How to Use the Netflix DVD Rental Program

Netflix has two separate services: an online streaming platform that you access through www.netflix.com and other apps, but also a DVD rental program via dvd.netflix.com where they send you DVDs through the mail.

Netflix's DVD program includes some TV shows and movies that aren’t available through their streaming service. You can watch both DVDs and Blu-rays, you pay just once a month, and there are two plans to pick from depending on how many discs you want to be able to borrow at once.

The DVDs and Blu-rays from Netflix arrive at your door in 1–3 business days and are just as easy to return through the mail.

There are two DVD Netflix plans. Both offer unlimited discs per month, no late fees, free shipping and returns, no long-term commitment (just month-by-month), and a free one-month trial.

The only difference between these plans is the number of discs you can have at once:

• Standard: $7.99 /month; one disc at a time
• Premier: $11.99 /month; two discs at a time

There’s also an add-on you can get if you want the ability to rent Blu-ray discs. Some Blu-rays from Netflix include extras like the director’s commentary and never-before seen footage.

If you choose Blu-ray, all the features listed above stay the same, but the price goes up to $9.99 for Standard and $14.99 for Premier.

If you’re already subscribed to Netflix’s streaming service, follow these steps, otherwise skip down to the next set of instructions:

If you don’t currently have a Netflix account, follow these steps instead:

Netflix automatically sends DVDs to you based on what you've added to your personal queue. The order in which you receive them is based on the way they're arranged within the queue.

Once you've returned the DVD, the next title on the list is sent, and so on.

Here's how to add movies to your DVD Netflix queue and then adjust which ones you'll get first:

Mobile users can manage the DVD Netflix queue as well. Tap the plus sign to add a movie to TV show to the queue, and use the disc icon at the top right to edit the order or remove DVDs.

You have to return DVDs to Netflix in order to get the next one from your queue.

Returning your rented DVDs to Netflix is easy. Just put the disc into the sleeve and envelope that came with it when you received it, and then put it in your mailbox or drop it off at a local post office.

You can leave the DVD Netflix program at any time to stop getting DVDs from Netflix.

When you cancel your Netflix DVD service, your queue will remain for 10 months in case you decide to reopen your account. All DVDs must be returned by the end of your billing cycle to avoid additional charges.