December 23, 2024

7 secret Netflix tips to stream movies and TV shows

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Netflix

While Netflix has introduced a whole new dimension through which we experience entertainment, offering countless movies and TV shows, there are a few easy but powerful tips that will intensify your Netflix binge-watching. 

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While Netflix has introduced a whole new dimension through which we experience entertainment, offering countless movies and TV shows, there are a few easy but powerful tips that will intensify your Netflix binge-watching. 

Beyond just providing hours of entertainment, Netflix includes a myriad of tools that are unknown to most users. Whether you’re seeking to erase those recommendations from thirsty-but-boring choices or simply searching for discoveries in the top collections Netflix offers, here are some tips and tricks to become a Netflix master. 

Enable Netflix’s Smart Downloads for Offline Watching

We’ve all had those moments – whether you’re stuck on a subway with no signal, caught in a jam, or fixtures on a flight with limited connectivity. In these situations, Netflix enables Smart Downloads for its users.

With Smart Downloads, Netflix uses a percentage of storage on the device to automatically download movies and shows according to your watch habits. The next time you are offline, a queue will be there for you. You will need to enable it in the Downloads section of your mobile app. And if you would like to keep it under manual control, you can download manually. 

Refine Your Recommendations by Watch History

Netflix recommendation technology is fantastic, curating films and shows you might love based on what you watched before. However, if you share your account among your family and friends, sometimes your recommendations won’t match your preferences. 

To fix this, you can remove items from your Netflix watch history. Visit the My Viewing Activity page on a browser and look for the “Hide from Viewing Activity” button next to any show or movie (it looks like a crossed-out circle, similar to the Ghostbusters logo). This adjustment will help Netflix make better suggestions aligned with your preferences.

Netflix Category Codes for Targeted Searches

Netflix is known for its specific categories—like “Horror movies with a strong female lead” or “Satanic stories.” Netflix may suggest these genres based on what it thinks you would appreciate, but the added twist is that you can also unlock unique features that categorise movies into obtainable groups when you know the simple trick.

Each of these categories has its identifier in the form of a numeric code. To enter any specific category, type in the URL https://netflix.com/browse/genre/xxxxxxx, X denoting the relevant code. For a list of codes, it is suggested, simply visit https://www.netflix-codes.com/. Or if you’re feeling especially daring, just make up a number and see what category comes into play. 

Netflix Keyboard Shortcuts

If you frequently watch Netflix on your computer, you can streamline your experience by using various playback control shortcuts. Here are some essential ones:

– Right or Left Arrow Key: Quickly tap to jump forward or backward 10 seconds—ideal for when you miss a line or need a quick replay.

– Hold Right or Left Arrow Key: Hold down these keys for continuous 10-second jumps.

– Spacebar or Enter: Use these to toggle between play and pause effortlessly.

– Up and Down Arrow Key: Control volume by pressing these keys, raising or lowering the sound as needed.

– F Key: Switch between Fullscreen and windowed viewing modes.

– M Key: Instantly mute or unmute with a single press.

– S Key: Skip TV show intros by pressing this handy shortcut.

These shortcuts allow you to take control of your streaming experience, making it easier and more enjoyable.

Managing Privacy: Removing or Hiding Content

Most Netflix users have privacy issues involving account access, especially people who allow others access to their accounts. In particular, Netflix provides its users with simple settings for erasing specific titles from their viewing history to keep some of their viewing habits discreet.

Simply go to the left pane of the Netflix home screen, select “Your Account”, followed by “Viewing Activity”. A list of everything you have watched recently poses the danger of unwanted viewers gaining access to the information. All you have to do is hover over the thumbnail of the movie or show you would wish to hide and click the “X” icon that appears. This will keep your watchlist personal, secure from anyone with access to your account, so no one would know whom you like or what you love to watch. 

Data Usage Control on Mobile Devices

If you enjoy streaming Netflix on mobile devices, you should definitely pay attention to data usage, especially when you subscribe to capped data plans. But the good news is this: One can set Netflix to offer decent data management for cellular streaming from here on out. 

There are options available, depending on whether you want restricted or unrestricted cellular data use: Wi-Fi Only, Low, Medium, High, Unlimited. Modify these settings to enable yourself the ability to enjoy seamless streaming with no increase in charges or danger of surpassing your prescribed monthly data cap and hence fearlessly enjoy streaming movies. 

Sports and Specific Events 

There are many events like NBA matches, FIFA matches, Music concerts and other events that are not available on Netflix but on other streaming platforms. Now, people who love watching those events can subscribe to a platform that offers them. 

Amazon Firestick users who watch specific events that are held only once in a while can choose the pay per view service. Pay per view is a service that enables you to watch specific events for a subscription fee that makes it affordable than quarterly or yearly plans. PPV is usually available at a cost, but there are ways to watch your favourite events for free. So, users can check these tips before enabling PPV events on Firestick. Using these tips, you can watch those events for free without paying for a subscription. 

Use these tools and tricks to get absolutely the most out of Netflix and adjust it to suit your viewers’ needs. No matter whether you’re into gripping thrillers, breezy comedies, or something in between, these tips will put you an arm up on Netflix power users.

Summing Up

Implement these five tips and tricks to enhance your Netflix experience as you have never imagined possible. These personalised recommendation systems provide content that fits your interests; smart search tools render it exceedingly easy to know where a content is. It allows private control of your history on the viewing and lets you adjust the mobile data rates to avoid nasty surprises. The keyboard shortcuts let you easily navigate the Netflix site and switch the playback attributes, making every viewing session as seamless as possible. 

author avatar
Bernard - Side-Line Staff Chief editor
Bernard Van Isacker is the Chief Editor of Side-Line Magazine. With a career spanning more than two decades, Van Isacker has established himself as a respected figure in the darkwave scene.

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