Marcella on Netflix
Lockdown continues. More of us are staying inside, especially with the British weather stopping us from going out. So the good folks in the UK are turning to the best friend they made during the first lockdown: Netflix. Sound familiar? But by now, you must have finished all your favourite box sets or perhaps you’re struggling to get the most out of your Netflix viewing experience. Don’t worry. We’re here to help with some of the top tips to get the most from the popular streaming service.
#Tip 1
Pick your plan
It might seem like so long ago when you first set up your Netflix account, but that doesn’t mean you can’t revisit your options. Or if you’re new to Netflix (where have you been?), you can make sure you pick the best plan. Why? Well, it all comes down to the quality you want and the number of users you plan on sharing it with. Because let’s face it, everyone shares it. But do you want high-definition content or are you happy with the standard? Do you want to watch the latest Netflix shows on multiple devices, such as your SmartTV or iPad? Once you know what you want, you can upgrade or downgrade as you see fit.
#Tip 2
Control your Continue Watching list
This is the list that you see every time you fire up Netflix. And it’s a good thing, Netflix knows when you stop watching a show partway and automatically saves it into the list. Great if you want to pick up where you left off during a binge-watch session. However, it does have a downside. If you’re just trying out a new show (and decide it’s not for you), it’ll be saved to your list. Let’s face it, as well as great shows on Netflix there are a lot of bad ones too. Part of the fun is to try them all out, but you don’t’ want them clogging up your Continue Watching list. The good news is that you can delete them from the list, you just have to log in from your computer and remove them from your viewing activity.
#Tip 3
Take it with you on the go
The Crown on Netflix
Sometimes we just rely on our mobile data a bit too much. You might think that you can kill the boredom of a commute by watching The Crown on Netflix on your phone. You can. But it’ll eat into your data, and any disruption to your connection will cut it out. Instead, why not download your shows onto your device and then you’ll have no such issue. Next time you open up Netflix on your phone, simply head to your downloads and enjoy.
#Tip 4
Watch content from abroad
With a VPN installed, you can get around Netflix’s geo-restrictions and start watching shows from other countries. Usually locked to you, you can enjoy it all and watch Netflix with an Android VPN, which lets you select different countries and all the awesome content Netflix offers, such as the massive library available on the US version. Similarly, if you’re abroad and want to watch the UK Netflix, you can do it with the VPN linking back to the UK. Get in.
#Tip 5
Mix it up with codes
There’s so much to watch on Netflix; you’ve probably gone through all the great films and TV shows and documentaries. But what about the obscure ones? Because there are loads. Using codes, you can search for different genres that you might not normally see. Again, you have to use your computer to do this, but it’s worth it. For example, in your browser, you’d enter the URL, Netflix.com/browse/genre/1252. The last digits will then take you to an exhaustive list of everything that falls under that category. If you’re wondering, it’s ‘campy movies’. If you’re looking for wine-based content to go with the increase of lockdown-induced drinking, it’s 1458. Have a look online; you’ll find a load more.
#Tip 6
Don’t let autoplay continue
It’s a good function when you’re watching a box set like Breaking Bad. And it can be good to help you find something new to watch. But sometimes it can just meander off onto a show you’re not interested in. Then you’ve got to get on your computer to move it from your Continue Watching list!
#Tip 7
Stay safe
Let’s end on another obvious one. Your name, address and payment details are associated with your Netflix account. Make sure you’ve got a strong password, you change it regularly and don’t give your account details to someone who might change it!
