How cool is Netflix? You choose a movie or a show to watch whenever you have the time for it. Instead of checking out what’s on TV, you watch television on your terms. You don’t need to spend too much time browsing through the categories, since Netflix is pretty smart in suggesting things you’d enjoy, based on your history.
But there’s one problem for Mac users: they are used to apps. They don’t like streaming content through a browser, which is what Netflix suggests as the only method to watch via a computer. There’s no official Netflix app for Mac.
What if you want to watch Netflix offline? What if you’re going to a remote cabin to spend the weekend with your partner, a few bottles of wine, and your favorite Netflix show? The lack of an Internet connection shouldn’t spoil your idea of a romantic weekend.
Let’s see if we can come up with a solution to boost the convenience of Netflix for Mac.
Is There a Netflix App for Mac?
There’s an app for Windows and iOS devices, so you simply assumed there was a Netflix app for Mac. But you searched through the Mac App Store and you didn’t find one. Then you went to the official Netflix website, hoping to find an app to download there. You only saw the instructions to watch Netflix through your browser. You ended up wondering: “Wait; is there a Netflix app for Mac?”
Sorry to disappoint you, but no. There’s no Netflix app for Mac. You probably saw some ads saying there’s such an app that you can install, but don’t fall for them. Officially, there’s no Netflix download for Mac in the form of an app.
This is a good time to warn you: if you installed such software by any chance, your system might be at risk and it’s best to use a cleaner app to destroy any malware.
So how do you hack the Netflix download issue?
This is the simplest way to use Netflix for Mac:
- Make sure your subscription is active. You can watch all available shows online, so use your prefered browser to access them.
- You’ll notice that some movies and TV shows have a download option. This is the feature that enables you to watch Netflix offline on Mac. Unfortunately, not all content comes with this option. However, you can surely find something interesting to download and watch during that weekend getaway. Many Netflix originals, including Narcos, Orange Is the New Black, The Crown, and Stranger Things are available for download.
This is a good option to consider if you plan to cancel your subscription. Just download the entire show before you subscription ends, and you’ll watch it when you have the time. Thank me later!
Are There Any Other Options to Watch Netflix Offline on Mac?
The download option is only available on iPhones and iPads. You can’t launch a Netflix download on a laptop, so we have a problem: even if you get the shows for offline viewing, you’re stuck to the small screen. Or are you?
This is the moment when the Apple ecosystem comes handy. You just need to start the Screen Mirroring feature under AirPlay on your iPhone or iPad. Choose your Mac from the offered list of devices. You’ll be able to use the Netflix app for Mac now.
Okay; this is a drastic solution that not everyone will like. Windows is mocked by Mac users for being an inferior operating system. But there’s no Netflix app for Mac and there is one for Windows.
Once you have Windows running, you’ll be able to install a Netflix download and start binge watching.
If you want to watch a particular movie or show offline, you can play it while you’re connected on the web and use the Mac’s screen recording feature to save it for later viewing. Keep in mind that this is not entirely legal. You must not share that content. If you keep it in your computer and watch it, no one will find out.
There’s a default screen recording feature on your Mac, which you can access with Command + Shift + 5. Use the “record entire screen” option and save the file in a dedicated folder for easy access.
Why Doesn’t Netflix Make It Easier for Us?
We absolutely need a dedicated Netflix app for macOS. We shouldn’t be forced to be looking for alternative solutions when the Netflix download feature for offline viewing can be so easily available to us. When you already have a subscription and you can use that feature on iOS, why is your Mac restricted?
We don’t have the answers. Hopefully, Netflix will sort things out so we won’t have to use a browser to watch content.
While waiting for such a solution, there are a few ways to work around the problem. You can download content on your phone or tablet and pair it with your Mac for viewing. You can screen record the video, so you can watch it later. If you’re determined to make this work, maybe you’ll even install Windows on your Mac.
The good news is that Apple TV is becoming better, so maybe we’ll get an alternative that replaces Netflix, eventually.
