TL;DR: Netflix downloads live inside the app, not as shareable videos. On Windows, the new app (2024+) removed offline downloads. On Android, you can switch Download Location to an SD card. On iPhone/iPad, downloads appear only in-app. DRM blocks external playback. StreamGaGa is a great way to save Netflix videos.
I spend too much time in airports and coffee shops. One January morning, I missed a flight and realized half my “offline” queue was gone—Windows had just changed the Netflix app. I rewrote this guide to be your calm, current companion when you search where are Netflix downloads stored and what has changed.
If you’re juggling space or wondering why .of/.nfv files won’t open, I’ll explain where are Netflix downloads stored with clear steps and sources. Let's find out where on your PC and other devices your Netflix downloads are kept.
Where Netflix Stores Downloads by Device
Note: Windows dropped offline downloads in 2024+, while Android supports SD card storage and iOS keeps downloads in-app. DRM prevents playing Netflix files outside the official app across platforms.
Before we dive into devices, let me set expectations. Netflix saves encrypted files inside each app, so there isn’t a friendly folder of MP4s to copy. Location behavior also differs by platform, especially since Windows replaced the legacy app and removed downloading altogether in mid-2024. I’ll break down what to expect on each device.
Where are Netflix Downloads Stored on Windows (2024 and later)?
Windows moved to an Edge-based Netflix app that doesn’t support offline downloads. If your app shows no Download button, that’s expected. The legacy Windows client was retired and can’t be restored. I learned this the hard way when a trip playlist vanished right before boarding, which pushed me to verify sources and rewrite this section.
If you still see older folders, they belong to the retired app and are only useful for cleanup. Historic locations looked like …\LocalState\downloads
under the old app package path, but the new app won’t create or read these. I keep the path here solely for context so you don’t chase ghosts after the 2024 changeover.
Where are Netflix Downloads Stored on Windows (Before 2024)?
If you're on a PC with Windows 10 or 11, you may be wondering where your Netflix files are kept. Your downloaded movies and TV shows can be found in the Netflix app under My Downloads. You will find the My Downloads section under the Main Menu.
However, on your system folder, Netflix saves the files under a distinct folder. This folder is specifically designated for downloads on your Windows device.
Here is how you can locate it on Windows 10:
- Go to File Explorer using the taskbar
- Go to the View menu from the top left corner.
- Choose Options.
- Now enable Show Hidden folders under the View menu.
- Click on Apply and then OK
If you are on Windows, you can choose View -> Show -> Hidden Items. This will enable the option to show all your hidden files no matter where they are.
Now that you have enabled the visibility of the hidden files. Please note that while you can have access to the Netflix files, you will not be able to watch or open them. These files are protected through DRM and can only be opened from within the Netflix app.
Where are Netflix Downloads Stored on Android Devices?
If you are using an Android device, the location used to save the files is slightly different. Once again, you can find the files, but they cannot be opened outside the Netflix app.
Follow the steps here below to find where are the Netflix downloads stored on Android.
- Run the app Files and choose Settings -> Show Hidden files
- Now follow the path Internal Storage > Android > data > com.netflix.mediaclient > files > Download > .of
- You should find the files here.
Android stores downloads inside the app’s sandbox and allows changing Download Location to an SD card. I appreciate that freedom when I travel with a small phone.
To see your items, open My Netflix → Downloads in the app. If you choose SD card, make sure the card is mounted, has free space, and that Netflix has storage permission. Android’s path can resemble /Android/data/com.netflix.mediaclient/files/Download/
, but files remain encrypted and unplayable in other apps by design.
Where are Netflix Downloads Stored on iOS Devices (iPhone/iPad)?
Wondering where are Netflix downloads stored on the iPhone? Well, there is no option to find it. The Files app on an iOS device saves only imported and iCloud files.
The files and any data generated by the apps are typically saved inside the concerned application itself. You cannot find it anywhere outside the app on an iOS device.
You can find and access the downloaded files from within the Netflix app. Go to your Netflix app and then look for Downloads. You should find your Netflix downloads from there and can even access them right from there.
Device | System file path visible? | Change download location? | Play outside Netflix app? |
---|---|---|---|
Android | Not a usable video path (sandboxed) | Yes → App Settings → Download Location (SD supported) | No (DRM) |
iPhone/iPad | No (in-app only) | No | No (DRM) |
Windows (2024+) | N/A (no downloads) | N/A | N/A |
Only Android lets you change storage (e.g., SD card). No platform allows playing Netflix downloads in third-party players due to DRM.
