IF you’re keen to watch your favourite Netflix show on the go, you need to make sure you’re not making a big Wi-Fi mistake.
Watching Netflix on the phone app can demolish your mobile data, if you’re not careful.
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The longer the film or show, and the higher the quality of the picture, the more data you’ll use to stream it.
According to Netflix, you use about 1GB of data per hour for streaming a TV show or movie in standard definition.
In high-definition (HD), you can drain up to 3GB of data from your monthly allowance in just one hour.
Netflix offers four mobile data usage settings for people who want to stream on their smartphone.
- Automatic: The Netflix app selects a setting that balances data usage and video quality. You can watch about four hours per GB of data.
- Wi-Fi Only: Stream only while connected to Wi-Fi.
- Save Data: Watch about six hours per GB of data.
- Maximum Data:
- Highest possible quality for your device and the TV show or movie you’re watching.
- Can use 1GB per 20 minutes or more, depending on your device and network speed.
- Recommended only if you have an unlimited data plan.
To make sure your Netflix-on-the-go usage isn’t eating up your data – and risking a hefty phone bill at the end of the month – just head into the Netflix app on your iPhone or Android.
Click your profile icon in the top right corner of the screen, then click App Settings and tap Mobile Data Usage.
You will likely have the toggle turned on for Automatic data usage.
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However, if you turn off the toggle, you’ll be able to opt for Wi-Fi Only – which eliminates all data-draining worries.
Or, you can choose Save Data to use the least amount possible.
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