How to Download Netflix on Mac in 2026: 3 Ways to Watch Netflix Offline

Cassie J. Updated: 2026-11-10

Related to: CleverGet Netflix Downloader

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Summary: Netflix does not allow downloads on a Mac. To watch Netflix content offline, you can either download it to an iPhone or iPad and play it there, or use a third-party tool like CleverGet Netflix Downloader, which allows you to save titles as MP4 or MKV files on your Mac.

1. Can You Download Netflix on a Mac?

No. The Netflix Help Center lists the devices on which titles can be downloaded: Android smartphones and tablets, iPhones and iPads, Amazon Fire tablets, and Chromebooks with the Google Play Store. Macs are not included. Furthermore, there is no macOS app; on a MacBook or iMac, streaming is only possible via browsers such as Safari, Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Opera.

The situation is no better on Windows: in 2024, Netflix replaced its Windows app with a version based on Microsoft Edge and the download feature was removed in the process. Consequently, the old workaround of installing Windows on a Mac, solely to use the Netflix Windows app for downloads no longer works.

2. Best Ways to Watch Netflix Offline at a Glance

Items	Method 1: CleverGet Netflix Downloader	Method 2: CleverGet Recorder	Method 3: Netflix app on iPhone/iPad/Android
Works on Mac	(macOS 10.15+)		(plays on that device)
Output	MP4 / MKV file	MP4 / MKV file	Stays inside the Netflix app
Speed	Greatly improves the downloading and encoding process with GPU acceleration	Real time recording (a 1-hour episode takes about 1 hour)	Depends on the internet speed and the entire workflow is time-consuming
Subtitles and audio tracks	Selectable before download	Selectable before recording	Per Netflix app options
Expiry	None on the saved file	None on the saved file	Downloads expire; limits by plan
Ease of use	Easy, sign in, play, parse, download	Easy, but you wait while the video plays	Easy, but only on a phone, tablet or Chromebook
Price	Paid; trial allows up to 3 downloads	Totally free to use	Included with eligible Netflix plan

2.1 Which Method Should You Choose?

Scene	Choice
Traveling by plane and want to watch something while offline?	Simply download content via the Netflix app to your iPhone, iPad, or Fire tablet. This feature is included with your subscription and is fully supported.
Looking to save files such as entire seasons of a series permanently to your Mac?	You can use a third-party downloader, such as CleverGet Netflix Downloader.
Prefer to watch movies and series only when you’re at home?	You can simply stream them directly in your browser, no downloads required.
Can’t download a specific title, or want to record content as it plays?	In that case, CleverGet Recorder is the perfect solution for you.

3. Method 1: Download Netflix on Mac with CleverGet Netflix Downloader

Best for: Complete films and entire seasons of TV series, stored as standard video files.

3.1 Brief Overview of CleverGet Netflix Downloader

CleverGet Netflix Downloader is a desktop application with a built-in browser. Simply log in to Netflix and start playing a video; the software will analyze the content and save it to your Mac as an MP4 or MKV file. Compatible with macOS 10.15 or later, the program supports video downloads at resolutions up to 1080p, allows for the batch downloading of entire seasons or multiple seasons of a series, and preserves multiple audio tracks and subtitles in various languages.

CleverGet Netflix Downloader

Download Netflix movies and shows at up to 1080P without ads.
Convert Netflix video to MP4/MKV file with original quality.
Download Netflix episodes across seasons in batch.

Download Download

3.2 How to Download Netflix on Mac with CleverGet Netflix Downloader

What you need: An active Netflix subscription, the CleverGet Netflix Downloader software installed on your Mac, and sufficient hard drive space. File sizes vary based on duration and video quality, a 1080p movie, for instance, can be several gigabytes in size. Therefore, be sure to check your available storage space before adding an entire season of content to your download queue.

