Netflix’s 5 features every binge-watcher should know about

Two years ago, Netflix CEO Reed Hastings famously said that the streaming giant’s biggest rival wasn’t Prime Video or other OTTs but sleep. Truly, Netflix has led to a phenomenon called binge-watching. You no longer need to wait for another week to watch the next episode. You can complete one series, or multiple if you can, in just one go.

If you are one of those who love to binge-watch series and movies on Netflix, here are some cool tips and tricks you must know about - 

Remind Me

One of the best ways to keep track of what is new and upcoming on Netflix is to enable the ‘Remind Me’. 

On your Android app, go to the ‘Coming Soon’ section which appears at the bottom of your screen. Here, you will see all the upcoming series and movies that are going to premiere on Netflix. Below the trailer, tap on the ‘Remind Me’ button, which is remarkably similar to YouTube’s notification icon.

Following this, once the show/movie is on Netflix - you will get a notification reminder. 

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Smart downloads

The feature essentially allows you to automatically download the next episode in a series and deletes the one you have just finished watching. It works on the Wi-Fi, so it ensures your cellular data is not consumed. ‘Smart Downloads’ comes in handy when your phone is low on storage or you are travelling in an area with a patchy network.

To enable the feature, tap on the Downloads button at the bottom. At the top of the screen, tap on the ‘Smart Downloads’ to turn it off or on.

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Secret codes

Netflix’s catalogue is much bigger than you may think. The app interface, however, makes it difficult to easily access everything. Netflix has a whole list of secret codes that can be used for accessing those hidden categories.

All you need to do is type www.netflix.com/browse/genre/XXXX(code) on your browser. Swap the XXXX with the code you want to browse. For instance, 1365 takes you to Action & Adventure. For Asian Action Movies, enter 77232. Similarly, for Action Comedies, enter 43040. You can check out the complete list of secret codes for these hidden categories here.

Edit your profile

Profiles help you get a personalised Netflix experience. Each profile has its own set of recommendations and feed, depending upon the watching behaviour. All Netflix regulars will already know this. 

But did you know, you can further edit your profile to alter maturity level, playback settings, list, ratings, and language preference, among others? Netflix also gives an option to add an additional layer of protection to your profile. You can set the four-digit pin lock through the "Profile and Parental Controls" hub.

Diagnostics

Don’t know why Netflix has stopped working on your phone? One of the ways to find it out is by going to ‘Diagnostics’. Here, you can check the network, playback specifications, and even run an internet speed test. To get to this feature, you need to tap on the hamburger button on the right bottom corner. Go to App Settings > scroll down to Diagnostics.