To watch a Netflix documentary offline, use the Netflix app on a supported phone, tablet, or Chromebook: open a title that has the Downloads icon, tap Download, then play it later from the app’s Downloads section. Not every documentary is available to download, and saved titles stay in the app on the device that downloaded them.
Download a documentary in the Netflix app
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Open the Netflix app on a supported Android phone or tablet, iPhone or iPad, Amazon Fire tablet, or Google Chromebook with the Google Play Store. Keep the app and device software up to date; some older operating systems may not support downloads. See Netflix’s download troubleshooting guidance for supported-device details.
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Search or browse for the documentary. Look for the Downloads icon on its title page, or use the app’s download-browsing option. If the icon is missing, Netflix says the title is not available to download.
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Open the title and select Download. For a documentary series, select the download control beside an episode, or choose Download Season if that option appears. Netflix recommends using Wi-Fi to avoid using mobile data.
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When you are offline, open Downloads in the Netflix app and select the saved title. Stay signed in. Downloads are tied to the device that saved them; they are not ordinary video files that you can move to another device.
Why a documentary may not have a Download option
Download availability is determined title by title, not just by whether a program is a documentary. Netflix says licensing and other factors—including exclusive rights, whether rights are offered for purchase, popularity, cost, seasonality, and localized availability—can affect downloads. The title’s Downloads icon in the app is the practical check. See Netflix’s explanation of why titles may not be available to download.
Supported devices and download methods
| Option | What to know |
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Supported app device |
Netflix lists Android phones and tablets, iPhones and iPads, Amazon Fire tablets, and eligible Chromebooks with the Google Play Store for downloads. Netflix’s troubleshooting guidance specifies Fire OS 7 or later for Fire tablets. Do these 3 things before closing this tab: 1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsSpecial offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
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Windows computer |
Netflix downloads are not available on Windows devices. Use a supported device instead. |
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Manual download |
Choose an eligible title or episode and select its download control. This is the straightforward option when you want particular documentaries saved. |
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Smart Downloads |
Netflix offers features such as Download Next Episode and Downloads for You to automate some downloads. Smart Downloads are not available on ad-supported plans. Downloads for You also requires Wi-Fi and available device storage. See Netflix’s Smart Downloads information. Rank #3
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Limits to check before a trip
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Ad-supported plan allowance: Netflix states that these plans allow 15 total downloads per device per calendar month. The limit resets on the first day of each month. Details are in Netflix’s download limits guidance.
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One-click scans. No signup required.
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Expiration and re-downloads: Downloads expire after a period of time, and some titles can only be downloaded a limited number of times per account per year. Timing and limits can vary by title, so follow any warning shown in the app.
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Storage and connection: Make sure the device has enough free storage. For automated Downloads for You, Wi-Fi and available storage are required.
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App data and removal: Uninstalling the Netflix app or clearing its app data removes saved downloads. If you reinstall the app, download the titles again while they remain available.
If a download fails or disappears
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If there is no Downloads icon, the documentary is not currently offered for download on that title or account; choose another title with the icon.
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If the device is unsupported or its operating system is too old, try an eligible phone, tablet, or Chromebook and update its software and the Netflix app.
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If a previously saved title is missing, check whether it expired, whether the app was uninstalled or its data cleared, and whether you are signed in to Netflix.
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If you hit the ad-supported plan’s monthly device allowance, wait until it resets on the first of the next month before downloading more under that plan.
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