Step1

Set the save folder. Open CleverGet, click More in the top-right corner, select Settings, and then specify your target folder under Save Video To.

set save folder in cleverget netflix downloader

Step2

Step3

Play and analyze the video. Find the movie or TV series you want and start playing it. Click the circular button in the bottom-right corner to have CleverGet analyze the page.

play and analyze netflix video in cleverget

Step4

Select output options and start downloading. In the pop-up window, you can configure the video quality, format (MP4 or MKV), audio tracks, and subtitles. Click the blue Download button when everything is settled.

select output options in cleverget netflix downloader

Step5

Track progress. The right sidebar will display all ongoing and completed tasks.

track netflix download progress in cleverget

Once processing is complete, your folder will contain standard MP4 or MKV files. These files can be played using QuickTime, VLC, or any other compatible media player, and you may also transfer them to other devices for your own personal use.

3.3 Pros & Cons of CleverGet Netflix Downloader

Pros

Real files
No Netflix app limits
Built for seasons
Audio and subtitles
Mac and Windows
More flexible and stable

Cons

Paid software
Disk space
Regular updates

4. Method 2: Record Netflix on Mac with CleverGet Recorder

Best for: If you need a file but are unable to capture the title for download or if you simply wish to keep an accurate record of what is currently playing, there is another option available.

4.1 Brief Overview of CleverGet Recorder

Recording is different from downloading. CleverGet Recorder does not save the video stream itself; instead, it records the video and audio as they play within its built-in browser, saving the output as a new MP4 or MKV file. Designed specifically for streaming content rather than serving as a general-purpose screen recorder, it is available for both Mac and Windows. It also includes a scheduled recording feature, allowing you to set a start time and duration for live-streamed content.

It is important to note that the recording process is time-intensive, as it occurs in real time. Consequently, a 90-minute movie will take approximately 90 minutes to record. During the recording process, it is best to avoid using the built-in browser for any other tasks, simply start the recording and leave your Mac undisturbed until it is finished. An advantage of this approach is that it bypasses the specific restrictions Netflix may impose on individual titles; as long as a video can be played within the built-in browser, it can generally be recorded.

CleverGet Recorder

100% free streaming video recorder.
Record both online on-demand and live streaming videos.
Record up to 4K 60 FPS video to MP4 or MKV.
Schedule recording on preset recording length.
Offer ad-skipping (beta) feature, and no watermark or time limit.

Download Download

4.2 How to Record Netflix on Mac with CleverGet Recorder

Step1

Open CleverGet Recorder and specify the output folder and format (MP4 or MKV) in the settings.

Step2

Use the built-in browser to access Netflix and log in to your account.

Step3

Play the desired movie or episode. Access the recording toolbar by clicking the circular Record button located next to the Home button.

open recording toolbar in cleverget recorder

Step4

Begin recording. Let the video play, and stop the recording once playback is complete.

record netflix video in cleverget recorder

Step5

Afterward, you can find the recorded file in the recording list or the designated storage folder.

find recorded netflix file in cleverget recorder

Why choose it over QuickTime: The built-in screen recording feature on macOS cannot natively capture system audio; additional audio software is required to achieve this. Furthermore, using generic recording tools may result in a black screen or obscured content when recording. Utilizing a recording program specifically designed for streaming media can help avoid these issues.

4.3 Pros & Cons of CleverGet Recorder

Pros

Works when parsing fails
Real files
Made for streaming
Scheduled recording
Mac and Windows
Free to use

Cons

Real-time only
Hands off
No batch shortcut
Quality depends on playback

5. Method 3: Use Netflix’s Official Download on Another Device

Best for: Watch offline anytime, anywhere, no extra software required, and no need to worry about terms of use.

5.1 Brief Overview of Netflix’s Official Download

The official Netflix download feature is the safest way to download content at no extra cost. Simply install the Netflix app on a supported device, find the title you want to watch, and tap “Download.” For TV series, you can even download entire seasons.

