Most people are familiar with Netflix. After all, it’s the company largely credited with kicking the streaming service trend into high gear. Even if you’re an avid or long-time Netflix user, there are probably some streaming settings you may not know existed. Worry not! We’re here to help you fine-tune your Netflix experience. Read on to get the scoop on these often-overlooked settings – and some related tricks and tips you’ll also appreciate.
Table of Contents
1. Refine Your Netflix Searching
Instead of relying on Google to give you an idea of what’s new or available on Netflix that interests you, use the Netflix app on any device. All you need to do is type “Netflix” into the search bar. You’ll get a listing of all current Netflix originals. However, you can go even further by typing any terms for any related content that appeals to you – e.g., “interactive” to get a listing of interactive shows. Type in “HDR” or “4K’ if you want shows or movies with a certain resolution or quality.
2. Use Netflix’s ‘Hidden Codes’
Netflix has codes associated with the streaming service’s main categories and sub-genres. These are 4-digit codes you can use to quickly find things like military action adventure content (2125) or comic book and superhero movies (10118). Go to netflix-codes.com for the full list.
3. Try the Keyboard Shortcuts
Do you regularly watch Netflix streaming content on your PC or laptop? If so, there are some keyboard shortcuts that can come in handy. These include:
– Up and down arrows: controls volume
– Left/right arrows: fast-forwards or rewinds by 10 seconds
– M: mutes the sound
– Space bar: pauses your show/movie
– F: give you full-screen view (use the escape key to go back to normal view)
4. Tinker with Data Usage Settings
If you have limits with your internet data usage from your internet provider plan or you use your data through your cell phone provider, it’s understandable to be concerned about going over since streaming content can easily eat up a lot of your data. This could leave you with overage fees and other frustrations. But there is a solution you may be aware of in your hidden Netflix streaming settings. There are two main ways to tinker with your data usage settings:
5. From Your Web Browser
- Go to your profile on your account page
- Click “Playback Settings”
- Adjust the setting to “Low” to minimize data usage
- Save your changes
6. From Your Netflix App
Open your Netflix app on your phone or other mobile device
- Tap “More” on the profile section
- Choose “Video Playback” in app settings
- Adjust the download setup to “Wi-Fi Only”
7. Try the Audio Description Function
This often-overlooked Netflix setting can be beneficial for visually impaired viewers. When this setting is activated, it provides voice-over narration describing what’s happening on the screen. It even provides descriptions of things like the setting, clothing, and facial expressions. Activate this setting on your PC or mobile device by tapping or clicking the screen as the video begins to stream. For game consoles and smart TVs, you’ll have to use the remote to activate the audio description function.
8. Adjust Subtitle Settings
Subtitle are great for movies or series when you want to carefully follow the action and plot. However, viewers of some content, like anime, prefer the original language. For times when you have this preference, adjust subtitles on your Netflix account page by:
- Selecting the applicable account profile
- Choosing “Subtitle Appearance”
- Adjusting the settings and saving your changes
9. Get Streaming Quality Details
There’s a quick and easy way to get bit rate stats to determine the quality of the content you’re streaming on Netflix. With bit rate, you want to look for a higher rate if you prefer a better viewing quality. With the video you’re streaming up and running, check the bit rate speed, buffering state, and frame rate by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Alt + D. You can also confirm speed and resolution if you’re streaming in HD.
However, you can’t adjust the settings with the video up, so you’re just getting some basic streaming quality info here. The same stats can be accessed on some smart TVs if your remote has an info button. Roku users can also access quality details.
Final thoughts
The Netflix app has several settings that millions of viewers have never used, or simply many subscribers don’t know that those settings exist. In addition, Netflix offers a variety of other options to get a peek behind the curtain and improve your watching experience. Using these suggestions, you may enhance your streaming performance with a simple flick of the wrist or the use of a remote.
We hope that our Netflix streaming tips and guidelines will be of use and that you will enjoy your streaming experience even more! It’s time for you to put our settings to the test, so go ahead! It’ll be exciting and unexpected!
Do you have any additional Netflix hacks to share? Please feel free to share via comment below! Remember, sharing is caring!
Also read: The Fictional Spotify Series is Just Around the Corner: Netflix Confirms the Arrival Date
