How to Delete Continue Watching on Netflix

Introduction

The Netflix Continue Watching list can be an incredibly convenient way to quickly find and pick up where you left off watching something. Alternatively, if you’ve been watching something embarrassing or that you’re not supposed to and you don’t want the other people who use your Netflix account to find out, it can be a nightmare. Thankfully, you can easily get rid of Netflix Continue Watching list items you don’t want other people to see in your Netflix account. Examples of all instructions in the steps can be seen in the YouTube video below.

Steps to Delete Continue Watching on Netflix

1. Open a web browser, navigate to Netflix.com, and then log in to your Netflix account. You’ll land on your Netflix home screen.
2. Click the profile icon in the upper right corner of the screen to open a drop-down menu. Click “Account” in the drop-down menu. Your Netflix Account screen appears.
3. Scroll down to the My Profile section on your Netflix Account screen, and then click “Viewing Activity” in this section. The My Activity screen appears, displaying a list of the Netflix shows you’ve either started watching or have fully watched.
4. Scroll through this list to find either the show or series you want to remove from your Netflix Continue Watching list. In this example, I’ll find an episode of Droppin’ Cash that I started.
5. Click the Hide From Viewing History icon on the far right side of the line associated with the show you want to delete from your Netflix Continue Watching list. This icon is a circle with a line through the center of it. The line item for that show will be replaced with a message that says within 24 hours your show will no longer appear in Netflix as a show you have started watching — unless you start watching it again. If you want to remove an entire series of a show from your Netflix Continue Watching list, click the “Hide Series” button that now appears to the right of that message if the show you removed is part of a series. All other episodes of that show in your list will now display a removal message as well. Typically you don’t have to wait 24 hours for a show to be removed from your Netflix Continue Watching list, and you can navigate back to the list immediately and verify that the show or series was removed.

5 Reasons to Delete Continue Watching on Netflix

1. Privacy Concerns

Users may want to delete their “Continue Watching” list on Netflix to protect their privacy. Many people share their Netflix accounts with friends and family. This means others can see what they are watching. Someone might be exploring genres or shows they consider personal or private. They could worry about being judged for their viewing choices. Deleting the history helps maintain a sense of privacy. It ensures that their viewing habits remain confidential. This is especially important in shared living situations. Here, multiple people access the same device or Netflix profile.

2. Decluttering the Interface

The “Continue Watching” list can become cluttered with shows and movies that users started but didn’t finish. Perhaps they lost interest, or it wasn’t the right time for that particular content. This clutter can make it hard to find the shows they truly want to continue watching. By clearing out this list, users can streamline their interface. This makes it easier to navigate and more enjoyable to use. It also helps in managing their time better. They won’t get distracted by content they are no longer interested in. This decluttering contributes to a more personalized and efficient streaming experience.

3. Curating Content

Some Netflix users are meticulous about curating what appears on their profile. They want their recommendations to be accurate and relevant to their current tastes. The “Continue Watching” list directly influences the recommendation algorithm. Shows and movies that you don’t plan to finish can mislead the algorithm. This might lead to less relevant suggestions. By deleting items from their “Continue Watching,” users can have more control over the algorithm. This helps ensure that Netflix’s suggestions are as useful and tailored as possible, enhancing the viewing experience.

4. Avoiding Spoilers

In some cases, users might start a series and then decide to watch it with someone else from the beginning. If they continue where they left off in their “Continue Watching” list, they risk encountering spoilers. This could ruin the experience of watching the series together. By removing the show from the list, they can restart it with their viewing partner. This way, both can enjoy the storyline without spoilers. Keeping the viewing experience fresh and engaging is crucial for enjoying series to the fullest.

5. Fresh Starts

Sometimes, a user might want to start over with their Netflix experience. This could be after a long period of not using the service. Or after they’ve gone through significant changes in their viewing preferences. Deleting their “Continue Watching” list can symbolize a fresh start. It allows them to explore new genres and series without the old ones looming over. It’s like resetting their viewing habits. This can be particularly refreshing when users are looking to redefine what entertainment means to them. It can lead to discovering new favorite shows and movies that better suit their current interests.