Quick Answer
Open netflix.com in a browser, click your profile avatar, choose Account, click the profile name, then open Playback settings. Uncheck both Autoplay next episode in a series and Autoplay previews while browsing on all devices. Click Save.
The change applies per profile, not per device. You only need to do it once for each profile in your household.
This setting is browser only. You cannot toggle it from the Netflix app on a TV, Roku, Fire Stick, console, or phone.
The two different autoplay behaviours
- Autoplay next episode: the next episode of a series loads automatically when the current one ends. Useful for binge sessions, less useful for parents who pause an episode at bedtime.
- Autoplay previews: trailers play with sound on the home grid as soon as you hover over a tile or stop scrolling. This is the more universally disliked of the two.
Both are on by default and both are controlled from the same screen.
Step by step on desktop or laptop
- Go to netflix.com in any browser (Chrome, Safari, Edge, Firefox).
- Sign in, then click your profile avatar in the top right corner.
- Choose Account.
- Scroll to Profiles and click the profile name you want to update.
- Click Playback settings.
- Uncheck Autoplay next episode in a series on all devices.
- Uncheck Autoplay previews while browsing on all devices.
- Click Save.
Step by step on mobile (browser, not the app)
The Netflix mobile app does not expose this setting. Open Chrome or Safari, request the desktop version of netflix.com if needed (tap the share icon or the three dot menu, then Desktop site), and follow the same flow above.
Why the kids profile has different rules
Profiles flagged for kids have Autoplay previews permanently off and cannot enable previews even if you try. Autoplay next episode is still togglable. If you set up a kids profile, only one of the two boxes will appear.
What changes immediately and what does not
- New sessions: changes apply the next time you open Netflix on any device.
- Active streaming session: if you are mid show, the current binge may still autoplay the next episode. The next time you launch the app, the new setting takes over.
- Other profiles: not affected. Each household member sets their own preferences.
Other Netflix preferences worth tweaking on the same screen
- Subtitle appearance: change colour, font, and shadow style. Useful for low vision viewers.
- Data usage per screen: drop to Low or Medium if your home internet plan has a cap.
- Maturity rating per profile: set a ceiling that affects what shows up in search and on the home grid.
FAQs
Why is there no autoplay toggle in the TV app?
Netflix has never added the toggle to TV based apps. The Playback settings live entirely on the account page, which is browser only. It is an intentional design choice, not a missing feature.
Does turning off autoplay stop the home page video trailers entirely?
The trailers stop auto playing. Tiles still display static thumbnails, and you can still tap to preview manually.
Will the change sync across my TV, phone, and tablet?
Yes. The setting is stored on your account profile and applies everywhere you sign in.
I do not see a Playback settings link.
You may have opened the account level page rather than the per profile page. Scroll down to Profiles and click the profile name first, then look for Playback settings.
The takeaway
Two checkboxes, one save button, browser only. Make the change once for each profile and Netflix stops surprising you with sudden trailers or unwanted next episodes for good.