However, you cannot transfer these files to a Mac. Downloaded titles can only be played on the device where they were saved, though you can use any Netflix account on that device to watch them.

5.2 Netflix Official Download Rules Checking

Rules	Details
Ad-free subscription	Up to 100 downloads per device, the exact limit depends on the number of devices included in your subscription.
Ad-supported subscription	Up to 15 downloads per device per month; the counter resets on the 1st of each month.
Validity	Downloads are valid for a limited time only, you can check how long do Netflix downloads last; some titles have an annual download limit.
Login	You must remain logged in; otherwise, downloaded content cannot be played.
Cancellation	If you cancel your subscription, downloaded content on your devices will be removed.
Availability	Not all titles are available for download, look for the download icon.

Pricing and the number of devices allowed for downloads vary by country and are subject to frequent change. Please refer to the current subscription options page on Netflix.

6. Common Netflix Downloading Issues and Fixes

6.1 “You have downloaded content on too many devices”

This means you have reached the maximum number of devices allowed for downloads under your current subscription plan. Please delete downloaded content from other devices, or switch to a subscription plan that supports a larger number of devices.

6.2 You have reached the download limit for your ad-supported subscription plan

Ad-supported plans allow for 15 downloads per device each month; this limit resets on the 1st of every month. Please wait for the limit to reset, or switch to an ad-free subscription plan.

6.3 A downloaded title is marked as “Expired”

Downloads are only valid for a limited time. If the title is still available, please download it again.

6.4 Your downloads have disappeared

If you cancel your account, Netflix will remove these downloads from your devices. Additionally, you must remain logged in to your account to play downloaded content.

6.5 CleverGet is unable to process the Netflix video

First, please update CleverGet, as Netflix frequently updates its video player. Then, restart the application, log back into Netflix, and attempt to play the title again. If the issue persists, please contact CleverGet customer support.

7. FAQs

Why Is the Netflix Download Button Missing?

There is no download button on Mac, as Netflix does not support the download feature on macOS. On supported devices, you might not see a download button if a title cannot be downloaded, if your app or system is not up to date, or if you have reached your download limit.
Is it legal to download Netflix videos?

This depends on where you live and how you use these files. Netflix’s Terms of Use restrict the service to personal, non-commercial use and prohibit the circumvention of content protection measures. Never save videos for the purpose of sharing, publishing, or selling them.
Can I Transfer Netflix Downloads from My iPhone to My Mac?

No. Videos downloaded from Netflix can only be played within the Netflix app on the device where they were saved; therefore, they cannot be transferred to a Mac. If you wish to watch video files on a Mac, please use tools such as CleverGet Netflix Downloader or CleverGet Recorder.
Can I download Netflix movies on a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro?

You cannot download videos directly on macOS as Netflix does not offer a download feature for the macOS platform. However, you can download content to an iPhone, iPad, or other supported device, or use CleverGet Netflix Downloader or CleverGet Recorder to save videos to your MacBook.
Can I Use AirPlay to Watch Netflix Downloads on My Mac?

No. Netflix removed AirPlay support from its iPhone and iPad apps in 2019, citing technical limitations. Furthermore, downloaded titles can only be played within the Netflix app on the device where they were saved.

8. Conclusion

Netflix does not currently offer a download feature for Mac, and the same applies to Windows. If you are using a mobile device, Netflix’s built-in download function is the most convenient option.

However, if you wish to save videos as standalone files that you can manage yourself on a Mac, CleverGet Netflix Downloader provides a faster way to download movies and TV series.

Alternatively, if you prefer to record the content in real-time as it plays, you can use CleverGet Recorder. Regardless of the method you choose, please ensure that these files are used solely for personal purposes and that you remain in compliance with Netflix’s Terms of Service.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only.
Netflix features, supported devices, download limits, and content availability may vary by region and over time.
Before using any third-party tools, ensure that you have the necessary permissions, and carefully review the applicable terms of service as well as local laws.