Netflix is one of the most popular streaming platforms in the world and, although it may seem like we’ve already seen it all, it hides features and settings that can transform our experience. From changing playback speed to accessing hidden shows and movies, there are small tricks that allow us to enjoy more content with greater comfort. Here are 9 of the most notable.
1. Expand the catalog with a VPN
Netflix’s catalog varies from country to country due to licensing and distribution agreements. This means that a show available in the United States may not be available in Spain, and vice versa. With a VPN (virtual private network), we can simulate that we are connected from another country, thus unlocking its catalog.
It’s important to choose a quality VPN service, with good speed and servers optimized for streaming. Some of the most reliable for Netflix are NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark. The process is simple: we install the VPN on our computer, iPhone, or TV, connect to a server in the country whose catalog we want to see, and then open Netflix with our usual account. The system will detect the new location and load the content available there.
2. Goodbye to autoplay
By default, Netflix automatically plays both the next episode of a series and previews of any title when we browse the menu. If we want to avoid it, we can.
In the web version of Netflix, to disable these features we must go to Account > Playback settings. There, we will see two boxes: one for automatically playing the next episode and another for playing previews while browsing. We uncheck the ones we’re not interested in and save the changes. This setting applies individually to each profile, so it’s worth repeating the process for all the users we want.
3. Add IMDb ratings and trailers
Netflix doesn’t display ratings from external sites and, although it includes many trailers, it’s not always possible. With browser extensions such as Enhancer by Simkl or IMDb Ratings for Netflix, it’s possible to add this information directly onto the platform’s interface.
With Enhancer, for example, we will see each title’s IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, and Metacritic score. It also adds buttons to watch the official trailer, cast information, and advanced filtering options to find exactly what we want to watch.
4. Discover hidden subgenres
Netflix classifies its titles into hundreds of very specific subgenres, but only shows a few in its menu. Through so-called secret codes, we can access categories like “Psychological Thrillers,” “Sports Dramas,” or “Romantic Period Pieces.”
The formula is simple: in a browser, we enter the URL netflix.com/browse/genre/X, replacing X with the numeric code of the subgenre. There is a full list of these codes on Netflix-Codes.
5. Control data usage
If we use Netflix from a mobile data plan or with a limited connection, controlling playback quality is essential. From Playback settings we can choose between:
- Low: 0.3 GB per hour (reduced quality)
- Medium: 0.7 GB per hour (standard quality)
- High: up to 3 GB per hour in HD and 7 GB in Ultra HD
- Auto: adjusts quality according to our connection speed
These settings apply by profile and device, so it’s possible to have one profile set to watch content in maximum quality at home and another in data-saving mode for the iPhone.
6. Adjust playback speed
Netflix allows content to be played slower or faster. This is useful if we want to review a complicated scene, are studying a language with a movie or series, or simply want to speed up long episodes.
During playback, we click on the speedometer icon (in the app or browser) and choose between 0.5x, 0.75x, 1.25x, or 1.5x. The slowest option slows down dialogue and movement, while the fastest shortens time without distorting voices too much.
7. Random “Play”
Although Netflix once had an official shuffle feature, it’s no longer available. For those looking for something similar, a good alternative is Netflix Roulette by Reelgood, which randomly selects a movie or series from the catalog.
We can apply filters to make the result more accurate: genre, year, minimum IMDb score, maximum duration, etc.
8. Customize subtitles
Netflix subtitles can be adapted to our visual preferences. From Account > Subtitle appearance, we can change size, font, color, and background.
On a computer, we can also add extra subtitles through tools such as SubFlicks, which allows us to upload .srt files to watch content in languages or translations not officially available.
9. Clean up the “Continue Watching” list
The “Continue Watching” section includes everything we’ve started watching, even if we’re no longer interested. Keeping it tidy and “clean” avoids confusion and makes it easier to find what we actually want to continue watching.
To edit it from an iPhone or iPad, we open the title’s menu and select Remove from row. On a computer, we hover over the thumbnail, open the menu, and click on the corresponding option. This change will be reflected on all devices linked to our account.
With these small tricks, Netflix (which no longer accepts payments through the App Store: here’s how to fix it) becomes a much more versatile and personalized platform. It’s not just about watching more content, but doing so more comfortably, adapted to our tastes and needs.
On Hanaringo | 7 free games to enjoy this summer for adults and kids