To download Netflix movies to a USB drive, you must first understand that directly transferring files from a computer is blocked by DRM encryption, though Android and Fire tablet users can save downloads to an SD card and then use a USB adapter to access them on other devices. This means the method varies significantly by device, and for Windows or Mac users, it typically requires third-party conversion software to remove Netflix's copy protection.
Can you download Netflix movies to a USB drive?
Officially, Netflix does not allow you to download movies directly to a USB drive from a computer because the files are encrypted and tied to the Netflix app. However, on Android phones, Android tablets, and Amazon Fire tablets, you can change the Netflix app's download location to an SD card. Once the SD card is inserted into a USB card reader, you can plug that reader into a TV, laptop, or game console to watch your content. If you also use Amazon’s service, you can similarly download Amazon prime movies to USB flash drive for offline viewing on other devices. For a straightforward alternative that doesn't require a USB drive, you can download movies from Amazon prime to laptop directly for offline viewing. For Windows 10/11 computers, the only way to get files onto a USB drive that play outside the Netflix app is to use third-party DRM-removal tools, which is an unofficial workaround.
Check your device and plan compatibility
Before you begin, confirm that your device supports Netflix downloads. Compatible devices include Windows 10/11 computers, Android phones and tablets, iPhones and iPads, Amazon Fire tablets, and Chromebooks with the Google Play Store. Your Netflix subscription plan also affects limits: ad-free plans allow up to 100 active downloads per device at a time, while ad-supported plans are limited to 15 total downloads per device per calendar month, resetting on the first day of each month. The number of devices that can hold downloads simultaneously depends on your plan, Standard with Ads and Standard allow 2 devices, while Premium allows 6. Not every title is available for download due to licensing restrictions, so look for the download icon (a downward arrow) on a title's details page to verify it can be saved for offline viewing.
Install the Netflix app on your device
To download content, you need the latest version of the Netflix app installed on your device. On a Windows 10/11 computer, download the app from the Microsoft Store. On Android devices, install it from the Google Play Store; on Amazon Fire tablets, use the Amazon Appstore. On iPhone or iPad, get it from the App Store, and on Chromebooks, install it via the Google Play Store. The browser version of Netflix does not support downloads, so the app is required.
Download movies or TV shows for offline viewing
Once the app is installed and you are signed in, browse or search for a title that shows the download icon. Tap or click that icon to start the download. The progress will appear on screen, and once complete, the content will be available in the "My Downloads" section within the app. You can find this section by tapping the menu icon (usually three lines) and selecting "My Downloads." Remember that downloads expire after a certain period, typically 7 days, or 30 days if not watched, and some popular titles have a 48-hour viewing window once playback begins. Some licensed titles may also have a yearly download limit.
Save Netflix downloads to an SD card on Android or Fire tablet
On Android and Amazon Fire devices, you can officially save downloads directly to an SD card. First, insert a formatted SD card into your device. Under "Downloads," choose "Download Location" and select your SD card. Now, any new downloads will be saved to the SD card. To watch these files on another device like a TV or laptop, remove the SD card from your tablet, insert it into a USB SD card reader, and plug that reader into the target device. The card will appear as external storage, and you can play the videos using a compatible media player. This is the only official method to get Netflix downloads onto a USB-accessible drive.
Transfer Netflix downloads from Windows to a USB drive
On Windows 10/11 computers, Netflix downloads are stored in an encrypted folder that only the Netflix app can read. You cannot simply copy these files to a USB drive and play them elsewhere, they will not work on any other device or media player. To bypass this, you would need third-party DRM-removal software that converts the encrypted files into a standard video format like MP4. This is an unofficial process and is not supported by Netflix. If you choose this route, you can then copy the converted files to a USB drive using standard file transfer steps. For details on this process, see the sibling page on downloading paid videos.
Pick the right USB drive and format it
Choose a USB drive with enough storage for your downloaded content, a single movie can take 1-3 GB depending on quality. For compatibility with playback devices like smart TVs, gaming consoles, and media players, format the drive to exFAT if any file will be larger than 4 GB, as FAT32 cannot handle files that large. Most USB drives come pre-formatted, but you can reformat using your computer's disk management tool. A reputable brand with fast transfer speeds (USB 3.0 or higher) will make file transfers quicker and more reliable.
Watch your Netflix content anywhere
Once your files are on the USB drive or SD card adapter, insert it into the USB port of your TV, media player, or game console. Use the device's remote to navigate to the external storage or USB section of its media player. Select the video file you want to watch and press play. You can pause, rewind, or fast forward using the device's controls. Keep in mind that if you used the official SD card method, the files are still in Netflix's encrypted format and will only play on devices that support the Netflix app or a compatible media player, check your device's specifications. Also, remember that downloads have expiration dates, so if you haven't watched them within the allowed time, you will need to re-download them. If you prefer a different streaming service, you can also download on Tubi for free, ad-supported content that works without DRM restrictions on most devices.
