Netflix’s introducing Smart Downloads to help you binge even more

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With Smart Downloads, you’re probably going to binge even more on your favorite Netflix series. The new feature allows the Netflix app to automatically delete and download episodes in a series, as long as you’re on a Wi-Fi network.

Rolling out first to Android users, Smart Downloads recognizes when you have finished watching a downloaded episode. In doing so, the tool will then delete that episode and automatically download the next in the series. As Netflix explains it, “You watch, we do the work.”

Take a look:

To get started with Smart Downloads, you’ll first need to download at least one episode in a series and remain connected to Wi-Fi. Once you watch that first episode, other downloads will follow.

For example, let’s say you downloaded the first three episodes of “The Crown.” Once you have watched the first episode, Netflix will get to work and delete that episode while also downloading the fourth episode.  Once you watch the second episode, it too will be removed, while episode five is downloaded and so forth.

You can turn off the feature from both the Downloads section of the app and through the App Settings:

Under Downloads:

1. Tap the Downloads icon.
2. From the top of the My Downloads section, select Smart Downloads.
3. Use the toggle to turn Smart Downloads off.

Turn off Smart Downloads from App Settings

1. Tap the Menu icon.
2. Scroll down and select App Settings.
3. Under the Downloads heading, use the toggle to turn Smart Downloads off.

As a long-time Netflix user, I can’t wait to try out the new Smart Downloads feature. You can download the Netflix app via the Google Play store. Netflix plans on adding the functionality to iOS later this year.

Will you be trying this new feature?  Let us know below.

For more Netflix news, see:

• Netflix is working with Telltale Games to add games to the streaming service
• We might soon see Netflix and YouTube on the Nintendo Switch
• Could the title of “Netflix of Gaming” go to Microsoft?

Bryan M. Wolfe

Bryan considers himself a well-rounded techie, having written articles for MakeUseOf, KnowTechie, AppAdvice, iDownload Blog. When he's not writing, he's being a single dad and rooting for his alma mater, Penn State, or cheering on the Patriots.