Netflix app new update allows you to control your mobile data usage

Are you a Netflix user? And you use its mobile app whenever on move in order to stay connected to your favourite video content? Well, Netflix has seen big differences since its launch globally in how much people are streaming on smartphones and what kinds of mobile data plans they have. They are now offering a new tool to help you better control how much data you use when streaming on mobile networks which is a new update for the app on Android and iOS. The update takes care of your data usage so that your favorite show does not end up ripping your data balance.

The new feature is an adaptive streaming method that tweaks the picture quality regardless of the internet download speed. To simplify, this update provides users with authority over data usage. The default setting will enable you to stream about 3 hours of TV shows and movies per gigabyte of data. In terms of bitrates, that currently amounts to about 600 Kilobits per second. This means that you get to choose the picture quality and according to that your data will be used. For example, if you choose low quality then your data will be used less and if you choose high quality then it shall be used more. Also, even on your web browser, you’ll be a given a similar option.

Earlier, the video quality used to be according to the internet speed without any manual adjustment options. But now with this new update, the video will feature three picture quality options – High, Medium, and Low. It will provide users much more control over how much data they are burning while watching their favourite shows on the move.

How to change settings in the Netflix app on Android or iOS

1. Update your Netflix app on iOS or Android.  

2. Select “App Settings” from the menu, and pick “Cellular Data Usage.”

3. Switch off the automatic default and select a higher or lower data usage setting that works with  your mobile data plan, including an unlimited option.

The “Unlimited” option is also there, which is recommended for the users who have an unlimited data pack. Users can also choose the “Wi-Fi only” option that will save the mobile data for the devices that automatically switch to data usage whenever the Wi-Fi goes down. The Wi-Fi only option will save your data from being accidentally used in the absence of Wi-Fi. Netflix goal is to give you more control and greater choice in managing your data usage whether you’re on an unlimited mobile plan or one that’s more restrictive.

Note, these settings are only applicable when you’re watching Netflix through mobile broadband. You won’t find them if you’re connected to a Wi-Fi or using someone else’s mobile data via tethering.