Netflix is by all means one of the most popular streaming services in existence. Not only can you watch movies and TV shows online through the Netflix app or your browser, but you can also download content to your device for offline viewing.
While it's a pretty straightforward process with Android and iOS devices, it's not exactly obvious how to download Netflix content on a MacBook, iMac, or Mac mini.
Can You Download Netflix on a Mac?
The truth is that there is no Netflix app for macOS. While on all other devices—such as iPhones, Android, and Windows smartphones—you can just install the Netflix app and use it to save movies and TV shows to watch offline, that's impossible to do on a Mac.
Instead, Mac users need to access their Netflix account through a browser, like Safari, Google Chrome, Opera, or any other. What you need to do is simply head to the official Netflix website and sign in.
People who want to download Netflix movies on their MacBook, iMac, or Mac mini sometimes use risky workarounds, such as installing apps that look very similar to Netflix.
You should be very careful with such apps since they are usually malware.
Since there is not yet a Netflix app designed specifically for Mac users, don't try to download suspicious apps from the web. The only Netflix apps that you can trust are located on the official Netflix website.
How to Download Netflix Movies on a Mac
Since installing a Netflix app on your Mac is not an option, that makes it impossible to download Netflix movies or TV shows to your Mac.
But there are some alternative methods you can try if you still wish to watch Netflix content offline on your Mac.
1. Use AirPlay to Watch Netflix on Mac Offline
If you also own an iPhone or an iPad, you can stream Netflix via AirPlay. For this to work, you'll need the Netflix app installed on your iPhone or iPad and you'll need your content downloaded onto that device.
For more information on how to download Netflix content on such devices, check out our dive-deep explainer on downloading movies and TV shows on Netflix.
However, there are downsides to this method—you'll need to download a third-party app, such as Fast Cast, to receive AirPlay streams on your Mac. Also, both of your devices need to be connected to Wi-Fi.
2. Install the Windows Operating System on Your Mac
Since it is possible to download Netflix TV shows and movies on a laptop running Windows, you can install choose to install Windows on your Mac as another workaround. However, this means that you'll be making a major change to your device.
If you don't know how to do it, be sure to check out our article on the different ways you can run Windows on your Mac.
3. Use Screen Record to Watch Netflix Content Offline on Your Mac
With the right apps, it's possible to stream content on your Mac while recording the screen, allowing you to watch the recording offline at a later date. This is the least convenient option to watch Netflix movies or TV shows offline on your Mac. It's also piracy, so we don't recommend it.
Download Netflix Content on Other Devices
Although it's impossible to download Netflix movies or TV shows on a Mac, there are some methods you can use as a workaround. However, most of them are too complicated or simply inconvenient.
If you want to watch Netflix content on your Mac, you can use the official Netflix website to stream anything that you wish online. Or, if you want to watch content offline, then simply any other device aside from your Mac.