Netflix has come up with another way to help you binge in the background. On July 10, it rolled out a new feature for Android users— Netflix Smart Downloads, which allows subscribers to download shows offline.
For those using the Netflix app, there’s no need to be concerned about storage. Once you’re done watching an episode, Smart Downloads will delete it and automatically download the next episode. The downloads will only be activated when Wi-Fi is on. This will help with storage and data usage.
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How to enable Netflix Smart Downloads
Netflix allowed shows and movies to be downloaded offline in 2016. However, this new feature only applies to shows. As Director of Product Innovation Cameron Johnson told BuzzFeed: “Netflix isn’t intelligent enough to figure out the exact movie you might want to watch next yet!” In a blog post, Johnson emphasized that efficiency is what subscribers want, and that “the faster you can get to the next episode you want to watch, the better.”
To enable the feature, go to the Downloads icon on the Netflix app and turn on Smart Downloads.
If you want to manage your shows independently and not delete episodes, you can turn off the feature by going to the Downloads section or via App Settings and toggling off.
Smart Downloads is only available to Android users right now. iOS users will get access later in 2018.
H/T BuzzFeed