5 Hidden Netflix Features to Improve Your Viewing Experience
Take control of your streaming habits with these simple, effective settings.
Netflix is the world's most popular streaming service, yet its interface offers far more functionality than it first appears. While many users stick to the basics, the platform includes several "secret" settings that can completely transform your viewing experience.
Managing Your Viewing History
If you are curious about what has been watched on your profile over the years, you can access a detailed history. Simply visit the "Manage Profiles" section and select "Viewing Activity." Here, you can review your list of watched titles, download the data as a file, or delete specific entries if you prefer they do not remain in your history.
Hidden Genre Codes
Standard Netflix categories do not always match our specific tastes. However, the platform uses special numeric codes that provide access to niche genres. By adding a specific code to the end of the URL netflix.com/browse/genre/ in your browser—such as 8985 for martial arts films—the system will take you directly to that category.
Clearing the "Continue Watching" List
We have all started a film only to turn it off after 15 minutes, leaving it stuck in the "Continue Watching" list indefinitely. Clearing this list is simple: on mobile, tap the three dots under the title; on a television, use your remote; and on a computer, simply click the "X." This helps you declutter your interface from unfinished content.
Disabling Autoplay Previews
Many users find it frustrating when trailers automatically start playing with sound while browsing. You can easily disable this in your "Account" settings under "Playback Settings" by unchecking "Autoplay previews." This simple tweak will make your browsing experience much quieter.
Customising Subtitles
If you prefer watching films at a low volume with subtitles, you can fully customise their appearance. In "Manage Profiles," under the "Subtitle Appearance" section, you can edit the font size, shadows, and background. Additionally, if you want to avoid descriptive audio tags like [CC], you can select the standard English version, which displays dialogue only. These small adjustments will help you tailor your Netflix account to your exact needs.