are connected to Wi-Fi, as downloads via mobile networks can consume a lot of data. If an episode doesn’t download, make sure that the “Download next episode” option is activated and that there is another episode available in the series.

Device compatibility for downloading

First, make sure your device is compatible with the download to enjoy Netflix offline. Fortunately, Netflix has extended this option to a variety of devices, allowing most users to find a suitable solution.

Compatible devices include :

• Android smartphones and tablets: Most Android devices can download Netflix content, provided they are Play Protect certified. If you encounter any problems, check this certification in your device settings.
• iPhone and iPad: Users of Apple devices can also download movies and series via the Netflix app, as long as their iOS device is up to date.
• Windows 10 or 11 computers: PC users can download Netflix content, but only via the Netflix application available from the Microsoft Store. Note that this feature is reserved for ad-free subscriptions.
• Amazon Fire tablets: These tablets are also compatible with Netflix content downloads, offering a convenient option for users of the Amazon ecosystem.
• Google Chromebooks: If your Chromebook has the Google Play Store, you can install the Netflix app and download videos for offline viewing.

But PC users can’t yet download via the web browser. If you try to download content directly from a browser like Chrome or Firefox, you’ll be disappointed. You must use the dedicated application.

For those wondering how to proceed, it’s quite simple. Once you’ve installed the Netflix app on your compatible device, open it, find the movie or series you want to watch offline, and click on the download icon. It’s that little down arrow, often next to the title or episode.

But even with a compatible device, it’s important to be aware of the limitations and restrictions that come with this feature.

Download limits and restrictions

When downloading movies and series from Netflix to watch offline, there are a few limits and restrictions to keep in mind. First of all, the number of active downloads depends on your subscription. If you have an ad-free offer, you can store up to 100 active downloads per device. Ad-supported subscriptions, on the other hand, are limited to 15 downloads per device per month. The limit resets every first of the month, so plan your downloads accordingly.

Then there’s the question of storage space. Downloaded videos take up space on your device, and the amount you can download is limited by the available memory. If you’re a heavy content consumer, it may be worth deleting videos you’ve already watched to free up space for new downloads.

Downloaded videos are not available indefinitely. They usually expire after a certain time, often 48 hours after you start watching them. Some titles may also have an annual download limit. For example, you might be allowed to download a movie or series a limited number of times a year, even if you’ve deleted it from your device in the meantime.

It is also important to note that some titles may be subject to additional restrictions due to licensing agreements. This means that you may not be able to download certain movies or series, or that downloads may expire more quickly than others.

If you reach the download limit for a specific title, or if you’ve used up your monthly quota, you’ll have to wait for your limit to be reset, or watch the content via streaming, provided you have an Internet connection.

Data consumption and recommendations

To enjoy Netflix without blowing your mobile data plan, a few simple tips can make all the difference. First, download your favorite movies and series while connected to Wi-Fi. This will prevent you from consuming too much mobile data. Indeed, video quality plays a crucial role in data consumption: around 0.7 GB per hour in standard definition, 3 GB in HD, and up to 7 GB in 4K. And that’s saying a lot!

If you absolutely must download via your mobile network, remember to adjust the settings in the Netflix application. Go to settings and authorize downloads via cellular network. But keep an eye on your data consumption to avoid unpleasant surprises on your bill.

To save even more data, you can also choose to view your content in low definition. For example, a one-hour program in standard quality takes up around 350 MB, compared with 1 GB in high definition. This small adjustment can make a big difference, especially if you have a limited package.

Finally, keep an eye on your device’s storage space. Downloaded videos take up a lot of space, and it would be a shame to run out of memory just before a long journey. Delete previously viewed videos to free up space for new downloads.

How can I get Netflix on TV without Internet?

Watching Netflix on a TV without Internet may seem complicated, but several practical solutions exist.

Use a USB key or external hard drive

The most straightforward method is to download your favorite movies and TV series to a compatible device, such as a smartphone or tablet, and then transfer these files to a USB stick or external hard drive. Then connect this storage device to your TV via a USB port. Most modern TVs have a built-in media player that lets you browse and play files downloaded directly from the USB stick.

Using a streaming device

If you have a streaming device such as a Google Chromecast or Amazon Fire TV Stick, you can also stream content downloaded from your mobile device to your TV.

Using a Smart TV

Some Smart TVs allow you to download Netflix videos directly to their internal memory. If your TV has this feature, you can download your favorite movies and series directly via the TV’s built-in Netflix application. This allows you to watch your content without the need for an active Internet connection.

Use an HDMI cable

Alternatively, you can connect your mobile device directly to your TV using an HDMI cable. For Android devices, you’ll need a USB-C to HDMI adapter, while for Apple devices, a Lightning to HDMI adapter will be required. Once connected, your TV will display the screen of your mobile device, allowing you to play videos downloaded via the Netflix app.

Using an Internet box

Finally, if you have an Internet box supplied by operators such as Orange, SFR, Bouygues Télécom or Free, you can sometimes access Netflix via an integrated pay option. Although this method initially requires an Internet connection to set up and download content, you can then watch downloaded videos without an active connection.

Optimize your subscriptions with Sharesub

Sharesub is an innovative and secure platform for sharing the costs of online subscriptions, which is particularly advantageous for services such as Netflix. Using Sharesub, you can reduce your monthly expenses by sharing your subscription with other users thanks to Netflix subscription sharing. You can also access services at a reduced rate by joining sharing groups, making expensive subscriptions more affordable. What’s more, Sharesub guarantees a legal and secure experience, in line with the terms and conditions of use for subscription services. By combining Netflix’s offline downloads with Sharesub’s savings, you can enjoy your favorite movies and series to the full, while keeping your budget in check.

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