When we watch Netflix on TV we usually don't have a problem with data consumption, but things change when we are watching streaming content from the mobile, without Wi-Fi, and pulling a data connection. In situations like this, every megabyte counts, and if we are away from home and we cannot get free Wi-Fi, it is advisable to take measures before hitting “play”.
In February of this year Netflix announced the adoption of a new video codec that can help us consume less data maintaining the same streaming quality. It is the AV1 codec and for a few weeks it has been available for the Netflix app on Android.
How to activate the AV1 codec to save data in the Netflix app
As reported by the company itself, this new codec is 20% more efficient as far as data consumption is concerned, compared to the old VP9 codec (which is the codec that the app uses by default). However, the AV1 codec is not activated as standard, so in order to take advantage of its advantages we must make a small change in the application settings:
- We open the Netflix app on our Android device.
- Click on "More -> App Settings”.
- We enter "Use of mobile data"Within the section"Video playback”.
- Deactivate the tab "Automatic”And select the option“Save data”.
In the words of Netflix itself, this new codec is only available in a limited number of titles, although its intention is that all the content on the platform ends up adopting the AV1 codec for playback.
Other ways to save data on Netflix
If saving data seems like a good idea but we want to reduce consumption to zero, remember that we can always use the "download" function to download a series when we are hooked to a Wi-Fi network and be able to see it later without connection.
To do this we just have to go to the section of "Downloads -> Search titles to download", Where we will find all the series and movies available for offline viewing. We click on the content we want to download, and in the information sheet we choose the option "Download”.
Finally, if we are far from a Wi-Fi connection and we do not have any downloads stored in the pantry, we can always lower the display quality to reduce data consumption. We will find this setting in "More -> App Settings -> Mobile Data Usage”. Selecting the option "Wi-Fi only”, Netflix will play content in high definition only when we are connected to a wireless network.
Recommended reading: eFilm, the free alternative to Netflix from Spanish libraries
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