Need more storage on your device or want to watch Netflix offline while traveling? Storing Netflix movies on an SD card is the perfect solution. Although Netflix doesn’t allow direct downloads to an SD card, we’ve got a simple method to help you transfer your downloaded movies easily. Keep reading to learn how!

Part 1. What You Need to Download Netflix Movies on SD Card

Generally, Netflix does not allow downloading Netflix movies on SD cards. However, Netflix subscribers using Android devices and Amazon Fire devices can do so on an installed SD card, which doubles up as internal storage.

Let’s list the requirements for downloading Netflix movies on an SD card.

1. Netflix subscription: You will need an active Netflix subscription that supports downloads. Please note that not all Netflix plans support downloading movies and TV shows.

2. Netflix App: Netflix downloads are supported only by the official Netflix app, which you must install on your device.

3. Compatible device with SD card slot: Android devices usually come with SD card slots, whereas iPhones and iPads do not. Devices with an SD card already installed as supplementary internal memory are also compatible.

4. SD card with sufficient storage: You must have an SD card with adequate storage capacity to store downloaded Netflix movies. Netflix content can occupy a lot of storage, depending on the video quality.

5. Stable network connection: Netflix downloads are unavailable over cellular data networks. You must have a stable broadband connection to download Netflix movies.

6. Netflix-enabled download feature: Please note that not all Netflix movies are downloadable. To do so, you must check for the downward arrow symbol beside the movie title.

We have discussed the primary requirements for downloading Netflix movies on an SD card. However, users must also know about Netflix download limits and restrictions. We shall list them here and discuss them deeply in a subsequent paragraph of this article.

Part 2. Download and Save Your Favorite Netflix Movies on an SD Card

Netflix uses DRM protection to protect the copyrights of its content creators and distributors. Hence, it does not allow users to download and save Netflix movies on an external SD card. However, Netflix allows users to download Netflix movies on compatible devices that come with a pre-installed internal SD card. Some Android and Amazon Fire devices have this facility, whereas iPads and iPhones do not.

Let’s discuss different ways to download Netflix movies on local storage or SD cards.

Plan A. Keep Netflix Downloads Forever on Local Storage or SD Card

We know that Netflix DRM protection makes it difficult for users to download Netflix movies and content on an SD card. Our ultimate solution, One-stop Streaming Video Downloader—StreamFox for Video Downloader, comes in here. It lets subscribers download Netflix content onto their PCs and transfer it to their SD cards directly. Thus, you can watch your Netflix movies and TV shows offline.

Time Cost: 5-10 minutes.  

Price: Three different plans are available, with the monthly plan starting at $49.94, the quarterly at $89.95, and the perpetual plan at $159.95.

StreamFox for Video Downloader is a one-stop solution for Netflix downloading and offline viewing. Let’s discuss its features and benefits before understanding the step-by-step process to keep Netflix downloads forever on local storage or SD card.

Key Features of StreamFox:

• StreamFox works with Netflix and five other prominent online streaming services, including Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Hulu, Max (HBO), and Disney+.
• This tool boasts download speeds of up to ten times that of regular downloads.
• It offers a batch downloading facility that lets users download multiple TV show episodes simultaneously.
• It offers smart downloads at high resolution up to 4K in three video formats.

Step-by-Step process:

Step 1: Depending on your OS, you can download the respective StreamFox software version. It offers different versions for MacOS and Windows.

Step 2: Install and open the tool. Choose Netflix as your platform to use.

Step 3: Sign into Netflix through the StreamFox-integrated platform option.

Step 4: Add your desired Netflix movie or TV show URL to the queue. You can drag the movie/show title directly using the integrated browser.

Step 5: Choose your desired video format from MP4, MKV, or MOV by using the dropdown menu.

Step 6: Depending on your storage position, choose your preferred resolution. The range is from 360p to 1080p.

Step 7: Check the respective boxes to download multiple videos. Click "Convert All."

