- The autoplay function is configured at the profile level, affecting all linked devices.
- It is possible to disable both automatic skipping between episodes and catalog advertisements.
- Smart TVs require you to make the change from the web or mobile app because they do not have internal settings.
- If the change is not applied on the TV, restarting the session or changing profiles will force the settings to update.
I'm sure it's happened to you: you promise yourself you'll only watch one more episode of your favorite show before going to sleep, and suddenly, sleep takes over on the couch. By the time you realize it, Netflix has watched three episodes in a row without you even noticing, because the platform has this habit of releasing the next episode as soon as the credits finish.
While some find it advantageous for binge-watching, others find it a rather annoying feature that takes away control over their viewing experience. Fortunately, there's no need to install strange apps or mess with your TV's deep settings to stop this behavior, as the account itself allows you to easily disable it.
How to turn off autoplay next episode
Depending on where you're using the platform, the steps vary slightly, but the most important thing to know is that the setting applies to the profile , not the device. This means that if you change it on your mobile device, it will also affect your Smart TV or console.
From the app on mobile phones and tablets (Android, iOS, iPadOS)
If you prefer to make the adjustment from the palm of your hand, follow these steps: First, open the app and select your profile. Then, go to the My Netflix section located in the bottom right corner and tap on your profile name at the top to access Manage Profiles . Once you've selected the profile you want to modify, find the Auto-Play Next Episode switch and turn it off. If you're using an Apple device, don't forget to tap Done to save the changes.
Via web browser (PC or Mac)
For many, this is the easiest way. Simply log in to your account from any browser and go to the Account section . Once there, find the Profiles section and select yours. Go to Playback Settings and uncheck the box for automatic playback of the next episode. Remember to save so the platform associates this preference with your user on all connected devices.
The problem with automatic feeds
It's crucial not to confuse automatic chapter skipping with trailers that play automatically while you browse the catalog. These trailers can also be irritating and have their own separate toggle. Following the same steps as before (either on your mobile device or the website), you'll see an option called " Autoplay Trailers ." Disabling this will stop those videos from starting to play unexpectedly while you're deciding what to watch.
Special cases and troubleshooting in Smart TV
Many people get frustrated because, after making the change, their TV continues to play episodes automatically. This happens because some devices take time to update profile settings. To force the change to take effect immediately, you can try switching profiles and quickly switching back to yours, or log out and log back in so the app downloads the updated preferences.
It's important to note that smart TVs, Chromecast, and Fire TV don't have a direct menu within their apps for adjusting these settings. The only way to do this is through the web version or the mobile app, or by following a guide to installing unofficial apps on your smart TV if you're looking for more control, since advanced playback settings are centralized in account management.
Additional benefits of disabling auto-play
Beyond preventing the show from progressing while you snore, disabling this option helps reduce data consumption , especially if you're using your phone outside the home. Plus, you get rid of the infamous "Are you still watching?" prompt , which usually pops up every three episodes or 90 minutes of uninterrupted playback. By forcing the platform to stop at the credits, you regain full control and prevent the algorithm from making decisions for you.
Configuring your profile to prevent automatic episode and preview skipping allows for a much more relaxed and controlled experience. Whether managing it from your browser or the mobile app, a simple adjustment to your playback settings is all it takes for you to decide when to continue the story, not the platform.