How to Autoplay Disney+: The Definitive Guide for Binge-Watchers

Let’s cut to the chase: Disney+ currently doesn’t offer a direct, universal autoplay feature for skipping to the next episode of a series automatically, like you might find on Netflix. While the platform used to have this functionality, it was quietly removed. This means after each episode, you’ll need to manually select the next one to continue your binge. However, don’t despair! We’ll explore workarounds, potential future updates, and everything else you need to know about enjoying a seamless viewing experience on Disney+.

Understanding the Autoplay Conundrum on Disney+

The lack of a built-in autoplay feature on Disney+ is a source of frustration for many viewers. Why Disney decided to remove this seemingly essential feature is unknown, but theories abound: potentially to reduce bandwidth usage, encourage more active viewing choices, or simply a design decision they might revisit in the future.

Why the Fuss About Autoplay?

In today’s streaming landscape, autoplay is practically a standard. It allows for effortless binge-watching, enabling viewers to seamlessly transition from one episode to the next without any interruptions. Its absence disrupts the immersive experience and requires viewers to manually interact with the interface after each episode. For many, this breaks the flow and detracts from the overall enjoyment.

The Current Reality: Manual Selection is Key

As it stands, after an episode finishes playing on Disney+, the screen will display a countdown timer. When the timer reaches zero, it will bring you back to the episode selection screen for that series. From there, you need to manually select the next episode. This behavior is consistent across most devices and platforms that support Disney+.

Possible Workarounds and Alternatives

While a true autoplay button isn’t available, there are a few unofficial workarounds you can attempt, though their reliability can vary. Keep in mind that these methods aren’t officially supported by Disney+ and may stop working at any time:

Playlists and Queues (Platform Dependent)

• Smart TVs and Streaming Devices: Some Smart TVs and streaming devices (like Roku or Fire TV) may allow you to add episodes to a queue or playlist. If you have such a feature, you can create a playlist of the episodes you want to watch in order, and the device might automatically play through the list. Check your device’s manual or settings for details on how to create and manage playlists.
• Third-Party Apps: While rare, some third-party apps designed for streaming content might offer autoplay functionality. However, be very cautious when using such apps, as they may pose security risks or violate Disney+’s terms of service.

Using the “Continue Watching” Feature

The “Continue Watching” section on Disney+ is designed to pick up where you left off in a series. While it doesn’t autoplay to the next episode, it provides a quick way to resume your viewing. After manually selecting the next episode, the series will appear in “Continue Watching,” making it easier to jump back in later.

Hope for the Future: Feature Requests

The best long-term solution is for Disney+ to reinstate a native autoplay feature. Consider submitting feature requests directly to Disney+ through their help center or social media channels. The more users request this feature, the higher the chance it will be reconsidered in future updates.

Troubleshooting Potential Autoplay Issues (When it Should Be Working)

While there’s no guaranteed autoplay, if you believe it should be working (perhaps due to a past experience or misunderstanding), here are some troubleshooting steps:

• Check Your Device’s Settings: Certain Smart TVs or streaming devices might have system-wide settings related to autoplay behavior. Verify that these settings aren’t interfering with the Disney+ app.
• App Updates: Ensure your Disney+ app is up-to-date. Outdated versions may have bugs or glitches that prevent expected behavior.
• Internet Connection: A stable internet connection is crucial for smooth streaming. Poor connectivity can cause playback issues and interrupt the transition between episodes.
• Account Settings: Although rare, check your Disney+ account settings online. There might be some obscure parental controls or viewing preferences that could indirectly affect autoplay.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 12 frequently asked questions related to Disney+ autoplay to further enhance your understanding:

1. Did Disney+ used to have an autoplay feature?

Yes, Disney+ originally launched with an autoplay feature that would automatically play the next episode in a series. This feature was removed sometime after the initial launch, leaving users to manually select each subsequent episode.

2. Why did Disney+ remove the autoplay feature?

Disney has not officially stated the exact reason for removing the autoplay feature. Speculations range from reducing bandwidth consumption to encouraging more intentional viewing habits.

3. Will Disney+ bring back the autoplay feature in the future?

There is no official confirmation from Disney regarding the return of autoplay. However, user feedback and feature requests may influence future updates and functionalities. Keep submitting those requests!

4. Does autoplay work on any specific devices or platforms on Disney+?

Currently, there is no device or platform that offers native autoplay on Disney+ in the way Netflix, Hulu, or others do. The experience is consistent across most devices.

5. Are there any third-party apps that offer autoplay for Disney+?

While there might be some unofficial third-party apps that claim to offer this feature, it is crucial to exercise caution. Using unofficial apps can pose security risks and may violate Disney+’s terms of service.

6. How can I submit a feature request to Disney+ for autoplay?

You can submit a feature request through the Disney+ help center on their website or by contacting their customer support team. Additionally, you can voice your opinion on social media platforms using the official Disney+ handles.

7. Does Disney+ offer any alternative features to improve binge-watching experience?

Yes, the “Continue Watching” feature allows you to quickly resume where you left off in a series, and you can create watchlists to organize your favorite content. While not a direct autoplay, it streamlines the viewing process.

8. How does the “Continue Watching” feature work on Disney+?

The “Continue Watching” section displays series or movies that you have started but not finished. Clicking on a title in this section will resume playback from the point where you last stopped watching.

9. Can I control the amount of data Disney+ uses while streaming?

Yes, Disney+ allows you to adjust video quality settings within the app, which can impact data usage. Lowering the video quality will reduce data consumption but may also affect the viewing experience.

10. Does the absence of autoplay affect offline downloads on Disney+?

No, the ability to download content for offline viewing is separate from the autoplay feature. You can still download episodes for offline viewing regardless of whether autoplay is available.

11. Are there any parental control settings related to autoplay on Disney+?

There are no parental control settings specifically related to autoplay on Disney+ since the feature itself is absent. However, parental controls can be used to restrict content based on age ratings.

12. Will VPNs affect the possibility of Disney+ autoplay?

No. VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) primarily affect your geographic location as perceived by Disney+, allowing you to access content available in different regions. They do not influence the presence or absence of the autoplay feature itself. The lack of autoplay is consistent regardless of your location or VPN usage.