Are you a frequent flyer or planning a long-haul trip? Do you wish to stay entertained during your flight without relying on the in-flight entertainment system? If yes, you’re probably wondering, “Can I watch downloaded Netflix movies on a plane?” The answer is a resounding yes, but there are some caveats and requirements to consider.
Why Download Netflix Content in the First Place?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of watching downloaded Netflix movies on a plane, let’s understand the benefits of downloading content in the first place. Netflix introduced its download feature in 2016, allowing users to download select TV shows and movies for offline viewing. This feature has been a game-changer for frequent travelers, commuters, and those with limited internet access.
Downloading Netflix content offers several advantages:
- Offline viewing: You can watch your favorite shows and movies even without an internet connection, making it perfect for flights, long drives, or areas with poor connectivity.
- Data saving: By downloading content, you can avoid consuming large amounts of data, which can be especially useful when traveling abroad or in areas with limited data plans.
- No buffering: Since the content is stored locally on your device, you won’t experience buffering or interruptions due to poor internet connectivity.
What You Need to Watch Downloaded Netflix Movies on a Plane
To watch downloaded Netflix movies on a plane, you’ll need a few essential items:
Compatible Devices
Ensure your device is compatible with Netflix’s download feature. Currently, this includes:
- Android devices: Android 4.4.2 and above with the Netflix app version 4.13 or higher
- iOS devices: iOS 8.0 or above with the Netflix app version 9.0 or higher
- Windows 10 devices: Windows 10 version 1607 or above with the Netflix app version 4.0 or higher
Netflix Plan and Account
Make sure you have an active Netflix account with a plan that allows downloads. Not all Netflix plans offer this feature, so double-check your plan details.
- Standard plan: Allows downloading on one screen at a time
- Premium plan: Allows downloading on up to four screens at a time
Internet Connection and Download Requirements
You’ll need a stable internet connection to download the content initially. The download process requires a minimum speed of:
- 1 Mbps for standard quality (SD) downloads
- 2 Mbps for high quality (HD) downloads
- 4 Mbps for ultra-high quality (UHD) downloads
Downloading Netflix Content for Offline Viewing
To download Netflix movies or TV shows, follow these steps:
- Open the Netflix app on your compatible device
- Search for the content you want to download
- Click on the download icon (looks like a downward arrow) next to the title
- Choose the video quality (SD, HD, or UHD) based on your internet speed and storage space
- Wait for the download to complete
Managing Downloads and Storage
Keep an eye on your device’s storage space, as downloaded content can occupy a significant amount of space. You can manage your downloads and delete them when you’re finished:
- Open the Netflix app and go to the “My Downloads” section
- Click on the three dots next to each title to delete or remove the download
Watching Downloaded Netflix Movies on a Plane
Now that you’ve downloaded your favorite Netflix content, it’s time to enjoy it on your flight!
- Ensure you have the latest Netflix app version installed on your device
- Switch your device to airplane mode to avoid any unnecessary data usage
- Open the Netflix app and navigate to the “My Downloads” section
- Click on the title you want to watch, and the downloaded content will start playing
Tips for a Seamless Viewing Experience
To make the most of your in-flight entertainment, keep these tips in mind:
- Charge your device: Make sure your device is fully charged before the flight, and consider carrying a portable power bank as a backup.
- Use headphones: Invest in a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones to fully immerse yourself in the content.
- Adjust your device’s brightness: Lower the screen brightness to conserve battery life and reduce eye strain.
Some Caveats and Limitations
While watching downloaded Netflix movies on a plane is a fantastic way to stay entertained, there are some limitations and caveats to be aware of:
- Content availability: Not all Netflix content is available for download. Some titles might be restricted due to licensing agreements or copyright issues.
- Download expiration: Some downloads may expire after a certain period, so be sure to check the expiration date before your flight.
- Device storage: Downloaded content can occupy a significant amount of storage space, so be mindful of your device’s capacity.
Conclusion
Watching downloaded Netflix movies on a plane is a convenient and entertaining way to pass the time during your flight. By following the guidelines outlined above, you can enjoy your favorite shows and movies even without an internet connection. Just remember to download the content before your flight, ensure your device is compatible, and manage your storage space wisely. Happy flying and viewing!
Is it possible to watch downloaded Netflix movies on a plane?
Yes, it is possible to watch downloaded Netflix movies on a plane. Netflix allows users to download certain titles for offline viewing, which means you can watch them even without an internet connection. This feature is especially useful for plane travel, where internet connectivity is often limited or unavailable. To download a movie or TV show, simply click the “Download” button on the title’s details page, and the content will be saved to your device.
