Learn how to download Netflix movies to a USB drive and watch them offline, anywhere. Discover the best methods and tools to avoid Netflix restrictions.
Netflix is definitely the most popular and prominent streaming service. The default download feature available on the downloader makes it one of the excellent choices to help you watch the titles offline, even with no internet connection.
![[2025] How to Download Netflix Movies to USB in Easy Steps?](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7)
I’ve been asked this exact question countless times: “Can I just put my Netflix downloads on a USB and watch them anywhere?” Not directly. Downloads are tied to the Netflix app due to DRM, and copying or transferring files must comply with Netflix Terms.
Note: You can’t save Netflix downloads to USB directly with the Netflix app. DRM means Netflix videos can only be played in the Netflix app. However, some extra tools, such as StreamGaGa can download Netflix movies to USB.
Below, I’ll cut through the confusion, show what’s actually possible on each device, and give safe alternatives to download Netflix movies to USB in Section 5.
What DRM Is and Why USB Playback Fails
DRM (digital rights management) encrypts each download. The Netflix app decrypts it at playtime. That’s why copying the file to a USB or opening it with another player (on a PC or TV) won’t work—the file remains unreadable outside the app. On Windows, there is no official download function.
Can You Download Netflix Movies to USB?
No—at least not for portable, app-free playback. Netflix’s offline feature saves to internal storage (or SD on supported devices) and restricts playback to the app that made the download. A USB copy won’t magically become a normal MP4 you can plug into a TV.
USB ≠ universal playback. Downloads stay tied to the Netflix app on the original device. SD helps with storage space, not with moving or sharing downloads.
- USB stick: No official support for storing or playing Netflix downloads across devices.
- SD card (Android/Fire only): You can switch the download location to SD for future downloads. Existing items don’t move, and playback stays inside the app on that device.
Official Ways to Download for Offline Viewing (2025)
Note: Use the Netflix app on a supported device. Not all titles are downloadable and functionality varies by platform.
Netflix supports offline downloads on phones and tablets (and some Chromebooks via Google Play). Look for the download icon on eligible titles, then watch inside the app while signed in. Note that Netflix also lets iOS users download a whole season at once now, which is handy for trips.
My Test on Android & Amazon Fire — SD Card
On Android & Amazon Fire devices, I can switch where future downloads are stored. Changing location affects future downloads only. Existing downloads don’t move when I change this setting. Playback still requires the Netflix app on that device.
- Open Netflix.
- Tap My Netflix → Menu → App Settings.
- Tap Download Location → select SD Card.
- Re-download titles you want on SD (existing items don’t move).
I need to keep the SD inserted. If I remove it, those titles won’t play.
My Test on iPhone/iPad — No External Storage
On iOS, downloads live inside the Netflix app’s storage. I can manage space and quality, but I can’t save to external media or play outside the app. iOS has no external/USB path with internal app storage only.
- In App Settings, pick a lower Video Quality for smaller files.
- Use My Downloads to delete old items and free space.
- Keep the app signed in to retain downloads.
Official Limits of Expiration, Device Caps, and Regions
Even within the app, I also encounter three common limits:
Every download has an expiration. Some titles can be renewed by re-downloading and others are capped by studio licensing limits and can’t be renewed indefinitely.
When the download device limit has been reached. Use Manage Download Devices to remove old devices, then try again—or change plans if needed.
Title availability, audio/subtitle options, and download eligibility can vary by region and license. Signing out can also wipe downloads on that device.
(Practical Alternatives) How to Download Netflix Movies to USB?
Netflix has encrypted the downloaded titles so that they can be played only from within the Netflix app. This prevents the users from transferring the downloads to USB drives or any other devices.
If you wish to use the downloaded videos to be available on other devices or other USB drives, you will need to use an extra Netflix video downloader that can download the DRM-protected videos when you have subscribed to a Netflix plan with the right to watch the video you want to download.
One such powerful downloader that I recommend using to download Netflix movies to a USB drive is StreamGaGa Netflix Downloader. It is a powerful downloader that lets you download your videos from Netflix with no hassles.
It also offers you a wide range of features like high-quality downloads up to 1080p, MP4/MKV format downloads, and batch downloads. You can also use the tool for separate subtitle downloads, ad-free offline viewing, etc.
| Method | USB transfer | Quality | Pros | Cons | Compliance risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix app | No (encrypted) | High; app-only playback | Easy, official, stable | No USB; expiry limits | Low if used as intended |
| Third-party downloader | Yes | Up to 1080p | MP4/MKV; subtitles; offline | May breach ToS/DRM laws | Check local laws |
| Screen recording | Yes | Low–medium; real-time | Simple | Time-consuming; black screens | High; may violate ToS |
How to Download Movies from Netflix to USB with StreamGaGa?
The steps involved in how to use the StreamGaGa Downloader for downloading your videos should be very easy and simple to follow.
Step 1. Download and install the StreamGaGa Downloader
To get the StreamGaGa Downloader, go to the main website. For the free trial, you can click on the "Free Download" button. You can choose a subscription at a later time if you need to.
Step 2. Choose Netflix from among the services available
You can pick Netflix from the list of services that you can see when you click on VIP Services. Log in to your Netflix account. You can even make a new account if you don't already have one.
Step 3. Play the video that you wish to download
Look for the movie you want to save and play it. This will tell the downloader to show the choices for how to download. The video resolution, audio settings, and subtitles for the movie you downloaded will all be in these settings.
Step 4. Download the video
Click on Download Now to start the download of the movie after setting up the download options. From inside the app, you can see how far along the download is. After that, you can copy the downloaded file to your USB drive.
Legal/Compliance note: Downloading or decrypting protected streams may breach Netflix Terms or local law (e.g., DMCA in the U.S.). This article aims to solve your question, but we do not encourage you to violate terms or copyright.
Safety note: The tools recommended in this article have been personally tested and are safe during installation or use. Please download from the official websites to ensure the security of your device.
Transfer Netflix Downloads from the Computer to the USB Drive
To transfer the videos that you downloaded from Netflix using the StreamGaGa Downloader, follow the steps here below –
- Insert a USB drive into your computer
- Locate the downloaded video titles on your computer. You should ideally find the downloads under the drive you have installed StreamGaGa to. Locate StreamGaGa and then check your downloaded files under the Netflix folder.
- Drag the files onto your USB drive.
Your Netflix videos should now be on your USB drive. You can now use your drive to watch the Netflix title on any device, including your smart TV.
Editor's Takeaways
When you really need offline or big-screen viewing, here’s the way I found to download Netflix movies to USB. You can easily transfer the downloaded videos to your USB drive and play them comfortably. Check out the simple options above and watch your downloaded Netflix titles anywhere and on any device you wish to.
Expiration, renew limits, and device caps are defined by Netflix policies and studio licenses. StreamGaGa Netflix Downloader can successfully download Netflix movies to USB while avoiding official download restrictions.
FAQs
Q1. Can I download movies from Netflix to a USB?
A1. No. Official downloads are encrypted and only play within the Netflix app on the original device. However, StreamGaGa can help you download MP4 format videos and transfer them to a USB.
Q2. Can I move downloads to an SD card?
A2. Yes, on Android/Fire—but only for future downloads. Existing items stay put, and playback remains app-only on that device.
Q3. Where’s the download folder? Can I play files with VLC?
A3. The official downloads from the Netflix app live in protected app folders and are not playable outside the Netflix app. You can play the videos downloaded with StreamGaGa on VLC.
