Have you ever wondered how to watch Netflix on a Mac while it is not connected to the internet? Perhaps you’d like to download Netflix movies to your MacBook to watch on a flight? There is no simple way to accomplish this, but there are a few crude workarounds you can employ instead.
Unfortunately, there is no native Netflix app for macOS to download. A web browser is required to watch Netflix on a Mac. Due to Apple’s implementation of HDCP 2.2 support, Safari provides one of the best in-browser Netflix streaming experiences, supporting both 4K and HDR playback. HDCP 2.2 compliance is also supported by Microsoft Edge on Windows.
However, Safari does not support offline viewing of Netflix content. That means you won’t be able to download Netflix shows or movies for offline viewing on a Mac. You can do this on an iPhone or iPad by using the official Netflix app, but there is currently nothing available for macOS.
Despite the fact that modern Apple Silicon Mac models with an M1 chip or higher can run iOS and iPadOS apps natively, Netflix has chosen to remove support for its iPad app from macOS. Even if you use the “iPhone & iPad Apps” toggle, you won’t be able to download the Netflix app from the App Store.
How to Download Netflix Movies on a Mac with a VM
Despite the fact that modern Apple Silicon Mac models with an M1 chip or higher can run iOS and iPadOS apps natively, Netflix has chosen to remove support for its iPad app from macOS. Even if you use the “iPhone & iPad Apps” toggle, you won’t be able to download the Netflix app from the App Store. another reason to invest some time and money into running Windows on your Mac.
On Apple Silicon (M1 or later) and Intel-based Mac systems, Parallels is the simplest way to accomplish this. The app does almost everything for you, such as downloading, installing, and creating user accounts in Windows. You can also do this manually on Apple Silicon by using UTM (which is also great for installing Linux).
VirtualBox is a free virtualization solution with good support for Intel Mac models and experimental support for Apple Silicon as of November 2022. If you still have an Intel Mac, you can use Boot Camp to install Windows on a separate partition.
Parallels is the simplest way to accomplish this on Apple Silicon (M1 or later) and Intel-based Mac systems. The app does almost everything for you, including downloading, installing, and creating Windows user accounts. This can also be done manually on Apple Silicon using UTM (which is also great for installing Linux).
As of November 2022, VirtualBox is a free virtualization solution with good support for Intel Mac models and experimental support for Apple Silicon. If you still have an Intel Mac, you can install Windows on a separate partition using Boot Camp.
Can You AirPlay Netflix to Your Mac Using an iPhone or iPad?
Unfortunately, AirPlaying Netflix from an iPhone or iPad to a Mac or MacBook for offline viewing is not possible. You can only watch offline content on the Netflix app on your iPhone or iPad.
If you try to do this with an offline download, Netflix will tell you that it is not possible. Frustratingly, if you try to do this with content you haven’t downloaded, the app instructs you to “Use the Netflix app on your TV,” despite the fact that there is no Netflix app for macOS.
If you don’t have any nearby wireless networks but have a fast enough mobile connection (and enough mobile data to justify streaming), you can use Personal Hotspot to share your cellular connection with your Mac.
