Thanks to Netflix’s vast library, there’s always something I can watch. But it can also feel overwhelming to sift through so many options. Recently, though, I’ve found some strategies that have really helped transform my experience with the streaming platform.
These tips were written with Netflix’s mobile app in mind, but most work anywhere you use Netflix.
1 Rating Movies and Shows for Better Recommendations
Loved something you just watched? Make sure to give it a two-thumbs-up rating to let Netflix know. Alternatively, if you didn’t like something, give it a thumbs-down to avoid having similar content recommended to you in the future.
There’s also a single thumbs-up rating, which is worth using if you don’t necessarily love something, but won’t mind if similar content is suggested. I’ve found that rating shows and movies I’ve watched this way has greatly improved the relevancy of suggested titles on the platform.
2 Enabling Smart Downloads
Smart Downloads is one of the most useful Netflix features you may have missed. This feature auto-downloads TV shows and movies that you’re likely to enjoy. Any episodes you’ve downloaded and watched are also deleted automatically and replaced with new episodes from the same series.
This feature isn’t available on the ad-supported Netflix plan, but it’s one of those key features that make Netflix’s premium plan worth it for me.
3 Turning Off Autoplay to Watch at Your Pace
If you don’t move across the homepage quickly enough, Netflix auto-plays a trailer or preview of a new movie or show. Similarly, Netflix also auto-plays episodes when you reach the end of one. I find this incredibly annoying, but luckily, you can disable the setting if you don’t like this pressure and extra noise.
To do so, all you need to do is select your profile picture in the top-right corner of the screen and select Account. Next, select Edit Settings. On the following page, hit Playback Settings and uncheck the boxes beside Autoplay next episode in a series on all devices and Autoplay previews while browsing on all devices. As suggested, this will disable the feature even when you’re watching on a smart TV, game console, or similar.
4 Cleaning Up Watch History for Fresh Suggestions
Pretty much every streaming platform uses your viewing history to recommend new content. While this usually helps the app present a curated list of titles you’re most likely to enjoy, your recently watched history can also work against you. So, removing movies and TV shows you watched and didn’t enjoy from your watch history can help keep the offerings relevant for you.
To clean up your watch history, select your profile picture, choose Manage Profiles, and select your profile. Select Viewing Activity to access the content you’ve recently watched. Tap the Hide button (indicated by a circle with a line through it) to have the title removed from your watch history.
5 Using Secret Codes to Explore More Titles
The seemingly endless number of titles and constant recommendations on Netflix can keep you from discovering new content or genres that you’d like to start exploring. That’s where Netflix’s secret codes can come in handy.
These codes help you access genres that don’t usually show up on the homepage and view all the movies and shows within that specific genre. To access these collections using secret codes, open your browser and go to netflix.com/browse/genre/, followed by the code. For example, netflix.com/browse/genre/10702 brings up Spy Action & Adventure Movies.
In general, my experience with most streaming platforms is that they’ve gotten worse with time, even if the library of content seems to be growing. However, with these tips, I’ve come to enjoy Netflix much more. That said, if you’re still struggling with the platform, it might be time to choose another streaming service with a library that better aligns with your tastes.
