Jump directly to the content
'FLIX FIX

Netflix makes binge-watching easier with killer iPhone ‘Smart Downloads’ feature

A NETFLIX update has added the popular 'Smart Downloads' feature for iPhone owners – making it way easier to binge-watch telly.

It automatically queues up TV episodes for you to watch offline, and deletes old ones to save your smartphone space.

 Update your Netflix app today to access the new Smart Downloads feature
2
Update your Netflix app today to access the new Smart Downloads featureCredit: Alamy

What is Netflix Smart Downloads?

Smart Downloads first launched for Android phones last year, and now works on your iPhone too.

If you're watching a downloaded episode of a TV series, Netflix will download the next episode automatically – but only while on WiFi, so you don't rack up data charges.

It will automatically delete the previous episode too, to free up phone space.

It means you should always have something to watch offline when you need it.

 Smart Downloads is a great feature that automatically queues up content for you to watch offline – which is perfect for train commuters, for example
2
Smart Downloads is a great feature that automatically queues up content for you to watch offline – which is perfect for train commuters, for exampleCredit: Alamy

How to use Netflix Smart Downloads on iPhone

First, you need to make sure you've updated Netflix to the latest software version.

To do this, open the App Store and go to Updates, then check to see if Netflix needs updating.

Then, go to the Downloads icon, which looks like an arrow pointing down into a horizontal line.

From the top of the My Downloads section, select Smart Downloads.

Use the toggle to turn Smart Downloads on or off.

You can also toggle Smart Downloads directly through the Netflix app's settings.

Tap on the Menu icon, which looks like three horizontal lines stacked on top of each other.

Then scroll down and select App Settings.

Under the Downloads heading, you can toggle Smart Downloads on or off.

Secret Netflix codes to unlock hidden TV series and movie categories revealed

Use Netflix on a computer or laptop? Try these useful shortcuts

Here are some handy keyboard shortcuts...

  • Spacebar – toggle play / pause
  • Enter – toggle play / pause
  • F – full screen
  • Esc – exit full screen
  • Left Arrow – rewind 10 seconds
  • Right Arrow – fast-forward 10 seconds
  • Up arrow – volume up
  • Down arrow – volume down
  • M – mute toggle
  • Shift-Alt-Left Click – adjust the streaming bitrate (to improve or reduce the quality of the video)

Check out or guide to the secret Netflix Valentine's Day movie codes you can use to unlock romantic films and hidden rom-coms this February.

Use this Netflix trick to make sure you see fewer rubbish films.

If you waste hours trying to find something to watch, you'll definitely want to try Netflix Roulette.

And find out how to get new Netflix features first.

Do you know any great Netflix tips or tricks? Let us know in the comments!


We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368 . We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.


Topics