Netflix offers three subscription options to download movies and TV shows for offline viewing, making it convenient for users to watch their favorite content without an internet connection. However, these downloads are stored on your device temporarily. You may see a pop-up on the screen telling you that the video has expired when you are ready to watch your downloaded videos. The question arises naturally: how long do downloads last on Netflix? If you are unfamiliar with Netflix’s download restrictions, this post will explain every detail for you and even share the best method to help you keep Netflix videos permanently. Keep reading to find out more!
Part 1. How Long Do Netflix Downloads Last: Quick Answer
For those in a hurry, the expiration period of Netflix downloads varies depending on the licensing agreements with content providers. Typically, there are two situations:
Before you Watch: Unwatched downloads will expire after an amount of time, which varies by title. This can range from 7 days to 30 days.
After You Press the Play Button: Once you begin watching a downloaded title, it will expire in 48 hours, no matter if you finish watching it or not. The countdown starts the first time you press the play button.
Part 2. Official Netflix Download Rules: What You Should Know
We believe that expiration will cause many doubts for users. Here, we list all the necessary information about Netflix download rules and clarify all of them. Hope it gives you a more comprehensive understanding.
2.1 How to Check a Download's Expiration Date
Netflix offers three subscription options to download movies and TV shows for offline viewing, making it convenient for users to watch their favorite content without an internet connection. This feature is particularly useful for travelers or those in areas with limited connectivity. However, these downloads are stored on your device temporarily, and there are specific rules and limits that Netflix enforces regarding how long you can keep them.
Netflix downloads expire in three situations: one is that the retention period of your video expires, or the TV shows and movies are taken off the shelves, or there could be a chance that your membership ends.
If your subscription is going to end, the expiration date of your downloaded Netflix videos is the billing date of your current cycle.
If Netflix loses the licensing rights to a title, it provides notifications to let you know when a download is about to expire. You can also check the expiration date by going to the "My Downloads" section of the Netflix app. Here, you will see the remaining time for each download.
The availability of the visible countdown depends on the versions of the Netflix app and the device. If there are no such features on your app, try tapping the title or going to Settings to find other clues for the remaining time of downloaded videos.
2.2 Other Download Limits You Need to Know
According to Netflix subscription plans, the rules for downloading videos vary. Netflix offers three subscription plans: Standard with Ads, Standard, and Premium. The table below will show the different features of downloads for each of these subscription services.
| Features | Standard with Ads | Standard | Premium |
| Output Quality | 1080P | 1080P | 4K + HDR |
| Download Devices | 2 supported devices at a time |
2 supported devices at a time |
6 supported devices at a time |
| Maximum of Download | 15 downloads per device per month | Up to 100 active downloads per device per session | Up to 100 active downloads per device per session |
Beyond the time limits, you also have to contend with other limits, including what device you can use to download, how many devices you can use to download, how many times you can download one specific title, and so on. You can read this post for more detailed information:
Frustrated by Netflix download limit? Learn what Netflix’s download limits are and the best method to keep watching offline.
2.3 How to Renew an Expired Netflix Download
What should you do if your Netflix downloads are about to expire? Well, the answer is pretty simple - renew them by downloading them again. As long as these titles are still available on Netflix and you don’t reach the download limit, you can follow these steps to keep your downloads longer:
Android phone or tablet
- Go to the Download section
- Tap the download icon next to each title.
- Select Delect Download.
- Go back to download the TV show or movie again.
iPhone or iPad
You can choose to operate in the same way as provided above, or follow the steps listed below:
- Go to the Settings on the home scree.
- Head to Date and Time under the General settings.
- If the date and time is incorrect, adjust the time manually or toggle the Set Automatically field to on.
Due to studio and licensing agreements, some TV shows and movies have a restriction on the number of times they can be downloaded or renewed. If you encounter an error when operating the steps above, try watching the TV show and movie online.
2.4 How to Use Netflix Smart Downloads
For users who want an immersive and continuous watching experience, Netflix offers the Smart Downloads feature, ensuring there are always downloaded videos for you. Once you enable this feature, Netflix will automatically delete episodes after you watch them and download the next episode for you to watch. Or, you can set it to download a selection of titles that meet your taste.
- Go to the Netflix app installed on your mobile phone and sign in.
- Then, tap My Netflix at the bottom right.
- Select Menu > App Settings in the upper right corner.
- Scroll down to the Downloads section, tap Smart Downloads.
- Here, you can toggle on the Download Next Episode or the Downloads fro You option.
Part 3. Why Do Netflix Downloads Expire?
