Netflix is one of the most popular streaming services globally, offering a vast array of movies, TV shows, documentaries, and more. While the platform is easy to navigate, there are a number of hidden features that can elevate your viewing experience. Here’s how to maximize your Netflix subscription and get the most out of your streaming.
1. Use Keyboard Shortcuts for Easier Navigation
Whether you’re watching on a computer or streaming device, knowing some simple keyboard shortcuts can make navigation quicker and more efficient.
Some Useful Keyboard Shortcuts:
- Spacebar or Enter: Play/Pause a show or movie.
- Arrow keys: Use the left and right arrow keys to rewind or fast-forward by 10 seconds. The up and down arrows control the volume.
- M: Mute and unmute sound.
- F: Toggle full-screen mode.
- Ctrl + Shift + Alt + S (Windows only): Show Netflix’s bitrate settings for troubleshooting or improving stream quality.
2. Explore Secret Netflix Codes for Hidden Categories
Netflix has a wide range of genres, but not all are easily accessible via the main menu. There are specific codes that you can enter to access hidden categories.
For example:
- Comedy (6548): A large collection of comedy genres like stand-up, slapstick, and dark comedy.
- Action & Adventure (1365): Includes movies, thrillers, and action-packed content.
- Documentaries (6839): A wide selection of documentaries covering different topics.
- Children & Family Movies (783): Family-friendly films categorized based on age and content.
To access these, go to the URL: www.netflix.com/browse/genre/[CODE], replacing [CODE] with the desired category number.
3. Create Multiple Profiles for Personalized Recommendations
Netflix allows users to create up to five profiles within one account. By creating different profiles for each person in your household, you ensure personalized recommendations tailored to your viewing history and preferences.
- How to Create a Profile:
- Go to the “Account” settings from the main menu.
- Select “Manage Profiles.”
- Click “Add Profile” and customize it with a name and avatar.
Each profile keeps track of watched shows, favorite genres, and recommendations separately, so you won’t be bombarded with suggestions that don’t interest you.
4. Download Content for Offline Viewing
If you’re planning a trip or will be without a reliable internet connection, Netflix offers the ability to download selected movies and TV shows for offline viewing.
- How to Download:
- Open the Netflix app on your mobile device.
- Find a show or movie that you’d like to download.
- Look for the Download icon (an arrow pointing down) and tap it.
- Once downloaded, you can access your content by navigating to the Downloads section.
Note that not all content is available for download, but there is a good selection to choose from.
5. Use Netflix’s “Skip Intro” Button
Netflix has a handy “Skip Intro” feature that lets you skip over the opening credits or intro sequence in TV shows, saving you time if you’re binge-watching multiple episodes. This feature is available for many series, making it easy to jump straight into the action.
6. Customize Subtitles and Audio Settings
If you’re watching content in a foreign language or want to customize subtitles and audio, Netflix allows you to adjust settings for a more personalized experience.
- How to Change Subtitles:
- While watching a show or movie, click on the audio and subtitles icon.
- Select your preferred language for subtitles or change the text size and style for readability.
- How to Change Audio: Netflix offers audio options in several languages for various movies and shows. You can select your desired language through the same menu as the subtitles.
7. Explore Netflix’s “Secret” Menu with Easter Eggs
Netflix has a variety of Easter eggs that users may not be aware of. For example, typing specific phrases into the search bar can trigger quirky or hidden content.
- Examples:
- “Try Something New”: Netflix will give you random recommendations based on your viewing habits.
- “Netflix Originals”: Quickly filter all original content produced by Netflix.
- “Christmas Movies”: A hidden treasure trove of Christmas-themed movies and shows.
8. Use the Netflix Party Feature (Now Teleparty)
If you want to watch Netflix with friends or family who are not in the same location, use the Teleparty (formerly Netflix Party) extension. This feature allows multiple users to watch the same show or movie in sync, even if they’re miles apart.
- How to Use Teleparty:
- Install the Teleparty Chrome extension.
- Open Netflix and play a movie or show.
- Click on the Teleparty icon, and you’ll receive a shareable link to invite others to join the party.
9. Set a Viewing Reminder
If you’re not able to watch a show or movie right away but don’t want to forget about it, you can set a reminder for future viewing. Netflix has a feature that alerts you when a show or movie you’ve shown interest in is available to stream or has a new episode.
- How to Set a Reminder:
- Click on the show or movie you want to be reminded about.
- If available, click on the Remind Me option, and Netflix will notify you when it’s time to watch.
10. Use the “My List” Feature
Add movies and TV shows that you want to watch later by using the “My List” feature. This allows you to save content in one place for easy access.
- How to Add to My List:
- Browse for the content you want to save.
- Hover over the movie or show thumbnail and click the “+” icon or “Add to My List.”
- Access all saved content from your profile under the “My List” section.
11. Turn Off Auto-Play Previews
If you find the auto-play previews annoying, you can easily turn them off. This feature prevents Netflix from automatically playing the preview of a show or movie as you scroll through the homepage.
- How to Turn Off Auto-Play:
- Go to Account Settings.
- Select Playback Settings.
- Uncheck the box next to “Auto-play previews while browsing on all devices”.
Conclusion
Maximizing your Netflix subscription goes beyond just selecting the right shows and movies to watch. By taking advantage of hidden features, shortcuts, and settings, you can enhance your experience, stay organized, and even share the fun with friends. From exploring secret categories to using Teleparty, these tips will help you get the most out of your Netflix subscription.