Make sure to download the content before your flight, as you won’t be able to download anything once you’re in the air. Also, keep in mind that not all Netflix titles are available for download, so you may not be able to download every movie or show you want to watch. Additionally, the quality of the downloaded content may vary depending on the internet connection you had when you downloaded it, so it’s a good idea to check the quality before your flight.
Do I need to have an internet connection to watch downloaded Netflix movies on a plane?
No, you do not need an internet connection to watch downloaded Netflix movies on a plane. Once you’ve downloaded the content, it’s stored locally on your device, so you can watch it without relying on Wi-Fi or cellular data. This makes it perfect for plane travel, where internet connectivity can be spotty or non-existent. Just make sure your device is fully charged before your flight, as you won’t be able to recharge it during the flight.
It’s also important to note that you won’t be able to stream Netflix content over an airplane’s in-flight Wi-Fi, even if it’s available. This is because Netflix requires a stable and fast internet connection to stream content, which is not typically available on planes. But with downloaded content, you can watch your favorite shows and movies without worrying about buffering or connectivity issues.
How do I download Netflix movies and TV shows?
To download Netflix movies and TV shows, you’ll need to have a compatible device and the Netflix app installed. Open the app, navigate to the title you want to download, and click the “Download” button on the details page. If the title is available for download, it will be saved to your device’s storage. You can also find downloadable content in the “Available for Download” section of the Netflix app.
Once you’ve downloaded the content, you can find it in the “My Downloads” section of the app. From there, you can watch or delete the content as needed. Keep in mind that downloaded content will expire after a certain period of time, so be sure to watch it before it expires. You can also set the quality of the downloaded content to conserve storage space or improve video quality.
What devices can I use to download Netflix movies and TV shows?
You can download Netflix movies and TV shows on a variety of devices, including iOS and Android smartphones and tablets, Windows 10 devices, and select Amazon Fire tablets. Make sure your device is running the latest version of the Netflix app and has enough storage space to hold the downloaded content. You’ll also need to have a Netflix account and a stable internet connection to download the content.
Keep in mind that not all devices are compatible with Netflix downloads, so you may need to check the Netflix website for a list of supported devices. Additionally, some devices may have limitations on the type of content you can download or the quality of the video. Be sure to check the Netflix app for more information on device compatibility and download restrictions.
How much storage space do I need to download Netflix movies and TV shows?
The amount of storage space you need to download Netflix movies and TV shows will depend on the quality of the video and the length of the content. Generally, a standard-definition (SD) episode of a TV show will require around 100-200 MB of storage space, while a high-definition (HD) episode will require around 500-700 MB. Movies will typically require more storage space, with SD movies requiring around 1-2 GB and HD movies requiring around 3-5 GB.
To give you a better idea, here are some approximate storage space requirements for different types of content: SD TV show episode (100-200 MB), HD TV show episode (500-700 MB), SD movie (1-2 GB), HD movie (3-5 GB). Keep in mind that these are rough estimates, and the actual storage space required may vary depending on the content and your device.
Can I download Netflix movies and TV shows on multiple devices?
Yes, you can download Netflix movies and TV shows on multiple devices, as long as they are all connected to the same Netflix account and have the Netflix app installed. This means you can download content on your smartphone, tablet, and laptop, and watch it on any of these devices. However, you’ll need to make sure each device has enough storage space to hold the downloaded content, and that you’re running the latest version of the Netflix app.
Keep in mind that you can only download the same content on a limited number of devices, depending on your Netflix plan. For example, if you have a Basic plan, you can only download content on one device at a time. If you have a Premium plan, you can download content on up to four devices at a time. Be sure to check the Netflix website for more information on device limits and download restrictions.
How do I delete downloaded Netflix movies and TV shows?
To delete downloaded Netflix movies and TV shows, open the Netflix app on your device and navigate to the “My Downloads” section. From there, find the content you want to delete and swipe left on it (on iOS devices) or long-press on it (on Android devices). This will bring up a menu with a “Delete” option. Tap or click on “Delete” to remove the content from your device.
Alternatively, you can also delete downloaded content from the “Details” page of the title. Simply open the title’s details page, find the “Download” button, and tap or click on it. This will bring up a menu with a “Delete Download” option. Tap or click on “Delete Download” to remove the content from your device. Make sure to delete content regularly to free up storage space on your device.