A couple of days ago, I got a prompt notification on Netflix for a new addition called “Downloads for you” and based on the description of the prompt, the feature is supposed to automatically download content based on your preferences – this feature is different from the older Smart Downloads released back in 2018.
With the older “Smart Downloads”, this feature automatically delete downloaded episodes that have been watched in the past and then replace them with newer episodes in a movie series that you’ve subscribed to and watching.
But in the case of the “Download for you” feature, Netflix picks what it feels you might be interested in and download them for you all based on algorithmic selections and AI intelligence.
This was a cool feature from my point of view considering the fact that I would sometimes perambulate the platform before identifying what to watch.
This might be a great addition for those who are in the same shoes as me. Netflix released a notes concerning the update where they made the difference between both features known.
“Three years ago, we introduced Smart Downloads so you can find the next episode of your favorite show – even when you’re on the go. Now, we want to make discovering your next new favorite series or film quick and easy whether you’re connected or not.”
Getting started with Netflix Downloads for You
For you to get started with the new Downloads for you feature, you need to first open your Netflix application and then tap on the Downloads tab at the button footer.
If you’re just opening your Netflix app for the first time since March, you might be welcomed with this pop-up prompt when you click on the Download tab.
Then tap on the Setup button under the “Introducing Downloads for You” message.
From this screen, click on the plus or minus button in order to set up the amount of space you’re willing to dedicate on your device just for this.
You can select between .05GB or even 10GB but depending on the size of the movie which is based on the quality of the movie being watched.
However, if you can’t find this feature just yet, you can just check your Netflix app to see if it’s the latest version. To do this, head over to the Play Store and click on the hamburger menu by the top left corner and which would reveal a list of options among which would be My apps & games. Click on this and on the Updates tab, check the list if Netflix is among them. (You can set the Play Store to auto download new updates with Wi-Fi network.)
That’s all there is to it. You can check later to see what Netflix finds for you in the Downloads section of the app.
You can as well change the storage capacity or turn the feature off completely if you’re not in for that. And to do that, go back to the Download section and then click on the Smart Downloads, under the “Downloads for You” section, toggle off the feature easily.
For iOS users, you might not get this luxury just yet assuming you are envious of Android users because this is the only platform that has this feature. Netflix says it will be “testing soon on iOS.”
