Quick Answer: To keep Netflix downloads forever, you must use a third-party downloader such as KeepStreams to save videos as local files, like MP4. (Part 2) This is because Netflix's official offline viewing feature includes expiration limits, meaning downloaded titles will automatically be deleted after a set period. (Part 1)
Even though Netflix is a great viewing service, I found that its official download feature has some restrictions, most notably a time limit on downloads. It's not possible to save downloaded Netflix videos forever through the official app.
Instead, you need to convert Netflix to a format that can be played on any device, like MP4. I will show you how to solve this problem step by step in this guide.
How Long Do Official Netflix Downloads Last?
Note: Once you download a video on Netflix, unwatched downloads stay in the downloads folder for up to 30 days. After that, they will expire.
If you begin watching one of the downloaded videos, you should finish it in under 48 hours, or it will be deleted from the downloaded folder.
Netflix files only work for a certain amount of time and then disappear. I think the exact length can change because it depends on the subject and whether you've already started watching it.
Here are the key time limits for official Netflix downloads:
- Expiration After Watching: You only have 48 hours to finish a downloaded video after you start playing it.
- General Expiration Window: Downloads that haven't been watched will expire after a certain amount of time, usually 7 to 30 days, but this depends on the content license.
These Netflix download limits seem very annoying, but there are actually valid reasons:
- DRM Encryption: DRM (Digital Rights Management) protection is used to prevent unauthorized copying and distribution of the video files.
- Subscriber Retention: Netflix uses expiring downloads to get people to keep their subscriptions in order to view content.
How to Keep Netflix Downloads Forever?
Note: KeepStreams can keep Netflix downloads forever in MP4 and MKV file formats. This will ensure that you can transfer the videos to any device and watch them with no restrictions.
I've found that the only safe way to download Netflix movies and keep them forever is to use third-party downloaders such as KeepStreams. This is because the default Netflix downloads have limits. KeepStreams can overcome Netflix download limits and help you keep Netflix downloads forever.
Use KeepStreams to Keep Netflix Downloads Forever
One of the top video downloaders for Netflix is KeepStreams for Netflix. After extensive research, I consider it the best option for both Windows and macOS users. You can use this downloader to get faster downloads and keep Netflix downloads forever.
Steps to Keep Netflix Downloads Forever
The steps involved in downloading Netflix videos using KeepStreams for Netflix are very simple and easy. I'll walk you through the process, which you'll find requires no technical expertise to use the downloader.
Step 1
Download and install KeepStreams for Netflix
Use the official website to download KeepStreams for Netflix. Use the Free Trial option to download the tool. The free trial offers you three free downloads.
Step 2
Find Netflix from the VIP Services
Click on the VIP Services on the left pane. Choose Netflix from among the services available. You can even use the built-in search feature to select Netflix.
Step 3
Play the video you wish to download
Sign in to your Netflix account. Search for and play the video that you wish to download. The downloader will analyze the video and provide you with the download settings. These settings will include resolution, audio settings, and other parameters. Once you have configured your download options, click on Download Now.
Step 4
Check your downloads
You can check your download progress through the Downloading tab. Your downloaded videos will be available under the Downloaded tab.
To quickly find the local folder where the Netflix downloads are saved, you can click the file icon next to each title in the Downloaded section. When you get the videos in MP4 or MKV format, you can keep Netflix downloads forever.
Comparison of Netflix Video Downloaders
Since there are so many Netflix video downloaders, people often ask why I recommend KeepStreams. As part of my role, I've personally tested numerous solutions. To give you a clearer picture, I'll explain the reasons from the following dimensions, and I've put together a detailed comparison table based on my findings.
