Netflix allows you to manually adjust the streaming video quality on specific profiles to control data usage and match the capabilities of your devices. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to change Netflix video quality settings for each profile.
Table of Contents
Why Adjust Video Quality on Netflix Profiles
There are a few key reasons you may want to adjust streaming video quality on specific Netflix profiles:
- Data usage – By default, Netflix will stream at the highest quality your device and internet connection supports. This can use a lot of data if you are on a metered internet plan. Lowering quality can reduce data usage.
- Device capabilities – Older devices may not support streaming at 1080p or 4K resolutions. Manually setting a lower quality prevents buffering issues.
- Bandwidth limits – If you have multiple people streaming on the same internet connection, you may need to lower video quality to prevent buffering when bandwidth is constrained.
- Visual quality – You may prefer using a lower video quality setting if you don’t notice a visual difference on your device. This also reduces data usage.
Access Netflix Profile Settings
To change video quality settings on Netflix profiles, you need access to the account settings. Here are the steps to access profile settings:
On a Web Browser
- Go to netflix.com and login
- Click your profile icon in the top right corner
- Select Account from the dropdown menu
- Under Profile & Parental Controls, select the profile you want to edit
- Click Change next to Playback settings
In the Netflix Mobile App
- Open the Netflix app on your device
- Tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner
- Select Manage Profiles
- Tap the profile you want to edit
- Tap Playback settings
Netflix Video Quality Settings
When you access Profile Playback settings, you’ll see the Data usage per screen section. This allows you to set the streaming video quality.
Netflix offers 4 video quality options:
- Low – Basic video quality, up to 0.3 GB per hour
- Medium – Standard definition video, up to 0.7 GB per hour
- High – High definition video, up to 3 GB per hour
- Auto – Automatically adjusts based on your internet speed
The High setting is required to stream Netflix in 1080p HD or 4K UHD on supported devices.
💡Note: Setting video quality to Auto or High will use more data. Consider a lower setting if you have data caps.
Steps to Change Netflix Video Quality
Follow these steps to change video quality settings on a Netflix profile:
- Access profile settings using the steps above
- Under Data usage per screen, click Change
- Select the desired video quality setting
- Click Save
Wait a few minutes for the changes to take effect across all your devices. Then launch a TV show or movie to test the updated video quality.
Other Playback Settings
While adjusting video quality is the main setting you’ll change, Netflix offers a few other playback options under Playback settings:
- Autoplay next episode in a series on all devices – Toggle on/off
- Autoplay previews while browsing on all devices – Toggle on/off
These settings allow you to customize Netflix profiles with your preferred autoplay behaviors.
Video Quality on Mobile Networks
If you stream Netflix on your mobile device’s data plan, there is a separate Cellular Data Usage setting.
Options here include:
- Automatic
- Wi-Fi Only
- Save Data
- Maximum Data
The mobile data setting overrides the Data usage per screen video quality. Make sure video quality is also set to Auto or High if you want HD streaming on mobile networks.
Get The Most Out of Your Netflix Profiles
Adjusting playback settings is just one way to customize Netflix profiles. Here are some other profile tweaks to improve your Netflix experience:
- Maturity ratings – Control the rating levels visible for kids profiles
- Profile Lock – Require a PIN to access a profile
- Name & Icon – Easily identify profiles for each family member
- Language – Set the default audio/subtitles by profile
- Viewing activity – See the viewing history for each profile
Fully utilizing Netflix profiles and settings allows you to control and optimize streaming for every person in your household.
So in summary, access profile playback settings from your account, adjust video quality to control data usage, and customize profiles even further with restrictions and preferences suitable for each viewer.
Following the steps in this guide will help you get the most out of your Netflix subscription! Let me know if you have any other questions.
