Netflix

Netflix is a paid streaming service. The app is free to install but you need a subscription to watch. Plans and prices vary and change, so check them inside the app before signing up.

Useful features

• Downloads let you save supported titles to watch without internet, for example on a journey.
• Profiles keep each family member's recommendations separate.
• Kids profiles limit the content to titles suited to children.

Things to watch

Subscriptions renew automatically, so set a reminder if you are only subscribing for a month. Downloads use storage, so see our guide to freeing up space on Android. Use only the official app and website to enter payment details.

Our verdict

Netflix is a subscription entertainment service, so the useful questions are about cost and control: which plan, how many screens, and when it renews. Downloads help on journeys, and separate profiles stop recommendations from mixing. Set a reminder if you only plan to subscribe for one month because renewals are automatic.

Managing a Netflix subscription sensibly

• Check the plan and screen limits on the Account page before you subscribe, because they differ between plans.
• Create a separate profile for each family member and use a profile lock where the app offers it.
• Download episodes on Wi-Fi before a journey and delete them when you finish.
• Cancel any time from the Account page. Be wary of messages that offer cheap Netflix accounts, as they are usually scams.

Short answers

Why does Netflix ask me to pay through a link in a message? It does not. Pay only inside the official app or website, and ignore messages that offer cheap accounts.

Can I share my password? Netflix's rules on sharing can change, so check the current terms in the app.

In practice: A family subscribes for one month during the holidays and sets a reminder two days before renewal. They download a few episodes on Wi-Fi for a long train journey and use separate profiles so the children's list stays clean.

Read next

Watch your storage with our storage guide and manage family settings through Family Link. For free music and video options, see Spotify and YouTube.