Netflix has always been my go-to streaming service. Whether I am in the mood for something comforting, mysterious, thrilling, or downright spooky, it is usually the first app I open without a second thought. I trust Netflix’s recommendations and do not mind paying a monthly subscription for an actual ‘ad-free’ experience that rarely disappoints.
That said, the default isn’t always perfect. I realized there was still room for improvement that could make my experience even better. With a few small tweaks that were neither complicated nor time-consuming, Netflix began to feel even better, smoother, and more enjoyable to use. These subtle changes definitely changed the way I watch, the quality I got, and how easily I discovered new content. Now, Netflix really feels like a streaming service that’s tuned to my taste.
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You decide the video quality
Taking control of how Netflix actually looks
You are paying for a streaming service, so it only makes sense to watch your content at the right video quality. There is little point in paying for a 4K plan if Netflix quietly streams your shows at a lower resolution. Unfortunately, Netflix tucks this setting deep inside the account menu, even though it should be the first thing most users see. I stumbled upon it by chance, and once you know where to look, it is a setting you should definitely not ignore.
To change this, open Netflix on the web. I did this on my MacBook, but these steps are the same on a PC or laptop. Log in and follow these steps:
- Click on your profile icon in the upper-right menu.
- Select Account from the drop-down menu.
- Scroll down and go to Edit Settings.
- Under Preferences, click Playback Settings.
- By default, data usage per screen is set to Auto.
- Change it to High.
Netflix offers four data usage options per screen: Auto, Low, Medium, and High. Auto-adjusts video and audio quality automatically based on your internet connection. Low limits playback to basic quality and uses about 0.3GB per hour. Medium delivers standard video and audio quality at roughly 0.7GB per hour. High unlocks the best experience, using up to 3GB per hour for HD content and as much as 7GB per hour for Ultra HD.
While the high setting delivers the sharpest visuals and best audio, it is worth being cautious about mobile data. Using this option on a phone can drain your data allowance surprisingly fast, so it makes the most sense on Wi-Fi or fixed broadband connections.
Once you’ve dialed in the right setting for your plan, the improvement in audio and video quality is hard to miss. To see the difference for myself, I lined up three shows right after finishing Stranger Things. You can try the same titles or simply pick something you’re already watching and let the upgrade speak for itself.
Keeping your data to yourself
Making Netflix a little less nosy
I care deeply about my privacy and keeping my data locked down, and I’m sure you do, too. That’s why it caught me off guard to learn that Netflix has a setting enabled by default that uses privacy-protected contact information from your account to show targeted marketing on third-party services. The idea that this is switched on automatically is unsettling. Why would anyone knowingly opt into that?
Thankfully, at least there’s a way out. Netflix does offer a toggle to withdraw consent, and it was the very first thing I turned off. If you want to do the same, head to Edit Settings, go to Preferences, open Privacy data and settings, and then switch off Allow matched identifier communications under Data privacy. This tweak really gives you a bit more control over your privacy.
Netflix’s best-kept codes for better picks
The backdoor to Netflix’s niche corners
Did you know Netflix has a separate code for almost every niche genre you can think of? I didn’t either until I went looking for satanic stories and realized there’s no clear genre tab for it on the app. That’s where a Netflix codes website quietly changed my viewing habits for the better.
Here’s how it works. Let’s say you’re in the mood for satanic stories but don’t want to waste time endlessly scrolling. Head to the codes website and look up satanic stories: it’s 6998. Then, type this into your browser: netflix.com/browse/genre/XXXX.
Replace XXXX with 6998, hit enter, and Netflix will open the exact genre page. From there, it’s pretty simple. Pick the movie or show that catches your eye and press play. You can use the website for any genre you’re interested in, especially the ones Netflix keeps well hidden.
Protect your Netflix profile with a PIN
When sharing a password needs limits, too
I don’t mind sharing my Netflix password with my favorite people, but nothing ruins my mood faster than someone picking up an episode or movie right where I left off. When I return, the timeline is all over the place, and my carefully planned watch progress is gone. Locking my profile with a PIN turned out to be the simplest way to keep everything exactly where I left it.
To set this up, open Netflix on the web, click on your Profile icon, and select Account. Scroll down and choose Edit Settings, then head to Profile Lock and click Create a Profile Lock. This lets you secure your profile with a 4-digit PIN, ensuring only those who know the code can access it. This is a simple yet effective win for your sanity.
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Netflix, now playing by your rules
These tweaks are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to shaping Netflix around how you like to watch. There are plenty more settings to explore, but even these small changes go a long way in making the experience feel more personal and far less frustrating. Once you’ve adjusted them, Netflix stops feeling like a one-size-fits-all service and starts behaving the way you expect it to.
I’d recommend making these changes first, then settling over the weekend with a few familiar shows. It’s a subtle shift, but one that makes Netflix feel noticeably more custom-built for you.
