Netflix 'SD Card download location' issue on Samsung devices after Android 13 (One UI 5.0) update surfaces; potential workaround inside

Netflix is undoubtedly one of the most popular video-on-demand and streaming services. The platform has many useful features that help one use it easily and efficiently.

One such feature is the ability to download and watch content offline, which allows users to binge-watch their favorite web series or movies with ease.

However, some Samsung smartphone owners are unhappy as they are unable to save content from the platform onto their SD cards.

According to reports (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10), some Samsung device owners are unable to download and watch Netflix movies or shows to their SD Card.

The issue has popped up after the recent Samsung One UI 5.0 (Android 13.0) update. Furthermore, the bug primarily affects Samsung Galaxy Tab users, as smartphones nowadays come with large inbuilt memory and no storage expandability options.

Users allege that even if one tries to change the app’s download location to their SD card, it just reverts back to the internal storage without any warning. They also say that the application doesn’t even ask for storage permission on the card.

A Galaxy Tab A8 owner also complains that they have been facing this issue since last week. They had specially bought the Tablet along with an additional 128 GB card for media storage purposes, but due to the issue, they are unable to do so.

Tab S7 Netflix downloads on SD card not working. When selecting downloads to go to external SD card the app can see it, but tapping on it defaults back to Internal storage. Tried 2 SD cards, same issue.
Source

Recently encountered an issue with apps refusing to download to the sd card (netflix in particular, which instantly reverts to internal every time you change to sd card)
Source

Some have even tried to restart the app, tinkering with device settings, uninstalling and reinstalling the app, and formatting the SD card, but could not solve the problem.

It is also worth mentioning that a Samsung Care ambassador has claimed this to be a Netflix compatibility issue with the new Android 13 privacy scheme for file access.

So, in this regard, only Netflix can solve the issue by making some changes to their app’s code. The affected users can also send an error report to Netflix.

Fortunately, we did come across a potential workaround that will help you download content to your SD card. You can grant permission for the Netflix app on your device by making use of the ADB tool.

However, to do this, you must enable the developer options on your gadget.

That said, we’ll keep tabs on the issue where users are unable to save Netflix content to their SD cards and update this article as we come across any new information.

Note: You can check out our dedicated Samsung OneUI 5.0 bug tracker as well.

Featured and inline image source: Netflix

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