How To
How to use Netflix’s new Smart downloads feature

- July 11, 2018
- Updated: July 2, 2025 at 6:18 AM

Netflix has announced a new feature that will help mobile users save on data usage. If you’re an iPhone user, however, there is bad news. This new feature is only available on Android versions of the Netflix app. The new feature is called Smart Downloads, and it is an excellent way to get your TV fix without hitting your monthly data allowance.
Smart Downloads is a simple on/off toggle switch. When Smart Downloads is activated, your phone will automatically delete an episode once you have watched it and then download the next one when you next connect to Wi-Fi. It offers a simple way to keep the space on your phone free while your phone is always up-to-date with fresh new content to watch when you don’t have an active internet connection.
How to use Netflix Smart Downloads
All you have to do to activate Netflix’s Smart Downloads feature is…
- Open the app and hit More in the bottom right-hand corner.
- Tap App Settings.
- Toggle the Smart Downloads switch to On.

That’s all there is to it. Once activated, you won’t have to worry about deleting old episodes or downloading new ones. Netflix will take care of everything and make sure it only does so over a Wi-Fi connection. When a download is taking place, you’ll see a status bar at the top of the page, in case you don’t want to disconnect from the Wi-Fi before the download is complete.
This new feature is available now on the Android version of the app, but there is still no word about when it is coming to iOS.
Patrick Devaney is a news reporter for Softonic, keeping readers up to date on everything affecting their favorite apps and programs. His beat includes social media apps and sites like Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, Twitter, YouTube, and Snapchat. Patrick also covers antivirus and security issues, web browsers, the full Google suite of apps and programs, and operating systems like Windows, iOS, and Android.
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