Whether you’re completely new to Netflix or an avid user, there are lesser-known but very useful Netflix features you can use to get the most out of your viewing experience.
1. Find Movies and TV Shows Starring Your Favorite Actors
Did you know that you can not only search for something to watch on Netflix by title or genre, but by actor too? It is as easy as typing an actor’s name into the search bar and waiting for the results.
But there’s another way to do it. If you’ve just finished watching The Lost City starring Sandra Bullock, for example, and you want to discover and watch more of her films, simply pressMore infoand search for her name underCast. It’s important to note that you can only tap on an actor’s name and search this way if you’re using Netflix on your mobile device or browser.
Once you’ve selected or searched for an actor’s name you’ll be able to view a full list of all the TV shows and movies that they’ve been in that are available on Netflix.
2. Use Secret Netflix Codes to Discover Hidden Gems
Netflix is full of excellent content, like new original movies, classic TV shows, critically acclaimed documentaries, and so much more. But if you’ve been confined to watching only what you find on your Netflix home page then you’ve been using the streaming service all wrong.
There are hundreds ofsecret codes to help you discover hidden Netflix content. Each code is linked to a specific genre ranging from slapstick comedies and teen dramas to supernatural soaps and LGBTQ TV shows.
The only downside of these secret codes is that you cannot use them on your smart TV or mobile device, you can only use them while watching Netflix on your browser. You just need to knowhow to enter Netflix’s secret codesto get access to these categories.
It is not always possible to have an active internet connection. Perhaps you’re traveling, or your Wi-Fi is not working. Whatever the case may be, there is good news—you can still watch your favorite Netflix movies and shows offline.
All you have to do is download what you want to watch for offline viewing. Select the series or movie, tap on it, and pressDownload. For TV shows with multiple series, you can choose if you want to download only one specific episode or an entire season.
Tap onApp Settingsto customize your download settings such as video quality, download location, and smart downloads. Keep in mind that you can only download content using a device that has the Netflix app installed.
4. Request a Specific Show or Movie That You’d Like to See on Netflix
While Netflix has an extensive selection of series and movies, what if what you want to watch is not available? Don’t worry, there is a way to let Netflix know about the specific content you want to see, and it is as simple as sending in a request.
To request a title, navigate to theHelppage on your mobile phone or browser and scroll down until you seeRequest a titleorRequest TV shows or movies.
From there you may type in three title suggestions and submit your request. Requesting a title is also a great example ofwhat to do if Netflix cancels your favorite show.
Be aware that just because you request something doesn’t mean it will be immediately added to the Netflix platform the next day. When or if it is ever added all depends on how high the demand is.
5. Clear Your Viewing History to Reset the Netflix Algorithm
Whether you don’t want your partner to know that you’ve been binge-watching Love Island or you want to reset your recommendations, clearing your Netflix viewing history is an option that you likely never knew you had. Moreover, it is incredibly easy to do.
Removing your entire viewing history or deleting one single title can work wonders if you’re sick of getting recommendations for series and movies that aren’t relevant to you anymore. This could be because your tastes have changed, and you don’t want a list of old shows filling up your feed.
Clearing out the clutter for a fresh reset is easy, head on over toAccount, select your profile, tap onViewing activity, and clear one title or your entire history.
6. Rate What You Watch to Improve Your Recommendations
Similar to your viewing history, Netflix uses your ratings to recommend certain series and movies that you might be interested in. Alternatively, it works for the type of content that you’re not interested in as well as what you want to avoid completely.
So if you want better suggestions, you need to let the Netflix algorithm know. That means you need to make a habit of hitting the thumbs-up or thumbs-down button on what you watch. In addition, there is even a double thumbs-up button which lets Netflix know that you really love what you’re watching.
The great part is that this rating system is available across all devices including your smart TV, browser, and mobile device.
7. Customize Your Subtitles to Suit Your Viewing Experience
Chances are that you’re well aware that Netflix offers subtitles available in a range of different languages. However, did you know that you can completely customize the subtitles on Netflix to suit your viewing experience?
This feature can be a little tricky to find, but here’s how to change the appearance of Netflix subtitles. Head on over toAccount, choose your profile, and scroll down until you findSubtitle Appearance. From this page, you may change the visual appearance of subtitles including the font, font color, text size, background color, and shadow.
Although customizing subtitles on Netflix might not be the most exciting feature, it is a handy option if you need to make subtitles easier to read based on your personal requirements.
8. Remove Titles From Your Continue Watching Section
If your Continue Watching section on Netflix is full of shows you no longer watch or movies you’ve abandoned halfway, here’s how to get rid of them on the Netflix app on your TV or web browser.
Scroll down to theContinue Watchinglist, choose the title you want to remove, and select theXsymbol to remove it from the Continue Watching row.
Alternatively, if you are using the Netflix app on your smartphone, scroll down on theHometab to findContinue Watchingor look underMy Netflix. From there, it is as easy as finding the title, tapping thethree vertical dots, and selectingRemove From Row.
9. Reset Watch Progress on a Series
Whether you want to rewatch a TV series from season one or restart an episode, it is fairly straightforward to reset your watch progress. Essentially, you can follow the same steps as clearing your Netflix viewing history. Open Netflix in your web browser, navigate toAccount, find your profile, and scroll down toViewing Activity.
On this page, you’ll be able to see each episode of every series you’ve watched. Tap on the symbol of a circle with a line through it, and you’re able to reset that specific episode or Netflix will give you the option to reset the entire series.
Fully Take Advantage of All the Features Netflix Has to Offer
The Netflix streaming service truly has it all, from hit TV shows and top Hollywood movies to fun games and even workout classes from Nike Training Club. Yet besides all the great content there are lesser-known features that Netflix offers that you’ve probably glanced over without even giving them a second thought.
Even if you’ve been using Netflix on a day-to-day basis for years, you might not have come across these hidden features. Furthermore, some of these features—like ratings and secret codes—can take your Netflix experience to the next level.