Step 8: Your videos are stored on your local computer in the "Finished" section of the tool. Open the StreamFox download folder.

Step 9: Use the "Cut." "Copy" and "Paste" options to transfer the downloaded video files to your SD card. Insert your external SD card into the computer card slot.

If you use a Mac, drag the video files to the SD card icon on your desktop.

How to Transfer it to SD Card on iPhone/Android

Android users can directly download and store their Netflix videos on an internal SD card. Amazon Fire devices also offer this option. However, the iPhone cannot do so because iPhones do not offer the facility of an SD card slot.

Android users can follow Steps 8 and 9 to transfer their downloaded video files to an external SD card. Alternatively, they can change the download location on their Netflix app and direct future downloads to their internal SD cards.

We shall discuss the step-by-step process in the next section.

More information can be found in the full tutorial: How to Download Netflix Movies to External Hard Drive [Offline Storage]

Plan B. Store Netflix Downloads on SD Card Directly for Android users

As mentioned above, Android and Amazon Fire tablet users can store Netflix downloads directly on their internal SD cards installed on their devices. However, you must understand that you cannot remove these SD cards without formatting them. So, these internal SD cards extend their device's storage capacity.

Time Cost: The downloading time depends on the video length and quality.

Price: The only cost you incur is that of the internal SD card.

Step-by-step process:

Step 1: You must install the Netflix app from Google PlayStore. Open the app.

Step 2: Tap “My Netflix” in the lower-right corner of the screen.

Step 3: Tap “Menu” in the upper-right corner.

Step 4: Tap “App Settings” or the gear icon.

Step 5: Under Downloads, tap “Download location.”

Step 6: Select your SD card to store your downloads.

This process changes the storage location of your future Netflix downloads. However, the downloaded TV shows and other content will remain where they are.

For Tablets with SD Card Support:

• Tablets, such as Amazon Fire devices, may also support downloading Netflix content directly to an SD card. Check your device’s settings and follow the steps outlined above.

Plan C. Move Netflix Downloads on SD Card For Chromebook Users

Chromebook users can also move Netflix downloads to an SD card, allowing for more storage space and offline access to your favorite movies and shows. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to set up your Chromebook to use an SD card for Netflix downloads.

Step 1: Install an SD Card in Your Chromebook

Your Chromebook likely has a microSD or full-size SD card slot. If it only has an SD card slot, you can use a microSD card with a microSD-to-SD card adapter. Choose a high-speed microSD card for smooth video playback, as slower cards might cause buffering during playback. This is especially important if you use external storage frequently.

Once the SD card is inserted, follow these steps to ensure your Chromebook recognizes it as external storage:

1. Open the Settings app on your Chromebook.
2. In the sidebar, click Device.
3. Under Storage management, click External storage preferences.
4. Toggle the switch next to your SD card to turn it on.
5. Restart your Chromebook to complete the setup.

After restarting, your Chromebook will recognize the SD card as external storage, and you can use it to store your downloaded content.

Step 2: Set Your SD Card as the Default Download Location for Netflix

By default, most Android apps on ChromeOS, including Netflix, store downloads in internal storage. To save your Netflix downloads to the SD card, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app on your Chromebook.
2. In the sidebar, select Apps.
3. Click Manage your apps under the Applications section.
4. Select Netflix from the list of installed apps.
5. Under Permissions, toggle the Storage permissions switch to allow Netflix to access external storage.

Now, you’ll need to change the download location within the Netflix app:

1. Open the Netflix app on your Chromebook.
2. In the top-right corner, click your profile icon.
3. Select App Settings.
4. Under the Downloads section, click Download Location.
5. Choose your SD card as the new location for Netflix downloads.

Step 3: Download Content to the SD Card

Once your SD card is set as the default storage location, any new downloads will automatically be saved to the SD card. However, you will need to manually move previously downloaded content to the SD card.

To do this:

• Simply re-download your Netflix movies or TV shows, and they will now be stored directly on the SD card.

