Netflix autoplay is on by default — here's how to turn it off

Netflix automatically plays the next episode in a series or suggests a new show when your current one ends. You can disable this on any device where you watch Netflix — phone, tablet, computer, or TV — by going into your account settings. The steps differ slightly depending on what you're using, but the setting lives in the same place on all of them: your account preferences, not your device settings.

Autoplay has two parts: one plays the next episode automatically, and the other shows video previews while you're browsing. You can turn off either one or both. Most people disable at least the autoplay-next-episode feature because it interrupts what they're watching or wastes time on shows they didn't choose.

Key Takeaways

  • Netflix autoplay is controlled in your account settings, not in your device settings or Netflix app preferences.
  • You can turn off autoplay of next episodes, autoplay of previews while browsing, or both independently.
  • The setting applies to your entire account across all devices, so you only need to change it once.
  • On a TV or streaming device, you may need to use your remote to navigate menus instead of clicking with a mouse.

Disable autoplay on a computer or phone browser

Go to netflix.com and sign in to your account. Click your profile icon in the top right corner, then select Account from the dropdown menu. This takes you to your account page, which shows your subscription plan, payment method, and settings.

Look for a section called Playback settings or Autoplay — the exact name varies by region, but it's always near the top of the page. Click or tap into that section. You'll see two checkboxes: one for "Autoplay next episode in a series on all devices" and one for "Autoplay previews while browsing on all devices." Uncheck whichever ones you want to turn off. Netflix saves the change when ready; you don't need to click a separate save button.

Disable autoplay on the Netflix app (phone or tablet)

Open the Netflix app and tap your profile icon at the bottom right of the screen. Select Account from the menu. On the account page, scroll down until you see Playback settings or Autoplay. Tap into that section.

You'll see the same two checkboxes as on a computer. Uncheck the ones you want to disable. The app saves your change right away. If you don't see an Autoplay section in the app, try going through a web browser instead — some older app versions don't include this setting, but the web version always does.

Disable autoplay on a TV or streaming device

On a TV, you can't access your account settings the same way you do on a phone or computer. Instead, open Netflix on your TV and navigate to your profile. Use your remote to highlight your profile icon, usually in the top right corner, and press select or enter. Look for a menu option that says Account, Settings, or Preferences.

Once you're in the account section, use your remote to scroll down until you find Playback settings or Autoplay. Highlight each checkbox you want to turn off and press select to uncheck it. The remote navigation is slower than a mouse, so take your time finding the right menu — it's usually buried a few levels deep. If you can't find it on your TV, you can also change the setting on your phone or computer, and it will take effect on your TV the next time you open Netflix.

What happens after you disable autoplay

Once you turn off autoplay of next episodes, Netflix will pause at the end of each episode and show you a screen with the option to play the next one. You have to actively choose to continue. This gives you a natural stopping point if you've been watching longer than you meant to.

If you turn off preview autoplay, Netflix stops playing video clips and sound when you hover over or highlight a show title while browsing. The page will show a still image instead. This makes browsing faster and quieter, especially if you're watching on a device with speakers in a shared space.

The setting applies across all your devices

Netflix ties autoplay settings to your account, not to individual devices. If you disable autoplay on your phone, it's also disabled on your TV, your computer, and any other device where you watch Netflix. You only need to change the setting once, and it takes effect everywhere.

If you share your Netflix account with other people and they want different autoplay settings, they would need their own profile within the account. Each profile can have its own autoplay preferences. To set this up, go to your account page, find Manage profiles, and create a new profile for each person. Then each person can log into their own profile and adjust autoplay to their liking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I turn off autoplay for just one show or series?

No — the autoplay setting is all or nothing for your entire account. You can't disable it for one show and keep it on for another. If you want to stop watching a series, you can straightforward close Netflix or navigate away from it, and autoplay won't trigger.

Does turning off autoplay save data or battery?

Disabling autoplay of next episodes saves a small amount of data and battery because Netflix isn't loading and playing video you didn't ask for. Turning off preview autoplay saves more, since it stops Netflix from playing video clips while you browse. The savings are modest on a home internet connection but more noticeable on mobile data.

What if I change my mind and want autoplay back on?

Go back to your account settings and check the autoplay boxes again. The process is identical to turning it off. Netflix saves the change when ready, and autoplay will resume on all your devices.

Why does Netflix autoplay previews even when I'm not watching?

Netflix uses preview autoplay to help you discover shows and spend less time deciding what to watch. If the sound or video bothers you while you're browsing, turning off preview autoplay is the fastest fix. You'll still see show titles and descriptions; Netflix just won't play video or sound automatically.