Netflix is one of the most popular streming services out there and it comes with plenty of features and enough subscription plans for everyone. It wasn’t always this easy to access content, though.
Years and years ago, when we were all younger and some of you reading this might not have even been born yet, if you wanted to have access to all TV programs and shows you wanted to watch, you had to purchase an all-inclusive monthly cable subscription.
These packages cost quite a bit but back then there really wasn’t any competition for them to worry about. Alternatively, there was Blockbuster for any movie nights you were planning but again, that came with the added planning of going out of the house and then browsing through video tapes for a while.
Then the internet came around and video streaming made an appearance. Now we have services like Netflix completely destroying everything cable TV companies used to take for granted. The best thing about it is that these streaming services don’t cost an arm and a leg, have plenty of options to choose from and hey – you don’t have to leave the house to choose a movie to watch.
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Netflix is by far one of the most popular streaming services out there – it doesn’t only just stream TV shows and movies but also produces them. There’s no ads to worry about and the TV shows are released a season at once, instead of making you wait a week for each.
If you were thinking about getting Netflix, we’ve compiled a list of all the things you should know about how it works. Even if you already have a subscription, you should still have a look, just in case you might have missed some features.
How To Download Netflix
The Netflix app can be accessed via your internet browser by going to netflix.com and creating an account. If you are on a Windows computer or laptop, you can download it from the Microsoft app store.
Alternatively, most new devices provide Netflix pre-installed but you can also download it from iTunes, and Google Play.
Accounts and Plans
To begin with, you have to sign for an account. Every new customer gets 30 days free of charge, this way you won’t lose any money if you decide it’s not for you.
The plan can be canceled at any time and you’re not bound by any contract for a certain period of time.
Of course,you can choose to return at any time, no questions asked.
The Netflix Basic Plan costs $8.99 per month and only allows you to watch the service on one screen at a time. HD and Ultra HD is not available on this plan but it’s the most affordable one out there and if you’re usually watching on your phone or tablet, and even laptop, you won’t really need an Ultra HD or HD option.
The Netflix Standard Plan costs $12.99 per month and allows you to watch Netflix on up to two screens and includes HD.
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The Netflix Premium Plan costs $15.99 per month and with this one, you can watch the service on up to 4 screens at once, with HD and Ultra HD available as well. This plan is perfect for families and it allows you to create accounts for everyone else, this way their preferences and watching habits won’t affect your recommended videos.
How Do You Download Netflix TV Shows and Movies?
If you want to download Netflix shows on iOS or Android devices, you have to go to the Available For Download section and/or press the download icon next to the show.
Depending on your plan, there will be a limit on how many devices you can download the content to. Some of the downloads will expire and can only be watched within 48 hours, so keep that in mind. They also occupy a lot of space on your device, so go to the app settings and check your downloads, then delete the ones you’ve already seen to keep your device in shape.
This feature is particularly useful if you’re traveling and won’t have internet access for a while. To find these offline shows, go to Menu and then to My Downloads.
Is Netflix Games A Thing?
Yes it is!
Netflix announced in November that it expanded its gaming service to 190 countries and they are available when you log into your profile.
On your phone, you will see the latest games in the Netflix mobile app and, once you’ve made your choice, you will be redirected to its Play Store page. After you download it, you will find it in the Netflix Games row on the app, or, depending on your device, on the home screen or app drawer.
You can play multiple games with the same account, though there is a device limit, and netflix will send you an alert message once you reach it.
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There are no in-app purchases, no ads and the games are included in your subscription price.
However, keep in mind that Netflix targets these games at adults and they will not show up on children’s profiles.
Does Netflix Have Discounts?
Unfortunately, Netflix doesn’t offer any discounts. As mentioned above, the only ‘discount’ you will get will be the first month free. Alternatively, you can share the password of one account with someone else.
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Netflix is aware of this and sharing the password is not illegal; however, you won’t be able to watch Netflix at the same time with the other person.
Netflix Party/Teleparty
There is a way to watch Netflix with your friends and family by using Netflix Party/Teleparty. This is a Google Chrome extension that lets you stream at the same time as other people.
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The screens will synchronize at the same time, so you don’t need to worry about pressing play at the same time.
Best thing about it is that it comes with a Chatroom feature as well, so you can talk about the movie or TV Show you’re watching in real time.
Can You Delete People From Your Account?
Absolutely. If you either shared your password with someone else and now your recommended list is not what you’d want or if your pesky ex or annoying sibling still has a hold of it, all you have to do is go to Account and then sign out of all devices from Settings.
You can check the recent activity of your account as well, just in case any locations look unfamiliar.
Limit Who Can Watch Adult Content
You can set up a secret PIN code that will prevent any children in your household from watching any adult-oriented content that might be present on the app.
The Maturity Level scale will help you out with that but probably it’s best you go all the way up to Adult, just in case.
How To Get The Best Recommendations
Easiest way is to rate everything you watch, really. Netflix has a thumbs up or down system that will allow its algorithm to better understand what you like and thus make recommendations for films or TV shows you might actually enjoy watching.
Subtitle Tips and Tricks
Subtitles are not something we think about a lot – we just press the subtitle button and get on with it, but did you know you could change their appearance?
It’s very easy: you need to go to your account, then your profile, where you will find the Subtitle Appearance option. From there, you will be able to see all the changes you can apply to the subtitles and preview them.
You can also add additional subtitles in different languages by using Google Chrome extensions you can easily find on Google Play. This way, you can have two different languages displayed at the bottom of the screen.
Request A TV Show or Movie
This one is a not so well-known feature: you can actually send a message to Netflix and request a TV show or movie that is not in its library.
Of course, this doesn’t guarantee that they will get it and there’s many factors that will weigh on that decision, but you might get lucky. Either way, it’s nice to know that Netflix is interested in hearing what its subscribers would like to see.
We hope this list helped you out with any Netflix questions you might have had or maybe even introduced you to some features you were not aware of. Let us know in the comments.
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