18 Netflix Hacks you need to know

What is Netflix? 

Netflix is one of the biggest streaming services available today with millions of paid subscribers around the world. The American company was founded in 1997 but had its “boom” around ten years ago when paid streaming movies and TV shows became more and more popular. Today almost everyone knows about Netflix and it has become a lifestyle for many. 

How much is Netflix in the UK?

At the moment, there are three different Netflix plans available: 

Basic: £5.99

This plan allows users to watch Netflix on only one screen at a time, downloading on it on one device at a time and the content is available in Standard Definition (SD) only. This plan is made for a single person. 

Standard: £8.99

This plan allows users to watch Netflix on two screens at the same time, download it on two devices and the content is available in High Definition (HD). This plan is usually for two people. 

 Premium: £11.99

This plan allows users to watch Netflix on up to four screens at the same time, download it on up to four devices, and the content is available in HD and Ultra HD (4K). This plan is usually for families. 

Netflix is an affordable subscription that brings an extensive selection of movies and TV shows. At the moment, Netflix doesn't have any discounts for students or a free trial. Keep in mind that you can create a maximum of five profiles per account. 

How do I get Netflix? 

To get Netflix, you need to access its official website. You will need to create an account with your email address and password. After that, you can decide which plan is best for you and the payment method. With the payment confirmation, you are ready to start watching movies and TV shows. At the moment, there isn't a free trial for Netflix, but you can cancel at any time with zero commitments. 

• Have a look on our Netflix deals page to see if there are any free trials

What do you get with Netflix?

Netflix has almost four thousand movies and two thousand TV shows, so you will get lots of content to watch with your monthly subscription. Some of the content is original to Netflix, so you can only have access to it with a subscription.

What should I watch on Netflix? 

If you are not sure what to watch on Netflix, you can start with its original content. Some of the top TV shows are: 

• Stranger Things
• Ozark
• The Crown
• The Witcher
• The Umbrella Academy
• Narcos
• Orange is the New Black
• Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
• Master of None
• Sex Education
• Grace and Frank
• And much more.

Some of the top movies are: 

• The Platform
• The Irishman
• Roma
• The Ballad of Buster Scruggs
• The Other Side of the Wind
• Marriage Story
• Okja
• Annihilation
• Extraction
• And much more. 

What broadband speed do I need for Netflix?

The higher the video quality, the more data you will need. For Netflix, you will need a minimum of 3 Mbps for SD streaming, a minimum of 5 Mbps for HD streaming and a minimum of 25 Mbps for Ultra HD (4k) streaming. Most internet plans available at the moment in the UK can guarantee a minimum of 25 Mbps speed.

How do I cancel my Netflix subscription? 

You can cancel Netflix anytime by accessing your account and simply cancelling your subscription. It will be available until the date of the next payment, so you can cancel anytime and still use it during the time frame you have already paid for it.

How do I watch Netflix?

You can watch Netflix on your computer by accessing the official website. You can also download the app on your phone, tablet or smart TV. If you don’t have a smart TV, you can watch Netflix on your television set by connecting it using a HDMI cable to your computer, phone or tablet. You can also buy a device that can turn your television set into a smart TV.  Lastly, you can use a gaming console such as a PlayStation or Xbox. 

18 Netflix Hacks you need in your life 

1. Get a VPN to access Netflix from anywhere

Every country that Netflix is available in has its own catalogue of movies and TV shows. When you get a VPN, you can access Netflix from different countries and get even more use of your subscription. For example, the US content available is much larger than the UK one. 

• See all the most recent VPN deals here.

2. Use Netflix Roulette to decide what you should watch next 

One of the most common problems when you have a Netflix subscription is deciding what to watch next. Sometimes you are binge-watching a new season of your favourite TV show. Other times you are watching a new movie after waiting for the release date for months. But most of the time you are scrolling through Netflix without a clue of what to watch next. Well, Netflix Roulette is here to help you decide. You just need to select what genre, if it’s a movie or a TV show and what IMDb rating you want to watch and spin it for some options to what to watch.

• Ask for Netflix recommendations from other members of Latest Deals in Chat 

3. Use some keyboard shortcuts 

If you watch Netflix on your computer, knowing some shortcuts can be handy. We have listed the options you have when watching Netflix on your computer: 

• Pressing F, you will get a full screen. 
• Pressing Esc, you will leave the full screen. 
• Pressing PgDn pauses. 
• Pressing PgUp plays. 
• You can also use the spacebar to pause and play. 
• Pressing Shift + Right Arrow will fast-forward. 
• Pressing Shift + Left Arrow will rewind. 
• Pressing M mutes. 

4. If you are paying for HD or Ultra HD (4k), make sure you are using them 

You need to access the HD Toggle page on Netflix to choose the video quality. The higher the quality, the more data it will use. You have four options:

• Auto: default video quality and data usage 
• Low: basic video quality and up to 0.3GB per hour 
• Medium: standard video quality and up to 0.7GB per hour
• High: best video quality and up to 3GB per hour for HD and 7GB per hour for Ultra HD (4k). 

If you are paying for HD and Ultra HD (4k), make sure you select the right option to make use of them. Also, if you want to save data on your mobile plan, make sure you have the auto selected. 

