Here's how much data you're using while streaming Netflix, and how to change your data usage settings
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Reuters You can change the data usage settings on your Netflix account in a few steps.
When you're trying to figure out how much data you actually need, it's useful to think about your usual online activities - creating documents, shopping online, gaming, and, very likely, video streaming.
When it comes to Netflix, the amount of data you use can vary greatly depending on a number of factors.When you stream videos on Netflix, the company says you're using about 1 GB of data per hour, provided you're streaming in standard definition. Those streaming in high definition, on the other hand, use "up to 3 GB per hour."
But there are actually several levels of data usage, so your true usage will depend on how your account settings are configured.In addition to an "Auto" feature that changes your streaming automatically to the highest-quality possible for your internet connection, there are three levels of quality you can stream Netflix in:
1. Go to your Netflix account (make sure you're signed in).
2. Choose the profile you want to adjust the data usage on (keep in mind that you can't choose the "kids" profile for this action).
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Choose the Netflix profile you're looking to change the settings for.
3. Under your profile icon in the top-right corner, click "Account."
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Click "Account" in the dropdown menu of your profile icon.
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Click "Playback settings."
5. Select the data option that suits you best (you can also disable auto-playback from this screen) and click "Save."
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Choose the best streaming option for you.
Keep in mind that it may take up to eight hours for your changes to take effect.
And in case you're wondering, downloading videos uses about the same amount of data as streaming. So you aren't saving data (or losing extra data) if you opt to download a show for viewing when you don't have internet access.Copyright © 2021. Times Internet Limited. All rights reserved.For reprint rights. Times Syndication Service.
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