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These are the Netflix tricks every user needs to know

Published Nov 8th, 2015 10:30AM EST
Netflix Hidden Tricks Tips
Image: Netflix

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Streaming services are gaining more and more popularity with Internet users, with Netflix being a top choice in many countries. However, not all subscribers are familiar with all the Netflix tricks that can significantly enhance their movie watching experience. We’ve shown you a simple trick that can improve your binge watching sessions, and explained how you can use Netflix to put your kid to bed faster than usual.

It’s now time to check out other hidden Netflix features that will turn you into a power user.

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You already know you can use VPN services to access Netflix content from the U.S., which usually has the best content for subscribers, but WiseBread lists several other interesting Netflix features that not all users might be aware of.

For example, in case you’re suffering from a case of poor Internet connection, you can actually adjust your Netflix streaming speed to prevent buffering issues. To do that there’s a hidden stream manager you have to enable, on a desktop or laptop, with help of the following keyboard shortcuts:

  • Control + Alt + Shift + S: access control panel for the video to change the bitrate and CDN (content delivery network)
  • Control + Alt + Shift + D: view statistics about your stream including bitrate, buffering speed and framerate
  • Control + Alt + Shift + L: view all the changes you’ve made to settings

Now, you’ll say that you’re not always watching Netflix on a computer since you can do it on a big screen TV that’s either hooked up to a console or Blu-ray player. In this case, you have to reactivate your app to kill buffering. To do this, you have to use the remote control or controller and key in the following sequence: Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, Up, Up, Up, Up.

Once that’s done, Sign Out or Deactivate Netflix and use the on-screen instructions to log back into the service. This procedure should fix the “AIP-701” error.

Other tips that might help out with your Netflix experience include knowing the right time to watch movies – obviously at peak time you might not be able to get HD or Full HD shows, so plan your binge watching accordingly and try monitoring your Internet speeds at different times.

Speaking of binge watching, one of the best features of Netflix is recommendations, so rating every show you watch might improve the recommendations you get. Also, filling in your Taste Profile should help you get the most of Netflix’ recommendation system.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.