Why Netflix Downloads Cannot be Transferred or Played Outside the App?
The default Netflix downloads come with a DRM protection. That is exactly why they are not allowed to be played on any other device. Leave alone playing them on another device, you cannot even play them using any other app on the same device that you have installed Netflix on.
To be able to play the downloaded videos on another device, you need to bypass DRM protection on Netflix videos.
Moreover, they also come with regional restrictions. In fact, Netflix downloads take up space and storage on your device and yet, you will not be able to access them outside the Netflix app. That apart, the downloaded videos also come with viewing limits and download limits.
Can I Move My Downloaded Netflix Videos to Another Device?
No, default Netflix downloads cannot be moved from one device to another one. However, you can choose third-party Netflix Video Downloaders to help you download the Netflix videos on your PC and then transfer these videos to another device.
Choosing the best and most relevant Netflix downloader should be the best option. We recommend StreamGaGa Netflix Downloader to be an excellent and highly reliable downloader for your Netflix videos.
Workaround: Convert Netflix Downloads into MP4 Video Files
Strictly speaking, the files created by the Netflix app can’t be “converted” because they’re DRM-protected and tied to the app and device. A practical workaround is to re-download the same title as a standard video file (e.g., MP4/MKV) on your computer using a Netflix video downloader, then move that file to your phone, tablet, TV stick, or external drive.
When saved as MP4 or MKV, your videos are easier to manage: you can copy them between devices, back them up, organize them by folders, and play them with common players. Many tools also include multi-audio tracks and subtitles, so you can pick the language you want later. Always download only the content you’re entitled to watch in your region and follow Netflix’s terms and local laws.
If you’re looking for a reliable option that supports Windows and macOS, batch downloads, and up to 1080p quality without ads, StreamGaGa Netflix Downloader is designed for exactly this use case. It lets you save titles as MP4/MKV so you can transfer and watch them on virtually any device.
Below, I’ll walk you through how to use StreamGaGa Netflix Downloader to download Netflix videos step by step.
How to Use StreamGaGa Netflix Downloader to Download Netflix Videos?
The steps of how to download Netflix videos using StreamGaGa are easy and simple to follow.
Step 1. Download and install StreamGaGa Downloader
Go to the official website and click the Free Download option.
Step 2. Choose Netflix
Click on VIP Services and select Netflix from the streaming services available.
Step 3. Play the video that you wish to download
Search for and play the video you want to download. Make your choices based on video resolution, subtitle options, and audio tracks.
Step 4. Download the video
Click Download Now, and the video will be downloaded to your device immediately.
The videos are downloaded in MP4 and MKV file formats, and this will let you play these titles on any device. This should provide you the universal compatibility for your videos.
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.
Conclusion
Well, it may be much easier to find where are Netflix downloads stored on PC, Android, or iPhone. But it is not possible to access the downloaded files from outside the Netflix app. You cannot play these downloaded files with any other app. You cannot even transfer the files to another device.
That is where using an extra Netflix downloader can come in very handy. StreamGaGa Netflix Downloader is an excellent tool that lets you download Netflix videos and play them on any device without any restrictions whatsoever.
FAQs
Q1. Where are Netflix downloads stored on iPhone/iPad?
A1. They’re in the app under My Netflix → Downloads, not in the Files app. This is by design: iOS keeps Netflix downloads inside the app and the files aren’t accessible for external players.
Q2. Why won’t .of/.nfv files play in VLC or another player?
A2. They’re DRM-encrypted containers that only the Netflix app can decrypt and play. Copying them to another device or app won’t help, because playback is tied to your account, device, and the official client. However, StreamGaGa can download Netflix videos in MP4 format, and you can watch them on any player.
Q3. Why did downloads disappear on Windows?
A3. In 2024, the Windows Netflix app switched to an Edge-based experience and removed downloads. There is no supported rollback. Use a phone, tablet, or Chromebook for offline viewing instead.
Q4. Do downloads expire? Can I renew?
A4. Yes, many titles expire after a period, and some can be renewed when you’re back online. If renewal isn’t available, the title’s license doesn’t allow it, and you’ll need to stream instead. The videos you downloaded with StreamGaGa will never expire.
Q5. Why do I see “Download Max Reached” or “too many devices”?
A5. That message means you hit plan caps for monthly downloads or simultaneous download devices. Remove a device from Manage download devices or wait for the monthly reset on ad-free plans.