Netflix is one of the world’s top streaming services, and it’s becoming even easier to get access to its vast catalogue of movies, TV shows and original content. Android phones provide easy access to online streaming by way of the Google Play Store and Netflix’s official app, allowing you to watch shows and movies on the go. Whether you’re a seasoned Netflix-er or jumping on the bandwagon for the first time, here’s all you need to know to stream content seamlessly on your Android device.
Downloading the App
Head to the Google Play Store if you haven’t already done so, and download the free Netflix app. Opening the app will prompt you to sign in with an existing account or create a new one — and don’t worry, you don’t need to pay for the service to download it. Once you’re in, you can start immediately browsing on the home screen.
You’ll find featured content from TV shows, new releases, original Netflix material and more — but you can also navigate through the app’s different sections by tapping the “More” tab and selecting from the Categories tab in the top left corner. This’ll let you filter movies and shows by type, such as comedy, drama, action, and anime.
Getting to Grips with Settings
There are a few settings you should familiarize yourself with to get the best streaming experience. To access these, tap on your profile, then “App Settings“, which is to the right of the home screen, and you’ll see a few toggles and options. The first is Smart Downloads, which allows you to quickly download the next episode in a series or the next film in a list. This setting is a huge plus for Android users, as it means you can download shows to watch offline on the move when you don’t have a connection.
Next up is the Data Usage setting, which lets you decide whether you want to stream in low quality, medium quality, or high-definition — ideal if you’re connected to a data plan and want to keep your usage down. By default, Netflix sets the Data Usage setting to the highest quality, so you may want to change this to low for the best streaming experience. Finally, the App Performancestab lets you adjust the playback speed — so if you’re in a rush and want to finish an episode of your favourite show in minutes rather than hours, you can speed up playback.
Selected Content
If you’ve already signed up for a Netflix package and you’re looking for something specific, you’ll be glad to know there’s a Recommended tab in the top left corner. This is where Netflix presents movies based on your viewing history, trending shows and films, and awards night favourites. It’s a great way to easily find short films, quick-fire specials, or content you might have overlooked in the Netflix library.
If you already know what you’re looking for, you can search the entire Netflix catalogue by tapping the magnifying glass icon in the top right corner. Here you have the option to refine further by type, such as films, TV shows, kids shows, and more. You can also scope out specific genres, such as classic films, popular films, and even documentaries. Finally, Netflix offers up movies based on country of origin, so you can enjoy the best films from different parts of the world.
Constant Support
Netflix offers up amazing customer support, from its 24/7 service line to its well-designed help centre that answers all of the most common queries. Here you’ll also find general tips and tricks on how to get the most out of the app. You’ll find trouble shooting advice and solutions, too. Netflix also offers an ‘Ask Us Anything’ feature, which you can use if you have a bespoke query.
Android phones are increasingly becoming the next go-to platform for streaming content around the world and Netflix is a major ingredient of this shift. Its broad catalogue and constantly updated services provide an ideal platform for those seeking reliable entertainment and want to watch movies and TV shows on the go. Downloading the app and getting to grips with the settings is the perfect way to enjoy Netflix on an Android phone.
