Netflix has become the undisputed giant of streaming, giving us incredible stories and endless series marathons. However, it's not all sunshine and roses, as the platform includes some features that, for many of us, are quite annoying and disruptive while browsing.
One of the features that most irritates users is undoubtedly autoplay. Whether it's because the next chapter starts before we can process the ending, or because a wild trailer suddenly jumps in when we just wanted to read the synopsis, this function can be incredibly frustrating. Luckily, regaining control is easier than it seems.
How to disable autoplay for trailers
If it bothers you that Netflix shows you movie clips while you browse the catalog, you can turn off previews. Keep in mind that some older devices, such as certain iPad models or older TVs, may not support this setting.
From your mobile phone or tablet (Android and iOS)
To fix this on your mobile device, follow these simple steps: Open the app and select your profile. In the bottom right corner, tap My Netflix , then tap your profile name at the top. Go to Manage Profiles , select the user you want to modify, and turn off Autoplay Previews . If you're using an iPhone or iPad, tap Done to confirm.
From the web browser
If you prefer using a computer, go to your Account section. Navigate to Profiles, select your profile, and then to Playback Settings . There you'll find the switch to disable previews; once turned off, the change will take effect automatically, although you may need to refresh the device you're using to view the content.
Stop the automatic jump to the next episode
For those who enjoy watching series at a slower pace and don't want the next episode to start without their permission, there is a specific option to stop this automatic process.
Settings on mobile devices
The process is very similar to the previous one: go to My Netflix, access profile management, and select your profile. Instead of previews, find the " Autoplay next episode" option and turn it off. Remember to save the changes if you're using an Apple device.
Settings via the web
From your browser, go back to your profile's playback settings. Uncheck the box that indicates that subsequent episodes should automatically play on all devices. It's essential that you click the Save button so the platform registers your preference.
The special case of Smart TVs and Apple TV
This is where things get a little trickier. Smart TVs, Chromecast, and Fire TV devices don't usually have a direct menu within the app to make these changes. The only way to do it is by using a web browser , since the advanced settings are only available in that version.
If, after making the changes on the website, you notice that the trailers are still playing on your Apple TV or Smart TV, don't panic. The most effective solution is to sign out of the app on your device and sign back in. This forces the app to update your profile settings and apply the restrictions you just set.
Possible errors and quick fixes
Sometimes, when adjusting these settings, minor issues can arise, such as recommendations not updating correctly or the app behaving erratically. If this happens, the best solution is to clear the app's cache or simply restart your session to restore everything to normal.
Having full control over what we see not only avoids unintentional spoilers, but also helps reduce mobile data usage and eliminates unnecessary distractions, allowing us to browse the catalog with complete peace of mind and without any sound surprises.