| Feature | KeepStreams | Audials | MovPilot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Download Method | Re-coding (Lossless) | Screen Recording | Downloading |
| Max Video Quality | Up to 4K (Source dependent) | 1080p | 1080p |
| Audio Quality | EAC3 5.1, AAC 2.0 | 5.1 Surround Sound | Dolby Digital 5.1 |
| Output Format | MP4, MKV | MP4 | MP4, MKV |
| Download Speed | Up to 32MB/s | Up to 4x speed | Up to 5x speed |
| Batch Download | Yes (Entire series/season) | Yes (Queue-based) | Yes (Multiple episodes) |
| Supported OS | Windows & Mac | Windows only | Windows & Mac |
| Pros |
Supports many services |
Can also record music/podcasts | User-friendly interface |
| Cons | Higher price point for the all-in-one version. | Screen recording can reduce quality, Mac version is not available, resource-intensive. | Free trial is very limited (first 6 mins), can be slow at times, less supported services overall. |
Feature 1
Customer Feedback
Compared with Audials and Movpilot, KeepStreams gets the highest favorable rate on Trustpilot. Most reviews mentioned the ease of use, fast download speed, high video quality, and quick response from the support team.
Feature 2
The Unparalleled Download Mode
In fact, most Netflix video downloaders that claim to be able to download videos in "original quality" are using record tech in the background. Audials is a prime example of this. Therefore, the video quality must be decreased in this way. That's the reason why you see blur and lag in the downloaded videos.
However, KeepStreams is using advanced re-coding tech. It means that KeepStreams is able to extract videos directly through the URL when you're playing them. Unlike the traditional recording method, the re-coding won't harm the original video or audio quality, and thus ensures the best offline viewing experience.
Conclusion
In short, you need to get beyond Netflix's built-in limits if you want to keep Netflix downloads forever. The best way to get rid of DRM protection and save the content as a permanent, local video file in MP4 or MKV format is to use a third-party downloader like KeepStreams.
I hope this guide helped you understand better. This plan will make sure that your Netflix shows and movies are always available, even if you don't have a Netflix account. You can watch them on any device on any time.
NOTE
U.S. Copyright Act (DMCA) § 1201 prohibits the circumvention of copyright protection measures. KeepStreams is meant to help you make a copy of material you have legally accessed, and the person who uses it is fully responsible for following all laws. Learn more by reading the KeepStreams Copyright Compliance.
FAQs
Q1. Can I remove DRM protection from Netflix downloads?
A1. There are no built-in ways to get rid of the DRM protection. One way to get the movies you can watch without DRM restrictions is to use a Netflix downloader like KeepStreams for Netflix.
Q2. Is KeepStreams Safe?
A2. Yes, it's okay to use KeepStreams. I check the program very carefully to make sure it doesn't have any bugs or malware in it. To keep people safe, I always tell people to get the software from the official KeepStreams page.
Q3. Can I keep Netflix downloads after my subscription ends?
A3. You won't be able to play any official Netflix downloads after your subscription stops. But when you use KeepStreams to download movies, they are saved on your PC as MP4 or MKV files. So, even if you don't have a Netflix account, you can keep Netflix downloads forever.
Q4. Is it legal to download Netflix videos for personal use?
A4. The laws in your country will tell you if it's lawful. In most places, making a copy of anything you legally have access to for personal use (like watching it on a plane) is typically seen as a gray area or okay under fair use rules.
Q5. How many videos can you download on Netflix?
A5. With the official Netflix app, you can download a maximum of 100 titles on a single device at any given time. However, with a tool like KeepStreams for Netflix, this limit is overcome. You can download up to 100 videos per day, every day, allowing you to build a much larger personal library.
Q6. Can you watch Netflix offline on TVs?
A6. The official Netflix app doesn't let you watch movies and TV shows that you've downloaded on most Smart TVs. But if you save movies as MP4 files with KeepStreams, it's easy to move them to a USB drive. You can watch your saved movies and TV shows on a big screen even if you're not online. Just plug the USB into your TV's port.
NOTE:
Content available on Netflix™ is protected by copyright. Unauthorized redistribution of this content may violate copyright laws in the United States and other countries.
KeepStreams is an independent company and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with Netflix™ or its parent company. The information on this page is provided for informational purposes only and does not imply any endorsement of KeepStreams products by any third party.
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