Love Netflix but wish you could download it to your Mac? Many Mac users wonder if they can save movies and shows to watch offline. The answer isn’t as simple as you might hope.
Can You Download Netflix on Mac?
Unlike Windows users, Mac users do not have an official Netflix app. The Netflix app for Windows allows downloads, but no such app exists for macOS.
You might think, “Why not just download the app from the App Store?” Well, it’s not that easy. Netflix only offers an app for iOS, iPadOS, and Android—not macOS.
So, what can you do?
Watch Netflix in Your Browser
The easiest way to watch Netflix on a Mac is through a web browser. Simply go to:
Supported browsers include:
- Google Chrome
- Safari
- Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
But here’s the catch—Netflix doesn’t allow downloads through a browser. That means no offline viewing on your Mac.
Can You Use the iPad Version?
Some Mac users wonder if the Netflix iPad app can run on a Mac. If you have an Apple Mac with an M1, M2, or M3 chip, you might be in luck!
These newer Macs allow you to install iOS apps from the Mac App Store. However, Netflix has blocked its iOS app from running on macOS.
So, unfortunately, this isn’t a solution.
Workarounds for Offline Viewing
Although there’s no official Netflix Mac app, there are a few ways to watch offline:
1. Use Boot Camp or a Virtual Machine
Mac users can install Windows using Boot Camp (on Intel Macs) or a virtual machine like Parallels or VMware.
Steps:
- Install Windows on your Mac.
- Download the Netflix app from the Microsoft Store.
- Sign in, download your favorite movies, and watch offline!
This method works, but it requires storage space and effort.
2. Download on Another Device
If you have an iPhone, iPad, or Windows PC, you can download Netflix content there and watch offline.
Some users AirPlay downloaded content from an iPhone to a Mac, but not all Netflix shows support this.
3. Record Your Screen (Not Recommended)
Some try using screen recording apps to save Netflix videos. However, this is against Netflix’s terms of service and can lead to account restrictions.
Plus, it’s a hassle!
Will Netflix Ever Offer a Mac App?
No official announcement has been made, but there’s always hope.
Since Macs now support many iOS apps, Netflix may change its policy in the future. Until then, Mac users will need to stream in a browser or use one of the workarounds above.
Final Thoughts
Downloading Netflix directly to a Mac isn’t possible—at least not the way Windows users can.
However, you have options:
- Stream from your browser.
- Use Windows via Boot Camp or a virtual machine.
- Download shows on an iPhone, iPad, or Windows device.
It’s not perfect, but it works.
Did you find this helpful? Which method works best for you? Let us know!
