Netflix

From deleting your viewing history to turning off ‘Are You Still Watching?’ 9 Netflix features you probably didn’t know about

Nine simple tricks to maximize your Netflix experience.

Update: Apr 22nd, 2025 22:16 CEST

Netflix has become a staple of entertainment in our homes. However, many users are unaware of the many features and shortcuts that can greatly enhance their viewing experience. Tired of other people watching what you’re watching? Want to get rid of that automatic interruption when you fall asleep? Join us as we discover nine must-have tricks to become a true Netflix master, some of which are PC exclusive.

6 features you can get on Netflix from your TV

How to Delete Viewing History on Netflix

While Netflix doesn’t offer a direct option to clear your history, hiding it is pretty much the same thing. To do this, go to your account page, select Profiles, select your profile, and open the Viewing Activity section. Here you can hide individual titles or entire series. Simply click the “Hide” icon next to the content you want to hide. If you prefer a clean slate, use the “Hide All” option at the bottom of the page.

Netflix Search Tips

The Netflix search bar is much more powerful than it looks. It’s not just for finding shows and movies by name. You can search by genre (“horror”), by actor (discover the entire catalog of “Woody Harrelson”), or even by subject. In addition, while watching content, you can click on “more info” and select an actor from the cast to explore other productions he or she has participated in on the platform.

How to Customize Netflix Subtitles

The default subtitles are not your only option. Netflix allows you to fully customize them for optimal viewing, whether it’s for understanding dialogue in another language or for those shows where characters seem to be whispering all the time. Go to your profile settings and select "Subtitle Appearance." Here you can change the font, text size, background color, background window, and shadow effects. Your preferences will be saved in this profile for future playback.

From deleting your viewing history to turning off ‘Are You Still Watching?’ 9 Netflix features you probably didn’t know about — FILE PHOTO: The Netflix logo is seen on a TV remote controller, in this illustration taken January 20, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File PhotoDADO RUVIC

Control Netflix Hands-Free

If you prefer an experience without manual interruptions, Netflix offers voice control. If your smart TV has a microphone button on the remote, use it to give commands like play, pause, fast forward, or rewind. Alternatively, you can connect a Google Home or Alexa device and use voice commands to navigate the platform.

Reset your Netflix recommendations

Have you ever wondered why Netflix suggests something that’s not right for you? It’s time to give the algorithm a rest. For a complete reset, go to “Manage Profiles” and then “Watch Activity. Select “Hide All” to clear your history. The next time you use Netflix, recommendations will be based on your new choices, giving you a fresh set of options.

How to Add a Netflix PIN

Share your account and want to prevent others from accessing your profile? Protect your privacy with a simple PIN code. Go to your account settings, select your profile, and look for the “Profile Lock” option. Follow the instructions to set up your PIN. If you have children, remember that you can also block content by age rating or specific titles on their profile.

3 features you can get on Netflix from your computer

Netflix Keyboard Shortcuts

Ditch the mouse and speed up your Netflix experience on your computer with these handy keyboard shortcuts:

Spacebar - play or pause
Left and right arrow keys - rewind or fast-forward by ten seconds
Up and down arrow keys - adjust volume
M key - mute and unmute
F key - toggle fullscreen
Escape key - exit full-screen mode

How to Turn off ‘Are You Still Watching?’

Unfortunately, Netflix does not have a native option to turn off the “Are you still there?” message. The only solution within the platform is to disable autoplay in your profile settings under the “Playback Settings” section. However, to completely remove this message, you will need to resort to browser extensions such as those mentioned above for Chrome and Firefox.

For Chrome, download Never Ending Netflix or Netflix Pause Removal
For Firefox, download Netflix Pause Removal

How to Use Netflix Party

Want to watch a movie or show with friends or family who aren’t around? The free Chrome extension Teleparty (formerly Netflix Party) lets you sync playback between all viewers. It also includes a side chat window so you can comment and enjoy the experience as if you were in the same room. Best of all, Teleparty also works with other platforms like Disney Plus, Hulu, HBO Max, and Prime Video.