Can't download a TV show or movie

If you're having trouble downloading a TV show or movie from the Netflix app, pick the option below that best matches your issue to get more information.

Search our Help Center for the exact error message or code to find an article with steps to fix the problem.

If you can download some TV shows and movies, but not others, or if you don't see the Download icon next to the title you want to watch offline, it means the title can't be downloaded.

Learn why some titles aren't available for download.

If you can't find the download option, or don't see the Download icon in the Netflix app, follow the steps below for your device.

Because so many devices with different capabilities use the Android OS (operating system), some aren't compatible with the download feature.

Make sure that your device is using both:

  • The latest version of the Android OS and

  • The latest version of the Netflix app

If you're still unable to download Netflix content, you may need to use a different device for downloading.

If you're on your Android phone or tablet, open the Netflix page in the Play Store, then tap Update.

You can also update the Netflix app with these steps:

  1. Open the Play Store app. If you don't have it, you might need to fix an issue with the Play Store.

  2. In the Search bar, type "Netflix."

  3. In the list, tap the Netflix app. If you can't find the Netflix app, follow the steps in this article instead.

  4. Tap Update. If you don't see this option, the app is already up to date.

You can update your Android device's OS (operating system) from the Settings app. Visit Google's support site to get the exact steps or to troubleshoot an issue.

Resetting the app will delete any downloads saved to your device and sign you out of Netflix.

  1. Go to your device's home screen or apps list.

  2. Tap and hold the Netflix app, then tap App info.

  3. Tap Storage & cache > Clear storage > OK.

  4. Try Netflix again.

Note:The steps to clear an app's data may be different for your device. For help, check the manual that came with your device or contact the company that made it.

  1. From the Android home screen, navigate to Settings.

  2. Select Apps or Apps Manager.

  3. Select Netflix.

  4. Select Permissions.

  5. Switch Storage to On.

  6. Try downloading Netflix show or movie again.

In order to be able to download shows or movies, you'll need an iPhone or iPad with iOS version 9 or later.

To check your version:

  1. Open the Settings app.

  2. Tap General, then tap About.

  1. Go to the home screen, then tap App Store.

  2. Tap Search, and enter "Netflix".

  3. In the list, find and tap Netflix, then tap Update. You may need to enter your Apple ID password. If you forgot it, follow Apple's steps to reset it.

  4. When the update is done, try Netflix again.

You can update your iPhone or iPad to the latest available iOS or iPadOS version from the Settings app. Visit Apple's support site to get the exact steps or to troubleshoot an issue.

Uninstalling the app will delete any downloads saved to your device and sign you out of Netflix.

  1. Go to the home screen, then tap and hold the Netflix app.

  2. Tap Remove app > Delete app > Delete.

  3. Open the App Store and search for "Netflix."

  4. Tap on Netflix, then tap the cloud icon to get the app. You may need to enter your Apple ID password. If you forgot it, follow Apple's steps to reset it.

  5. When the app is installed, try Netflix again.

Note:If you can't find the Netflix app after removing it, follow Apple's steps to redownload an app from the App Store.

In order to be able to download shows or movies, you'll need a tablet with Fire OS version 7 or later.

To check your version:

  1. Open the Settings menu or app.

  2. Tap Device Options, then tap System Updates.

  1. Go to the home screen, then tap Appstore.

  2. In the upper left, tap Menu, then tap App Updates.

  3. In the list, find the Netflix app and tap Update. If the Netflix app isn't in the list, it is already up to date.

  4. After the update finishes, tap Open and try Netflix again.

  1. Open the Settings app.

  2. Tap Device Options > System Updates > Check Now.

  3. Tap Update to install the update. If you see No updates found, your device is already up to date.

  4. After your tablet restarts, try Netflix again.

The download feature is not available for devices that use Windows, but you can download TV shows and movies on one of the following:

  • Android phone or tablet

  • iPhone or iPad

  • Amazon Fire tablet

  • Google Chromebook (with Google Play Store installed)

Related Articles