s becomes necessary. Whether you’re traveling, commuting, or just want to ensure access to content before it’s removed from the platform, having an offline copy is helpful. Additionally, some people prefer to watch Netflix content on devices that don’t support DRM, like older media players or USB drives. However, Netflix’s DRM encryption prevents direct downloads. In this guide, we’ll explore how to easily and quickly bypass these limitations using specialized tools to convert Netflix content to MP4 format, ensuring uninterrupted access to your favorite movies and shows.
Pre-Conversion Requirements
To ensure a smooth and legal conversion of Netflix content to MP4, it’s essential to meet a few important pre-conversion requirements. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Legal Compliance
- Active Netflix Subscription: You must have an active Netflix account. All tools used for conversion require this to access Netflix’s streaming content legally.
- Personal Use Only: Ensure that the conversion is solely for personal use, as per DMCA §1201 exemption. This ensures compliance with legal guidelines, as sharing or distributing Netflix content violates copyright laws.
2. Technical Setup
- Stable Internet Connection: A reliable internet connection is crucial to stream and download content without interruptions during the conversion process.
- Sufficient Storage: To convert high-definition (HD) videos, make sure you have at least 10 GB of free storage space available on your device. HD files tend to be large, and this amount of space will prevent any issues during conversion.
3 Accurate & Practical Methods to Convert Netflix to MP4
Method 1: StreamFox for Video (Recommended)
StreamFox for Video is a one-stop streaming video downloader designed specifically for popular platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube, Hulu, and MAX (HBO). It offers a high success rate, allowing users to download videos in high-definition resolutions ranging from 1080p to 4K, with various output formats such as MP4, MKV, and MOV. With StreamFox’s focus on the most widely-used streaming platforms, it ensures a seamless download experience, providing lossless video downloads with a 1:1 match to the source. Additionally, it supports multiple subtitle modes, 10x download speeds, and batch downloading, making it a go-to tool for converting Netflix videos to MP4.
Platform: Windows & macOS.
Steps:
Step 1: Download, Install, and Launch StreamFox for Video
Start by downloading StreamFox for Video software on your Mac or PC. After the installation is complete, open the application. Once it’s up and running, sign in to your Netflix account using your login credentials.
Step 2: Locate Your Desired Movie or Show
You have a few options to find the movie or show you want to download:
- Search by Title: Type the name of the movie or show into the search bar.
- Use the URL: If you have the URL of the movie or show, paste it directly into the search bar.
- Drag and Drop: Simply drag your favorite movie or show onto the red plus icon in the top-right corner of the interface for quick access.
Step 3: Personalize the Video Settings
To customize your video experience, navigate to Preferences > Advanced and configure the following options:
- Video Resolution: Select the desired resolution to optimize video quality or reduce file size according to your needs.
- Audio Quality: Adjust the audio settings to strike a balance between sound clarity and file size.
- Subtitle Options: Choose from three subtitle modes—Internal, External, or Hardcoded. Hardcoded subtitles are permanently embedded into the video, ensuring seamless playback across all devices (recommended for best compatibility).
Step 4: Choose MP4 as the Output Format
To ensure your downloaded videos are compatible with a variety of devices and media players, select MP4 as the output format. MP4 is widely supported, making it a versatile choice for playback across different platforms.
Step 5: Begin the Download Process
Once you’ve selected the content and format, click on the “Convert All” button to initiate the download. The Netflix content will be saved directly to your computer in MP4 format, making it accessible for offline viewing.
Pros:
- High Success Rate: Boasts up to 99% download success.
- Lossless Downloads: Ensures 1:1 video quality with no loss in resolution.
- Supports HD & 4K: Download videos in up to 4K resolution.
- Customizable Settings: Offers flexible settings for video quality, subtitle modes, and codecs.
- Batch Downloads: Allows downloading multiple videos at once.
- 10x Download Speed: Saves time with faster download speeds.
- Multiple Formats: Choose between MP4, MKV, and MOV.
Cons:
- Paid Software: Requires a subscription for full access.
Method 2: Audials Movie (Advanced Users)
Audials Movie is a powerful screen recording tool designed for users who want to capture Netflix content and convert it to MP4 format. This method is suitable for advanced users who need high-speed, high-quality recording and are comfortable configuring DRM decryption.
Platform: Windows
Steps:
Step 1: Install and Launch Audials Movie Netflix Recorder
Download the Netflix recorder “Audials Movie” for free, no registration required, and install it on your Windows PC. If you decide you no longer want it, it can be easily uninstalled. Once installed, launch the Audials Movie software and navigate to the “Video Streaming” section. At the bottom of the screen, choose your preferred video format, such as MP4 (MPEG4).
Step 2: Start and Record Netflix Movie or Episode
- Open Audials Movie and select Netflix.
- Choose your browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox, or Audial’s built-in browser).
- Set your desired subtitles, recording speed (up to 4x), and resolution (720p or 1080p).
- Click “Record” to prepare Audials for recording.
- Open Netflix in the selected browser and play the movie or episode.
- If using the built-in browser, select the Netflix video directly in Audials.
Step 3: Audials Movie Automatically Records Netflix on Your PC
Audials Movie detects the video, starts, and stops recording automatically. Once the recording is complete, the movie or episode appears in the Audials playlist on the right side of your screen.
