We bet you don't know all of these Netflix secrets

Hacking your Netflix is not the same as using your ex’s account on the sly, but it is just as satisfying. By now we’re all pretty used to the standard Netflix protocols. Make dinner, sit down, spend three hours choosing something to watch while your dinner gets cold. What if I told you that it didn’t have to be this way!?

What if there were other, potentially more efficient, ways to use your Netflix account? There are countless browser extensions, and tricks you can employ to Net-fix your Netflix experience. But we know you’d rather spend your time binge watching Parks and Rec for the tenth time, so here are the seven best hacks to optimise your viewing experience.

#1. Search for content using secret Netflix codes

It can feel like the algorithm constantly offers you up the same cyclical collection of shows. You liked Brooklyn 99 so you’ll probably like Broad City, you watched Broad City have you tried Brooklyn 99? Sigh.

Netflix categorises its content into some real specific genres, each with their own unique code. Lets say you’re in the mood for a Critically acclaimed emotional movie from the 80’s, you could simply search 4466 in the top nav. Prefer Exciting movies starring Steven Seagal, just tap on in 118 and search away.

In total there are over 27,000 codes to choose from, but we have compiled a list of popular choices so that you don’t have to.

#2. Host an online Netflix Party

Using the Chrome Extension Netflix Party you can watch your favourite shows in real time with your friends, entirely remotely. This extension gained crazy popularity at the beginning of the pandemic, but hey you can still use it even though you’re allowed to share a couch with your mates.

Simply download the extension, and you can send your friends a link to watch the same show using synchronised playback. There are no limits to how many viewers can join a party, and hey you can even chat about it in the integrated chat window. Just a couple of caveats though, you’ll all need to have your own separate Netflix accounts and you’ll need to watch on a Chrome browser. 

#3. See when other people gave up on a movie

Deciding on a movie is pretty hard, but knowing where other people have given up on it is a pretty good indicator as to whether it’s worth your time.

Using the Chrome extension Enhancer you’re able to see the drop rate for other users who have watched your choice before. This extension also greys out flicks you’ve already watched, integrates IMDb ratings, trailers and more.

#4. Be a guinea pig for new features

From time to time Netflix introduces new features such as the elusive Shuffle Button that will soon grace everyone’s screens. If you want to get the absolute most out of your Netflix and test out tweaks before anyone else then you can toggle on Test Participation.

Simply go to Account Settings, scroll down and click or tap on Test Participation and make sure it is toggled On. Any applicable tests and features will be accessible to you, but you’ll need to keep an eye out for them. Netflix won’t let you know what is above the standard experience.

#5. Clear Out Your “Continue Watching” Queue

Perhaps you’re sick of staring at all those half watched Adam Sandler movies, or maybe you want to hide that you skipped ahead in a show that you absolutely promised you wouldn’t skip ahead of. Either way, we can clear out your secret shame from the Continue Watching queue in Account Settings.

Go to Account Settings, and select the applicable profile. Scroll down until you see Viewing Activity and select View. 

You can now look at everything you have ever watched on your profile, and you can hide it as well. The problem is that you can only hide everything, or leave it as it is. It’s a great way to start fresh on your recommendations and to cover up your indiscretions, but it is a very permanent solution.

#6. Kick your ex off your account

Already kicked that sucker to the curb? Feel like they need one more kick? Kick ‘em off! Obviously they’ve already taken some of the best years of your life so don’t let them take any of your movie recommendations while they’re at it.

The easiest way to boot, scoot that (ex) baby off your account is to do a mass log out on all devices. Every device connected to your account will get logged out and then you can log back in and change the password. Ahh, sweet freedom. Best timed when they’ve just hit that cliffhanger episode.

To do this go to Account Settings, and click Sign out of all devices, click Yes on the confirmation page. When you log back in go back to Account Settings and click Change Password. 

#7. Use Netflix to learn a language

Don’t let anyone tell you that TV isn’t educational! With the Chrome Extension Language Learning you can enable two sets of subtitles in different languages, letting you visually translate as you watch.

We know, it’s not a foolproof system but while we can’t head overseas to immerse yourself in another language you could always just binge through BoJack Horseman in Spanish this time round.