One of the most raved-about features Netflix added to its mobile apps very recently is the ability for people to download movies and TV episodes for offline playback, which is extremely useful especially for those who are always on the go, or whose professions require quite an inordinate amount of traveling.
Netflix Offline Playback
Now, with the release of Netflix version 4.13, users can put offline content directly to an Android device's microSD card, that is if the smartphone or tablet supports it. Offline playback isn't news for many, but actually being able to take the content and store it on the phone's expandable storage is quite a different conversation altogether.
Those fortunate enough to have blazing internet speeds and don't feel it's necessary to download Netflix content for offline playback should take notice of a few caveats, if they decide to start downloading content for offline playback now. They're none too pressing, in all honesty — just notifications of data usage and offline playback quality. To have these elements adjusted, head over to device settings in the Netflix app.
How To Store Netflix Content On A Phone's microSD Card
Users will find the new option inside the app's settings menu. Smartphones or tablets with microSD card slots may choose the option. Users whose internal storages are already filled to the brim with pre-existing content are surely going to have a field day with this new feature.
To reiterate: Fire up the updated Netflix app, bring up the sidebar. Tap "App Settings," which should be located at the nether part of the clickable list, under the stack of content categories. Inside, there will be a "Download Location" option. Tap it, and set as preferred.
While inside the settings menu, users may also go ahead and set the network connection that'll be utilized for Netflix downloads. To avoid costly mobile data bills, users can always set the app to download only when there's a Wi-Fi network available. Additionally, the video quality can also be changed, so users who want to save up on data or storage may opt for a lower-resolution video.
How To Download Movies And TV Shows For Offline Playback
Downloading Netflix content for offline playback is also extremely easy and intuitive. Good on Netflix for actually heralding the feature clearly, instead of masking it under subtle and complex step-after-step nuisances. Tech Times previously published detailed instructions on how to do exactly this, so it's best to familiarize oneself with the whole process first — no worries, it's very easy.
Keep in mind that offline downloads have expiration dates, so those planning to leave content on their microSD cards forever won't be able to do so. Also, Netflix notes that the feature won't support any and all Android devices with a microSD slot, but this small change is definitely a step forward in the right direction.
Of course, Netflix's offline playback feature is useless if you don't know what to download. Apart from Netflix's already staggering library, there's quite a laundry list of content Netflix has yet to release this year, alongside some unannounced projects that might pop up without warning. Watch out for Santa Clarita Diet on Feb. 3, Marvel's Iron Fist on March 17, Sense8's second season on May 17, and more.
What's your most anticipated Netflix movie or TV show? Feel free to sound off in the comments section below!