The recorded Netflix video is saved to your PC in formats like MP4, WMV, AVI, 3GP, etc. The software tags the file, and you can play it in Audials or export it by dragging it to another app or Windows Explorer.
Best For:
- Advanced users who want to capture 720p or FullHD 1080p and need precise control over their recording and metadata options.
Method 3: OBS Studio + HandBrake (Free)
This method involves recording Netflix content with OBS Studio and converting the recording to MP4 format using HandBrake. Both tools are free and open-source, making this a budget-friendly option, though it comes with certain limitations.
Tools:
- OBS Studio: For screen recording (free, open-source).
- HandBrake: For converting video recordings to MP4 format (free).
Steps:
1. Record with OBS:
Step 1: Install OBS Studio
Download and install OBS Studio if it’s not already on your system. Open OBS Studio and create a new source by clicking the “+” icon under the Source panel, then select “Display Capture” and rename it as desired.
Step 2: Set Up Display Capture
In the Properties window, set the Capture Method to “Automatic” or “Windows 10”, and choose your Primary Monitor for display. Uncheck Cursor if you don’t want it visible in the recording.
Step 3: Choose the Output Location
Go to Settings > Output and set the file path to a drive with ample free space for smooth recording.
Step 4: Start Recording
Click Start Recording in OBS Studio, play the Netflix video, and once done, return to OBS and hit Stop Recording to save the file.
2. Convert with HandBrake:
Step 1: Launch HandBrake
Double-click the HandBrake icon to open the application.
Step 2: Open Your Video
Click Open Source on the toolbar or drag and drop your video file into HandBrake’s main window.
Step 3: Choose a Preset
Select a preset based on your needs (e.g., Fast 1080p30 or PlayStation 1080p). Presets optimize the video for specific devices.
Step 4: Set Destination and Start Encoding
Choose where to save the new video using the Save As and Browse options, then click Start to begin encoding.
Limitations:
Screen Quality: The quality of the recorded video may not match the original Netflix content, as the recording is done via screen capture.
Manual Process: This method requires you to manually play the Netflix content, which means the recording duration will match the actual video length.
IV. Method Comparison
| Tool/Method | Download/Recording Speed | Video Quality | Ease of Use | Cost |
| StreamFox for Video | Excellent (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) 10x download speed | Full HD (1080p) resolution for crisp and clear visuals | Very easy to use (⭐⭐⭐⭐) – User-friendly interface designed for convenience and quick setup | $49.95 per month – Subscription-based plan with unlimited access |
| Audials Movie | Good (⭐⭐⭐) – Moderately fast download and recording speed | Ultra HD with High Dynamic Range (HDR) for superior quality | Moderate (⭐⭐) – Interface may be a bit complex for beginners but manageable | $39.90 1-year subscription. |
| OBS Studio + HandBrake | Fair (⭐⭐) – Slower recording and encoding process compared to others | Standard HD (720p) resolution | Difficult (⭐) – Requires technical knowledge and multiple steps for setup and video conversion | Free – Open-source tools with no cost involved |
V. FAQs
Q1: Is converting Netflix to MP4 legal?
Converting Netflix content to MP4 is legal as long as it’s for personal use only and you have an active subscription. The DMCA §1201 exemption permits users to make copies of content they’ve legally accessed for personal viewing. However, distributing or sharing the converted files would violate Netflix’s terms of service and copyright laws.
Q2: Why does my MP4 file have no sound?
There are a few reasons why an MP4 file might have no sound:
- Audio Settings: Ensure that you selected the correct audio settings when personalizing your video options in the converter tool. Check the audio quality or codec settings.
- DRM Issues: Sometimes DRM protection interferes with the audio stream, especially if not properly configured.
- Compatibility Issues: The media player you’re using may not support the audio format in the MP4 file. Try a different player like VLC or ensure that both audio and video codecs are supported.
Q3: Can I convert Netflix on iPhone?
Currently, most Netflix conversion tools, like StreamFox, are designed for Windows and macOS platforms. To convert Netflix content to MP4, you would need to download and convert the videos on a computer, and then transfer the MP4 files to your iPhone. Direct conversion on iPhones is typically limited due to DRM restrictions and app store policies.
VI. Pro Tips
- Batch Downloads: Take advantage of StreamFox’s queue function to download full seasons while you sleep.
- Quality Assurance: Use VLC Media Player to check the bitrate, aiming for at least 5 Mbps for high-quality 1080p videos.
- Responsible Usage: Remember to remove any files if your Netflix subscription ends, keeping your downloads ethical.
VII. Conclusion
For most users, StreamFox for Video provides the best combination of speed, ease of use, and high-quality downloads when converting Netflix to MP4. It’s user-friendly, offers multiple resolution options, and ensures lossless quality, making it the go-to choice for efficient video conversion. For advanced users who prioritize 4K or want more control over the recording process, Audials Movie is a powerful alternative. Meanwhile, those looking for a budget-friendly option can utilize the OBS Studio + HandBrake method, though it requires more technical expertise.
Final Reminder:
- Always update your tools to stay ahead of Netflix’s DRM protection updates.
- Avoid using shady “free DRM removers” to prevent malware and ensure legal compliance, protecting both yourself and the rights of content creators.