Regarding the reasons why Netflix downloads can expire, the main reasons may be the following, but not all of them:
Licensing agreement: Before the shows and movies hits the shelf, content providers will sign licensing agreements with Netflix, which will include rules for services such as the number of times a video can be downloaded and the expiration time. They may set restrictions for these based on factors such as price, popularity, and cultural values of different regions. If a content company wants its TV shows or movies to have a longer retention time on Netflix, they can talk about it when the expiry date nears. If anyone does not want to continue exhibiting its TV shows or movies on Netflix, this video may be taken off the shelves.
Intellectual property protection: Setting a retention time for videos can, to a certain extent, protect the creators from unauthorized illegally copying and distributing. In addition, the restriction promotes the healthy development of the entertainment industry. It encourages creators to continue producing high-quality content knowing that their work is being properly protected.
Business strategy: If users want to renew an expired video, they need to re-download it on Netflix or frequently check on Netflix to see if their downloaded videos have expired. To a certain extent, this can make more users stick with Netflix, and they are more likely to explore other content available on the platform.
Part 4. How to Keep Netflix Downloads Forever [100% Work]
Although expired videos can be downloaded again, many TV shows and movies on Netflix have limitations on the number of downloads. At the same time, not all shows and movies will always be available on Netflix. Sometimes the most helpless thing is that your favorite movie is leaving Netflix. At the time, you can't even watch it online. All you get is that desperate message on the screen: last day to watch on Netflix.
This can be a major disappointment for avid viewers. However, ViWizard Netflix Video Downloader could be your life saver, which allows you to download Netflix without limits. ViWizard will retain the superb viewing experience you have enjoyed on Netflix, keeping the downloads preserved in Full HD and Ultra HD, with Dolby Atmos 5.1 surround sound and multilingual subtitles.
Key Features of ViWizard Netflix Video Downloader
Free Trial Free Trial* Security verified. 5, 481,347 people have downloaded it.
- Download Netflix movies, TV shows and more locally
- Convert Netflix movies and TV shows to MP4 or MKV
- Save multilingual language and subtitles in two types
- Remove ads from Netflix and keep original video quality
Tutorial: How to download Netflix shows on PC using ViWizard
Step 1Access Your Netflix Account
First, open the ViWizard Netflix Video Downloader on your computer. Once the application is running, select the "Login" option. Enter your Netflix credentials—email and password—to gain access to Netflix's entire library, including movies, TV shows, documentaries, and more.
Step 2Set Up Your Download Preferences
Next, click on the three-line "Menu" icon located in the top-right corner of the ViWizard interface. Go to "Preferences" to access the download settings. Here, you can choose how you want your videos to be saved by selecting the video format, video quality, audio track, and subtitle options that best suit your needs. Don't forget to click "OK" to confirm your selections.
Step 3Find the Content You Want to Download
Use the search function within ViWizard to locate the specific Netflix content you're interested in. Whether you search by title, keywords, or a direct URL, once you've found the show or movie you want to download, select it to proceed.
Step 4 Start Downloading Your Selected Content
After selecting the content, choose the episode or film you want to save. Here, you can fine-tune the video quality, audio, and subtitle options one last time. When ready, click on the "Download" button to begin downloading the content to your device
Step 5 View Your Saved Videos
Once the download is complete, head over to the "History" tab at the top of the ViWizard interface. Here, you'll see all your downloaded videos. To locate the file on your computer, click on the "Folder" icon next to the video title. This ensures your video is saved and ready for offline viewing anytime.
Part 5. FAQs about Netflix Downloads Expire
In the end, we have collected some related questions about Netflix downloads so that you can dispel your doubts about Netflix downloads.
What happens when a Netflix download expires?
When a download expires, it becomes unavailable for playback, and you'll see an orange exclamation and the note "expired" next to the title. You can renew the download if it's still available on Netflix.
Can I watch an expired Netflix download if I don't have internet?
No, once a download expires, you cannot watch it without renewing the download, which requires an internet connection.
How many times can I renew a Netflix download?
The number of times you can renew a download varies by title. Some titles may have limited renewals due to licensing restrictions, while others can be renewed multiple times.
Why can't I download on my Windows laptop anymore?
TYou most likely have the 2024 Netflix app for Windows. This new version has permanently removed the download feature.
Part 6. Conclusion
Netflix downloads are a convenient way to enjoy content offline, but they come with limitations due to licensing agreements. Understanding these limits can help you manage your downloads effectively, ensuring you always have something to watch, whether you're online or offline. If you need to keep downloads for longer, even forever, remember to download ViWizard Netflix Video Downloader for the fullest viewing experience.
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Dave Henry, a multimedia technologist at ViWizard, focuses on delivering the best solutions for digital media challenges, including audio and video conversion, media optimization, and troubleshooting.
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