Netflix has finally added the option to download shows for offline viewing. The downloaded videos can only be accessed through the Netflix app itself.
Netflix users have long been clamoring for an option to download shows. The addition of this option will allow users with poor internet connectivity to watch shows when a stable network connection is not available. This option will also facilitate users who travel a lot and want to continue binge watching their favorite show while in the air.
Who can access this feature?
This new feature is available for users all around the world. To access this feature, you must have Netflix’s Android or iOS app installed on your phone. If you don’t see this feature in the mobile app, make sure that it is updated to its latest version.
There is no word from Netflix on whether this feature will be available on Desktop apps or not.
How to download a show?
For now, you can only download individual episodes. There is no option to download a complete season as of now. Maybe this will change in the future.
To download an episode, you just have to click on the download icon shown alongside the play button. The episode will be added to your download queue and you will be notified when the download is completed. You can manage all your pending and previous downloads in the “My Downloads” section available in the app’s drawer.
Which shows are available for download?
Unfortunately, not all shows are currently available for download. Availability for download depends on Netflix getting a special license from the content provider. However, there are still a good number and quality of shows available to download at the moment. To know which shows are available to download, head into the “Available for Download” section in the list of categories.
Download quality and storage
Netflix is currently allowing users to choose between “Standard quality” and “High quality” while downloading shows for offline usage. There is no detail about what these qualities translate in video quality and resolution.
Another thing which may annoy some users is that Netflix does not allow downloading to SD card. All the shows will be downloaded directly to phone’s local storage. Although it is understandable from a security point of view, this move may annoy some users with low internal storage.
A few years ago, Netflix was against downloading shows for offline viewing. But with its expansion to third world countries with unstable network connectivity and low data volumes, this move was inevitable from the streaming giant. This will surely go a long way in promoting Netflix usage in Pakistan and neighboring countries.