Limitations and Restrictions of Downloading Netflix Movies on SD Card via Netflix App

• Device Compatibility: Only Windows computers and Android devices support SD card downloads; iPhones and iPads do not.
• Download Expiry: Downloads expire 48 hours after starting playback and usually last 7 to 30 days before needing renewal.
• Limit on number of downloads: Standard and Premium plans allow up to 100 downloads per device, while ad-supported plans limit downloads to 15 per month.

• Quality restrictions: Downloaded videos are often lower quality than streaming due to space limitations and compatibility issues.
• Regional restrictions: Licensing rules mean some titles may not be available for download in certain regions.

• SD card formatting: Some devices may not recognize certain SD card formats, requiring proper formatting for compatibility.
• No external transfer: Netflix's DRM protection prevents transferring downloaded files to other devices or playing them outside the app.

Despite these limitations, there are ways to save Netflix videos permanently on an SD card.

Part 3. Troubleshooting common issues About SD Card

Several common issues can occur when downloading and transferring Netflix movies to an SD card. Let's try troubleshooting them.

Issue 1: Insufficient storage space

Your SD card might not have sufficient free space to accommodate your Netflix movie download.

Solution: Use a file manager app or device settings to check the available space on your SD card. Delete unnecessary folders/files to free up storage space. Check the video file size when selecting the video quality. Standard definition videos require less space than HD videos.

Issue 2: SD card not recognized.

 It can happen your device might not recognize the SD card.

Solution: Reinsert the SD card properly. Check if it is compatible with your device. If needed, format the card to a compatible file system, such as FAT32 or exFAT.

Issue 3: SD card formatting.

 An incorrectly formatted SD card can show this error.

Solution: Formatting the card to a compatible file system can resolve this error. However, backing up essential data on the SD card is crucial as formatting erases all existing data.

Issue 4: The Netflix app is not saving to the SD card.

Netflix downloads might be going to your internal storage rather than the SD card.

Solution: Change the default storage location by opening the app, tapping “App settings," and changing "Download location" to the SD card. It will now act as the default storage location until you change it again.

Issue 5: Slow download speeds.

Downloads can take a lot of time to complete.

Solution: Your internet connection could be faulty. Ensure you use a stable and fast Wi-Fi connection. Check your SD card's writing speed. It should be Class 10 or higher. Avoid using the device for other tasks during downloads.

Issue 6: Corrupted downloads.

 Downloaded movies might not play, or the file could be corrupted.

Solution: Delete the corrupted file and re-download the movie. Check if the SD card is not damaged by using it on another device. Restart the device before you retry.

Issue 7: Expired downloads.

 Check Netflix expiration dates. Expired movies cannot be played.

Solution: Reconnect and renew the download license. If necessary, re-download the movie. Use StreamFox to download movies permanently onto your SD card or device.

Issue 8: SD card errors.

 The SD card can crash or show errors.

Solution: Test your SD card on another device for hardware problems. If it is faulty or damaged, replace it.

Part 4: Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I download movies from Netflix on SD cards for all devices?

No. You cannot download Netflix movies on SD cards for all devices. The device must support the SD card or have an SD card slot. For example, an iPhone or iPad has no SD card slot.

Q2. Why am I unable to select the SD card as a download location?

You might not have mounted or formatted the SD card properly. Even after correct mounting, you must change the Netflix download's default location to the SD card. By default, it will show internal storage. This article discusses how to change the default Netflix storage to an SD card.

Q3. How can I free up space on my SD card while keeping Netflix downloads?

You can remove data related to other activities from your SD card and keep it exclusively for Netflix downloads. Clearing your cache does not delete your downloads. Transfer non-Netflix files to your device’s internal storage.

Conclusion

Downloading Netflix movies to an SD card is beneficial as it allows you to watch them leisurely offline. However, you must know Netflix restrictions and download limits to take full advantage of SD card downloads. This article discussed all these aspects and also explained a magic solution that can help you download and save Netflix movies permanently on your SD card.