Introduction
By default, Netflix enables the autoplay feature that will automatically play the next episode or show in a series after you finish one, or a movie that’s related to one you just finished. While the Netflix autoplay feature is convenient, it can make it a little too easy to slip into a binge-watching session or movie marathon. Thankfully, if you want to remove the temptation, it’s easy to turn off Netflix autoplay. However, you have to turn the autoplay feature off through the Netflix website and you can’t do it through the various other Netflix platforms. Examples of all instructions in the steps can be seen in the YouTube video below.
Steps to Turn Off Netflix Autoplay
- Navigate to Netflix.com in a web browser and log in to your Netflix account. You’ll arrive at your Netflix home screen.
- 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.
- Scroll down to the My Profile section, and then click “Playback Settings” in the My Profile section. The Playback Settings screen appears.
- Scroll down to the Auto-Play section, and then click to remove the check mark from the Play Next Episode Automatically option. Click “Save.” You’ll be returned to your Netflix Account screen, where you’ll see a message at the top of the screen that says your Netflix playback settings have been saved.
5 Reasons to Turn Off Netflix Autoplay
1. Control Over Viewing Choices
Turning off Netflix autoplay puts you back in control of your viewing habits. When autoplay is enabled, the next episode starts without your input, potentially leading you into an unintended binge-watching session. By disabling it, you decide if you want to continue watching or not. This break between episodes gives you a moment to reflect on whether you really have the time for another episode or if it’s better spent elsewhere. It’s particularly useful for parents who want to monitor their children’s screen time. Without autoplay, kids are more likely to engage in other activities after an episode ends, instead of being sucked into the next one automatically.
2. Improved Sleep Hygiene
Disabling autoplay on Netflix can significantly improve your sleep hygiene. Often, episodes rolling into one another can lead to late-night viewing, disrupting your sleep pattern. By turning it off, you’re prompted to make a conscious decision to stop watching, which is a cue to start winding down for the night. This can help in establishing a healthier bedtime routine, avoiding the blue light exposure from screens that delays the release of melatonin, the hormone responsible for sleep. Good sleep is crucial for overall health, and managing your screen time in the evenings is a big step towards that.
3. Better Time Management
If you’re looking to manage your time more effectively, turning off autoplay on Netflix is a smart move. Autoplay makes it easy to lose track of time, as one episode seamlessly flows into the next. When you disable it, each episode’s end becomes a natural break point for you to decide if you really have time for more. This can help you avoid those “just one more episode” temptations that can eat into time reserved for other tasks. Whether it’s studying, working, or household chores, not having autoplay can help you prioritize your responsibilities over your next binge.
4. Reduced Data Usage
For those with limited internet data plans, turning off autoplay on Netflix can lead to significant savings. Autoplay can consume a lot of data by playing content you may not even be actively watching. By disabling it, you ensure that only the content you choose to watch uses your data. This is especially important when streaming on mobile devices or specific metered connections where exceeding your data limit comes with hefty fees. It also prevents situations where Netflix continues streaming long after you’ve fallen asleep, wasting data and possibly leading to overage charges.
5. Enhanced Content Appreciation
When autoplay is turned off, you may find that your appreciation for content improves. Without the immediate jump to the next episode, you have time to digest what you’ve watched, think critically about the story, and anticipate future episodes. This pause can enhance your overall viewing experience by allowing you to engage more deeply with the content, rather than just passively consuming it. For those who enjoy discussing and analyzing shows, this space between episodes can enrich conversations with friends or online communities, as you reflect on and theorize about the plot and character developments.
