These Netflix Tricks Changed How I Watch TV and Movies

Though you may have figured out how to disable autoplay on Netflix, there’s no need to stop tinkering with the platform. As one of the top streaming services, Netflix is always bringing in hit TV shows, movies and originals like Stranger Things and Ozark. And you can make your streaming experience even better by fine-tuning your subtitles, audio, video quality and more.

Whether you’re a Netflix power user or a streaming service newbie, you probably don’t know all its secrets. There’s a way to clear your “Continue Watching” row and have fun with mobile gaming, but you can use some more obscure features, too. You may find creating a watchlist straightforward, as well as scrolling through the Top 10 or personal recommendation sections. But Netflix has other ways to peek behind the curtain and enhance your viewing experience. With a flick of the wrist — or a remote — you can up your streaming game using these tips.

Love Netflix Originals? Search for them directly

Tired of googling “Netflix show with monsters”? Take your browsing skills to new heights by digging for Netflix originals with one search term: “Netflix.” Open the Netflix app and pop the brand’s name in the search bar and it will bring up every original Netflix movie and series ever released.

Take it a step further to locate Netflix’s interactive specials. Go beyond Black Mirror: Bandersnatch and pull up all the platform’s programming where you can decide what happens in the next scene. Type “interactive” in the search box and this set of Netflix originals will appear, including the titles for kids. 

You can use this same method to find content that runs in 4K or HDR. Type in either term and Netflix’s search results will return titles that display in that format. Keep in mind that there is a limited amount of Netflix content that displays in 4K or HDR.

Use hidden codes to access content

By now, you may have heard talk of hidden codes for subcategories in Netflix, much like Starbucks’ secret menu. These exist. Narrow down your hunt for titles in a specific genre by using four-digit codes when viewing in a web browser.

With so much to sort through, this trick can help you easily find anime, action and adventure, sports movies, musicals and more with the right code. Check CNET’s instructions on where to find the type of movies you’re looking for.

Control your video on a keyboard

Do you tend to watch Netflix on a computer? If you do, you may rely on a mouse to pause, rewind or control the volume. But there are keyboard shortcuts for that. Toggle the volume with the up and down arrow keys and hit the left and right arrows to fast-forward or rewind by 10 seconds. Hit M to mute the sound.

To pause your stream, use the spacebar; hit it again to unfreeze your video. Rather than click the full-screen icon to widen your view, simply tap F on your keyboard. To exit full screen, use the Escape key. Boom.

Adjust your data usage

I know plenty of people who love to watch Netflix on their mobile phones or tablets. For those with limited data, that can eat up a big chunk, depending on the video quality. However, you can tinker with the data usage to lower the amount for your device.

Open the Netflix app on your phone and tap the More icon or your profile. Click on App Settings and navigate to Video Playback to select Cellular Data Usage. Per Netflix’s help section, change your download setup to Wi-Fi Only to avoid draining your mobile plan’s data. Note that this will only pop up if your device operates with cellular data.

You can also change your Netflix data usage settings from your web browser for all your screens, including mobile. Open your profile on your account page and click Playback Settings. There are four options: Auto (the default), Low (up to 0.3GB per hour), Medium (up to 0.7GB per hour) and High — the best for HD — which uses 3GB an hour for HD streams and 7GB for Ultra HD streaming. The lower the quality, the less data is consumed. Remember to save your settings.

Want to avoid these steps? Your other option is to download episodes or movies to watch offline.

Use Audio Description for narration

A lesser-known feature on Netflix is the Audio Description function, which can be beneficial for visually impaired viewers. When you activate it, a voice-over gives a description of what’s happening onscreen during a show or movie. A voice describes the facial expressions, clothing, scenery, physical movements and other elements as they happen.

Netflix says most of its originals have Audio Description available, and it works for some other titles on the platform too. To turn it on, begin playing a video on your device. Mobile device or computer users can tap their screens, while smart TVs, Apple TV or gaming consoles will need to use the remote control.

Select the Dialog icon box to see which languages Audio Description is available for and choose your option.

Change the look of your subtitles

Enjoying the latest foreign title streaming on Netflix? Dubs are cool, but some viewers prefer to watch certain content like K-dramas and anime in their original language with subtitles. You can adjust the subtitle settings for font type, size, text shadowing or background.

You’ll need to open Netflix in a web browser and select a profile from the account page. Click on Subtitle Appearance to change the settings and then click Save. This can be done for each profile on your Netflix account. You may have to reload the app on your TV for the changes to take effect. If you don’t like the new setup, simply choose “Reset to default” to restore the previous subtitle settings.

Lock down your profile

Do you share your Netflix account with someone who occasionally watches stuff on your profile? Maybe your tween likes to sneak-watch Riverdale or another show that’s meant for mature audiences. If you want to prevent others on your account from messing up your recommendation flow, pop a pin on your profile. Head to your account page from a web browser and scroll to the Profile & Parental Controls settings. Click change on Profile Lock, and enter your account password when prompted. Check the box where it says, “Require a PIN to access XYZ’s profile.” Enter a four-digit PIN.

You’ll have to type it in each time you open the app and click on your profile, but you’ll be the only one privy to this information.

Check your bit rate stats

Wondering what the streaming quality is for your favorite show? Check the bit rate with Netflix’s “Stats for nerds” menu. A higher bit rate equals higher video quality. With your video open, press Ctrl + Shift + Alt + D on your laptop keyboard to check out your bit rate speed, buffering state and frame rate. On this screen, HD viewers can confirm speed and resolution. 

Some smart TV models are capable of pulling up these stats too, but you’ll need a remote control with an Info button. Click it as your Netflix video plays to check the nerd stats. For Roku users, choose a show or film and before pressing play, hit the asterisk * button twice to see the numbers. Click it twice again to disable the view.

You’ll want to pause your video so you can capture the code information without missing any scenes from your favorite show. The other catch? You can’t edit any of those stats if you’re in the mood for a debugging session.

Bit rate information isn’t only interesting for the technically minded, it can help when you’re facing streaming issues or buffering. For example, it can guide you where to move your router or streaming device to improve your Wi-Fi signal.

Really love a show? Give it two thumbs up

This April, Netflix launched a new feature: Two Thumbs Up. As part of its recommendation system, this signifies your passion for a title and helps Netflix hone in on what you really like to watch. Though the standard thumbs-up and thumbs-down icons allow you to give a basic rating to a show or film, clicking two thumbs prompts feedback that reads, “We know you’re a true fan!”

You can use this option while watching Netflix on your TV, web browser or mobile device. The streamer notes that if you tap Two Thumbs Up to express your love for a specific TV series or movie, the system will drill down and recommend more titles related to the cast members, production teams, character types or niche genres affiliated with your pick. 

Set up notifications for shows and movies

While Netflix may already email you about what’s coming soon or newly added movies that “you might like,” you can take matters into your own hands by activating alerts within the app. Set up reminders for titles that are arriving in the near future. For example, The Sandman debuts on Aug. 5. Rather than rely on memory or Google for the information, you can navigate to the show’s title page and click Remind Me to receive a notification from Netflix when it drops. It will also be automatically added to My List once it’s available to stream.

You can also enable push notifications on your phone or tablet for the app. Netflix will alert you with recommendations and new TV show or movie releases.