Netflix is great for binging the latest shows and movies, but what should you do if your internet goes down or you have no access to the web whatsoever? The streaming service’s download feature allows you to watch your favorite series offline and is available on multiple devices and platforms, including Windows, Android, and iOS.
You can’t download Netflix episodes on a MacBook, as there’s no Netflix app for macOS yet. However, you can install Windows and then download content using the Netflix app for Windows, or download your episodes on an iOS device and stream them to your Mac’s with AirPlay (which requires Wi-Fi).
Downloaded episodes are perfect for long car trips, plane rides, and other places that don’t necessarily have strong internet connections. Let’s look at whether Netflix supports downloads on a MacBook or iPad and whether there are alternatives to Netflix you can opt for so you don’t have to worry about your connection dropping out the next time you’re binging the newest season of Stranger Things.
Does Netflix Support Downloads on a MacBook?
Unfortunately, Netflix doesn’t support downloads directly to your MacBook (on Amazon), as there’s no Netflix application for the device yet. So while you can use your browser to access Netflix, you can’t download any episodes or movies to your Mac’s hard drive.
Despite the lack of support for offline watching, there are still a few things you can do to watch downloaded Netflix episodes on your Mac:
Install Windows
You can easily install Windows with Boot Camp if you have an Intel-based Mac. And since a Netflix app is available at the Microsoft store for the Windows operating system, you can download it and use it to download shows and movies legally.
However, remember that this alternative requires a copy of Windows 10, so it will be a bit costly.
Stream from your iPad, iPod Touch, or iPhone
The Netflix app for iOS works with AirPlay, allowing you to stream multimedia content between devices wirelessly. In other words, you can download Netflix shows and movies on your iPad or iPhone and then stream them on your Mac or any other Airplay-enabled device over local Wi-Fi.
It’s important to note that you’ll need a local Wi-Fi network for this approach, which usually drains battery life in a matter of hours. You’ll also need to keep your Mac and iOS device on for seamless streaming.
For this reason, it’s best to have all your chargers at hand, so you don’t run out of juice right after the death of your favorite character.
What About an iPad?
An iPad is perfect for downloading Netflix episodes because it has a large screen, a long-lasting battery, and an extremely lightweight and portable design. However, remember that in order to download shows and movies to your iPad, you’ll need the Netflix app and an active subscription.
Here’s how you can download Netflix content to your iPad:
- First, open the Netflix app on your iPad.
- Scroll down the home screen to browse the various listings and select the TV show or movie you want to watch offline. If you want to limit the search to shows, tap TV Shows in the top-most menu bar.
- If you’ve selected a show, tap the Down arrow next to the episodes you want to watch to start the downloads. If you’ve enabled the Smart Download feature in your Netflix app, you’ll only need to download the first episode, and the second one will be downloaded automatically once you finish watching the first one.
- If you’ve selected a movie, tap the Download button below the Play button. If there isn’t a dedicated Download button, the film isn’t available for download. Once the download starts, a progress wheel will replace the Downward arrow.
- After the movie or show has been successfully downloaded, tap Downloads at the bottom of your screen to access the My Downloads screen.
- Tap the Play arrow on the downloaded episode or movie to start watching it.
- If you want to delete the episode or movie from your iPad, tap the button next to the listing, which resembles a checkmark inside a rectangular box. Then, select Delete Download to remove it from your iPad.
Keep in mind that you can start watching TV episodes and movies even before they finish downloading. This feature is convenient when you have poor internet connections. Once you get stronger connectivity, you can complete the download and continue watching.
What Other Devices Can Support Netflix Downloads?
You can download Netflix content for offline watching on an iPad, iPod, or iPhone with iOS 9.0 or later. A tablet or phone running Android 4.4.2 or later, and a computer or tablet with Windows 10 Version 1607 or later also support Netflix downloads.
And while there isn’t a separate Netflix app for macOS, the streaming service has released a fantastic app for all iOS devices, which you can easily download from the AppStore.
You can log in to your Netflix account with the iOS app and watch all the movies and shows you love from practically anywhere. You can even browse through the top selections for every genre and download select titles on the device for offline watching.
Some Alternatives to Netflix
While many consider Netflix the best on-demand streaming service, it’s not without its competition. Here are some of the best alternatives to Netflix you can opt for:
Hulu
One of Netflix’s biggest competitors, Hulu, launched in 2008 and offers a wide variety of TV shows and other content. Its on-demand streaming service (with ads) is available for $6.99 a month, while its live TV service is available for $69.99 a month and offers more than 75 on-demand and live channels, including news, entertainment, and sports.
Hulu is also an excellent option if you want access to Cinemax, Showtime, and HBO, as they’re all available as premium add-ons. Of course, you can cancel your subscription or switch plans anytime.
Hulu also offers a 30-day free trial, so you can try the service out and see if it’s worth opting for before purchasing it. The service has about 30 million paying customers but is currently only available in the United States and Japan.
YouTube
This American video-sharing website is a worldwide sensation that has created an entirely new generation of internet celebrities and content creators.
In its early years, YouTube was full of cute and funny cat videos, but the platform has significantly evolved. Today, it offers music videos, educational content, original independent shorts, TV shows, documentary films, movie trailers, and much more.
The best thing about YouTube is that the type of content it offers isn’t available anywhere else. This includes fun life blogs, makeup tutorials, let’s play videos, and other unique video content.
After Hulu and Netflix, the platform also jumped on the ‘paid streaming service’ wagon and launched YouTube Red in 2015, providing subscribers with ad-free content and exclusive shows and movies.
YouTube Red has around two million users and has already released many original documentaries, series, and films.
Sling TV
Launched in 2015, Sling TV is an over-the-top (OTT) internet television that offers a wide variety of major cable channels that you can stream to digital media players, mobile applications, and smart TVs.
The service has around two million users and is compatible with Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, LG Smart TV, Roku, Android TV, Xbox One, and other TV-connected devices.