Watching your favorite Netflix (Netflix, Inc.) shows on your Android or iOS device is definitely handy, but it can have a huge impact on your data usage if you are not on an unlimited plan. Netflix Inc. has seen an increase in its customers streaming to their smartphones, so in an attempt to help them manage their data usage Netflix has launched new cellular data controls.

“Our 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,” said Eddy Wu, Director of Product Innovation at Netflix.

We look at how to set up the new data controls and approximately how much data you can save on each of the options. Once you are done with that you can start searching Netflix’s hidden categories to find shows and movies you would not have normally watched. 

How to be in control of your data usage on Netflix

How to set up your cellular data usage

• Make sure you have the latest versions of the Netflix Android or iOS app installed on your device. The current version of the Android Netflix app requires Android version 6.0 or later. The Netflix iOS app is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, and requires iOS 8 or later.
• Log into the Netflix app and tap the Menu icon > App Settings > under Cellular Data Usage, toggle the Set Automatically to off so that you can see the other settings.
• Select your preferred setting. Options include Off, Low, Medium, High, and Unlimited.  

How much data will each setting use?

If you select the Off option you will only be able to stream Netflix when you are connected to a Wi-Fi network.

The complete opposite end of the spectrum is the Unlimited option that will allow you to stream the highest Netflix quality for your device. This option is only recommended for Android and iOS users who have unlimited data plans or those of you who do not care about getting a fat data bill at the end of the month. According to Netflix’s calculations, depending on your network speeds and the device you are using you could end up using 1 GB for every 20 minutes spent watching your favorite show.  

Select the Low option and you will be able to watch approximately four hours on your device and use just 1 GB of data. For the Medium option, the time drops to two hours for 1 GB of data, while the High option will give you one hour of viewing for 1 GB of data.

The default setting is the Auto option that allows Netflix to balance data usage with good video quality. This allows for approximately three hours per 1 GB of data, which amounts to about 600 Kilobits per second.

The data setting that you choose will only apply to that device while you are streaming Netflix over your mobile network. As soon as you connect to a Wi-Fi network, Netflix will attempt to stream the highest quality based on your Wi-Fi connection speed.

If you have already set up your data usage for all your devices on the Your Account page, then your data will not be exceeded when streaming on your mobile device. To make this change go to the Your Account page > in the My Profile section, select Playback Settings. Options include Auto that will adjust accordingly to offer you the highest quality based on your internet connection speed. The Low option will use 0.3 GB per hour, Medium uses 0.7 GB per hour and High uses 3 GB per hour for HD and 7 GB per hour for Ultra HD.  

Tip: If you have more than one Netflix profile, you will need to adjust the data usage settings for each profile separately.

How to find Netflix’s hidden categories

Now that you have your data usage under control and can stream longer using less data you can be on the look out for alternative options. Check out Netflix’s hidden categories to find some shows and movies that you wouldn’t normally come across in the average Action, Romance, Sci-Fi or Drama categories.

Netflix has a wealth of category codes that go beyond the normal genres. Each URL has the format http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/[specific genre code].

Some of the most interesting options include:

10944: Cult horror movies

869: Dark comedies

11079: Experimental movies

31851: Gangster movies

7077: Independent movies

10271: Jazz and easy listening

26: Mockumentaries

5505: Psychological thrillers

3278: Rock & Pop concerts

1159: Travel and adventure documentaries

Image via: Netflix