Many people might wonder how to limit data usage on Netflix. Having a Netflix account would give you access to unlimited streaming content ranging from popular TV shows to popular movies in various categories and genres. We would show you how to enjoy this platform effectively while spending less data.
Like many of us already know, Netflix gives 30 days free trial for first-time users. However, many shy away from utilizing this offer because they have heard how much data using the streaming platform consumes. This is not completely false as statistics reveal that Netflix uses about 1GB of data per hour while streaming movies or TV shows on HD video.
Also, many might think downloading the movie would save you data; however, according to Netflix, both streaming and downloading of movies consume about the same amount of data. What then do you do to save data while using Netflix? Stick around with us, and we will show you how.
How to Limit Data Usage on Netflix
Adjust Data Usage on Netflix
This right here is something Netflix offers, but most people are unaware of. Netflix has the option of four different data usage to choose from.
- Low – Consumes 0.3 GB per hour.
- Medium – Consumes 0.7 GB per hour.
- High – Consumes up to 3 GB per hour for HD and 7 GB per hour for Ultra HD.
Auto – Adjusts automatically to deliver the highest possible quality, based on your current internet connection speed.
If you really want to save data, you might want to select low. To do this, follow the steps below.
- Log into your Netflix account in a browser and click on ‘your account’ in the top right corner.
- Select ‘your profile’ then proceed to select ‘playback settings.’
- Choose your preferred option and save changes.
NOTE: Once you have saved changes, the new setting would only take effect after eight hours.
Control Data Usage on Your Mobile
If you use your mobile phone to stream movies, luckily, Netflix offers for major data usage options to choose from;
Automatic – Netflix will select a data usage setting that balances data usage with the good video quality. Currently, this will allow you to watch about 4 hours per GB of data.
Wi-Fi Only – You would only be able to stream once you are connected to Wi-Fi.
Save Data – This allows you to stream about 6 hours of content per GB of data.
Maximum Data – Only recommended if you have an unlimited data plan. It will stream at the highest possible quality for your device and the content you are viewing. This may use 1 GB per 20 minutes or more depending on your device and network speeds.
You might want to select the ‘save data’ option. To do this, follow the steps below.
- Launch Netflix on your mobile phone. While in the app, select the ‘menu’ icon.
- Once you do that, you will find the ‘app settings’, click on it.
- Select the ‘video playback setting’ and select ‘cellular data usage’.
- Select your preferred setting from the options.
NOTE: You will not be able to adjust this setting if you have pending downloads. You need to cancel all pending downloads or wait for them to finish before attempting to change this setting.
Control Data Usage on Your TV
This does not work with all television sets, but if you use Android TV, Apple TV, and Fire TV, you are lucky. They all have settings that can restrict your resolution to 1080p, which will reduce data usage. Unfortunately, most Smart TV’s do not have this option as they come with an already installed Netflix application.
Download to Watch Offline
This is an old trick that always works. While you are connected to Wi-Fi, it is best to download your favorite movies and TV shows to watch later. This will definitely save you a lot of data. Unfortunately, this feature is only available on mobile phones.
However, if you do not have access to Wi-Fi, you can still download using the mobile network. Downloading content to watch offline allows you fast forward or rewind without having to burn extra data. Although not all movies and TV shows are available for offline watching.
To access this feature on your mobile phone, just navigate to your Netflix app settings. You will see a download heading that will allow you to select the appropriate video quality for the movie or show you plan to download. You can select ‘high’ if you are using a Wi-Fi or ‘standard’ if you are using a mobile network.
Conclusion
No doubt, Netflix is an amazing platform with tons of movies and TV shows to enjoy. However, data can be a stumbling block to enjoying all the amazing content the platform has to offer. If you follow the procedures above, you will notice a significant reduction in the amount of data consumed by the app.