5. Use Netflix Party to watch the same thing with other people simultaneously

Using Netflix Party, you can watch the same thing with many other people simultaneously no matter where they are in the world. You need to access their official website and download the Chrome extension. Then you will be able “to create a party”. Everyone else also needs to have the Chrome extension installed. Unfortunately, this feature is only available when you are all watching on your computers. 

6. If you have kids, you can set-up parental control 

Netflix also allows you to set-up parental controls. This will restrict what children can or cannot access with a four-digit pin code. If you go to Netflix's help section, you will find everything you need to personalise your kids' access. 

7. Use the download option when you are on the go

If you are not already using the download option, now is the time to start downloading your movies or TV shows. Watch them offline whenever and wherever you want. This option is available for all plans, so you have no reason not to! It's easier than you think and when you get into the habit of downloading, your commutes will be much more pleasant even if you have a long flight ahead of you. 

8. Request what you want to watch on Netflix 

You can request what you want to watch on Netflix and it might get added. Some of Netflix’s content is seasonal and can be taken off on short notice. Netflix is always looking for new content to add, so your requests are very welcome. To request access to this page. 

9. Keep your viewing history “clean”

If you love to clean, you will be happy to know that you can also clean your Netflix's viewing history. Accessing this section will allow you to see what you have been watching and remove any undesired content. This is also going to affect the algorithm and your future Netflix recommendations. 

10. Add IMDb ratings to your Netflix (and Rotten Tomatoes)

If you are using Amazon Prime, you have already seen the IMDb content available on the platform. This can be very helpful if you use IMDb ratings to select what to watch and to get more information about the content you are about to stream. Unfortunately, you can only have this on your computer via Chrome Extension. 

EXTRA: if you also like to read Rotten Tomatoes reviews and recommendations, get this other Chrome Extension that adds both. 

11. Use the Netflix Bible to find out what you are looking for

This Netflix Bible contains all the codes you need to access specific categories. To use it, you will need to add the code in this link https://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/INSERTCODE. At the moment, Netflix has more than 3,500 categories.

12. Change your subtitle settings 

If you are someone that watches movies and TV shows with subtitles, you may want to change the settings according to your preferences. You can test what works best for you and get a perfect fit for your eyes! Access here to change your subtitle settings. 

13. You can be part of Netflix’s testing team 

Netflix is always working to improve your experience, and you can be part of this improvement by signing up for Test Participation. You just need to access your settings and turn this feature on. You will then be included in the tests and previews.

14. Get alerts for when shows join and leave Netflix

With so much information available, it’s hard to keep track of everything. If you are paying for Netflix and want to make the most of it, keep posted with what is coming and what is leaving the platform. Many websites post monthly listings with all the titles that are going to be taken off and added on. Find your favourite website, bookmark it and make sure you check it at least once a month to organise what you need to watch that month. What’s on Netflix is a good option.

15. Turn your favourite TV shows and movies into audiobooks

A pretty cool feature that is not spoken about so frequently is the audio description. Some titles on Netflix are available with audio descriptions. Instead of watching them, you can just listen to them without missing any details. This is handy for someone that is multitasking and still wants to be entertained with their favourite movie or TV show. Check out Netflix for what is available with audio descriptions and enjoy it. 

16. Get into the habit of looking out for the “Trailers & More” section 

Some of the Netflix Original Content comes with trailers and more. Depending on the production, Netflix releases lots of interesting extra content. You can get even more access to your favourite production. Keep your eyes open for the little hidden tab called “Trailers & More” and enjoy the movie or TV show for longer when it's finished. 

17. Watch some TV shows and movies for free 

Netflix has a very small selection of free content, where you can watch some TV shows and movies for free. At the moment, for example, you can watch all three seasons of Stranger Things for free. It could be worth it if you want to take a break from paying for a month or are not sure if you want to start paying for it at all. 

18. Use multiple profiles even if you are the only one accessing your account 

Multiple profiles were created for those who share accounts and don't want to get the Netflix recommendation algorithm confused. There isn't anything more annoying than seeing TV shows and movies recommendations that have nothing to do with you and your watchlist. Netflix knows this and allows you to have separate profiles for different people and tastes. However, you can also create multiple profiles if you want to optimise your experience and get recommendations for your different tastes. Make the most of it!

How to save money on your Netflix Account

Share your account with family and friends

It’s possible to share a Netflix account with family and friends even if you don’t live in the same household. You could potentially be saving 50% off your monthly subscription if you share with someone else and more than 70% off if you share with two other people. You all can use the same account login with different profiles. The only issue is to decide who is giving the bank details. Make sure you share with people you can rely on to avoid any problems! 

Look for deals that give Netflix for free 

If you are looking to get a new phone, internet or TV package, look for options that give you some free extras. Netflix is often included for free in some deals. Watch out for them! 

Netflix gift cards can be cheaper than monthly payments 

If you are looking to save money, getting Netflix gift cards can be cheaper than paying monthly for your subscription. Look for the options available and find the one that suits you best. 

You don't need a TV Licence to use Netflix

You only need a TV Licence in the UK if you are watching Live TV or if you are using BBC iPlayer. If you are only using Netflix, you don't need to pay for a TV Licence. Understand more about TV Licences here. 

FAQ 

Summary 

Use all these 18 hacks to make the most of your monthly Netflix subscription. Just applying some quick changes, you will be able to maximize the use of Netflix. Netflix has great content and can be an amazing addition to your life. Your entertainment is guaranteed!