Where would we be without Netflix? The streaming giant has supported many of us through 2020’s lockdowns, stay at home orders, and general pandemic-induced ennui. Whether you’re new to Netflix or have had a subscription for a while and want to get the most bang for your buck, your account is capable of a few tricks you might be aware of. With that in mind, here are five of the best Netflix tips for 2021.
The 5 Best Netflix Tips for 2021
1. Roam the globe via your Netflix account
Did you know that if you stream Netflix content with a VPN you can skirt any pesky geo-blocking restrictions?
A VPN is a Virtual Private Network, and it does as the name suggests by creating your own, private browsing network. In the process, it also encrypts any data transmissions you send or receive and masks your true IP address.
It’s that last point that’s so useful when it comes to Netflix — and places this among our best Netflix tips for 2021. With your VPN switched on, you can stream Netflix content that’s unavailable in your country from other locations around the world.
For example, if you want to watch something that’s only on UK Netflix, turn on your VPN, connect to a server in the United Kingdom, then open your Netflix account and see the difference. You can now stream UK Netflix easily.
2. Delete your embarrassing watch history
If you’re addicted to sappy rom-coms from the 90s, but would rather your partner doesn’t know that you stayed up until 5 am watching pure trash, Netflix has a fix.
You can delete any embarrassing items from your watched history, and keep your romantic comedy addiction to yourself. Selectively delete your history by going to account, Account then into your Viewing Activity. Everything you’ve watched is in chronological order and you can cull at will.
3. Add IMDb Ratings to instantly get an insight
This handy Chrome extension, and one of our favorite tips for Netflix in 2021, displays IMDb ratings for any title on Netflix, so you can check if your movie or show will be a dazzler or a dud. Ratings are displayed in an unobtrusive pop-up on the right-hand side of a thumbnail. Simply hover your cursor over a title and the ratings are shown. You can download IMDb ratings here.
4. Remove any clingers
If you’re sick of friends and extended family members piggy-backing off your subscription fee, you can swiftly and easily remove everyone and keep the account to yourself. Head to My Account and then select Sign out of all devices.
5. Harness the power of shortcuts
Okay, it’s not too much work moving your mouse around. But if you’re in a deep Netflix slump and cannot summon the energy, you don’t have to. Try these keyboard shortcuts instead:
- F for full-screen mode and Esc to exit.
- PgDn to pause and PgUp to play. Alternatively, use the spacebar.
- Shift + Right Arrow to fast-forward and Shift + Left Arrow to rewind.
- M to mute your computer.
That completes our list of the best Netflix tips for 2021, hopefully, you’ve supercharged your streaming and are ready to face 2021 with confidence, knowing Netflix has your back!
