How to Delete Movies from Netflix: Your Ultimate Guide

Want to clean up your Netflix viewing history and get rid of those guilty-pleasure watches or accidental clicks? Good news! You can manage your Netflix activity and influence future recommendations. Let’s dive into how you can delete movies and shows from your Netflix account.

Deleting Movies from Netflix: A Step-by-Step Guide

Deleting movies from Netflix is about removing them from your viewing activity. This prevents Netflix from using them to influence its algorithm and suggest similar titles. Here’s how you do it:

1. Access Your Account: Using a web browser (not the Netflix app), navigate to the Netflix website and log in to your account.
2. Go to Account Settings: Click on your profile icon in the top right corner and select “Account.”
3. Find Viewing Activity: Scroll down to the “Profile & Parental Controls” section. Choose the profile you want to edit. Click the “Viewing Activity” option.
4. Remove Individual Titles: You’ll see a list of everything you’ve watched. Next to each title, there’s a circle with a line through it (the “hide” icon). Click this icon to remove that title from your viewing activity.
5. Remove an Entire Series: If you’re dealing with a series, clicking the “hide” icon next to any episode will give you the option to hide the entire series from your viewing history.
6. Confirm the Removal: Netflix doesn’t usually require further confirmation, so the title will be immediately removed from your viewing activity.
7. Check for Changes: It may take up to 24 hours for the changes to reflect fully in your recommendations.

Remember, this process removes the titles from your viewing history, not from Netflix’s entire library. You’re only affecting your personal recommendations and viewing data.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Deleting Movies from Netflix

Here are answers to common questions about managing your Netflix viewing history:

1. Can I delete movies from the Netflix app on my phone or TV?

No, you cannot directly delete movies from your viewing activity using the Netflix app on your phone, tablet, smart TV, or other streaming devices. You must use a web browser to access the account settings. The app only allows you to start or continue watching content.

2. How long does it take for deleted movies to stop influencing my recommendations?

It can take up to 24 hours for the changes to fully reflect in your Netflix recommendations. Netflix’s algorithm takes time to re-evaluate your viewing preferences based on the updated activity. Sometimes, the changes are reflected sooner, but be patient.

3. Can I delete my entire viewing history at once?

Yes, you can. On the “Viewing Activity” page, scroll to the bottom. You’ll find an option to “Hide all.” This will remove your entire viewing history in one go. Be warned: This action is irreversible, so proceed with caution.

4. Will deleting a movie from my viewing history stop it from appearing in “Continue Watching”?

Yes, deleting a movie or show from your viewing history will remove it from the “Continue Watching” section if you haven’t finished watching it. This is a great way to clear out those abandoned titles.

5. If I delete a movie from my viewing history, will it delete it from everyone else’s history on my account?

No, deleting a movie only affects the viewing activity of the profile you are currently managing. Each profile on your Netflix account has its own separate viewing history and recommendations.

6. Can I restore a movie I accidentally deleted from my viewing history?

Unfortunately, no, you cannot restore a movie once you’ve deleted it from your viewing history. There is no “undo” button. Be careful when removing titles, especially if you’re considering watching them again.

7. Does deleting movies from my viewing history affect my downloads?

No, deleting movies from your viewing history does not affect any downloads you have made to your device. Downloaded content remains on your device until you manually remove it.

8. What’s the difference between deleting a movie and removing it from “My List”?

Deleting a movie removes it from your viewing activity and affects your recommendations. Removing it from “My List” simply removes it from the list of titles you’ve saved to watch later. These are two separate actions.

9. Will deleting a movie from my viewing history prevent it from appearing in search results?

No, deleting a movie from your viewing history will not prevent it from appearing in Netflix search results. It only impacts your viewing activity and personalized recommendations.

10. Can I prevent Netflix from tracking my viewing activity altogether?

There’s no way to completely stop Netflix from tracking your viewing activity. However, you can create separate profiles for different members of your household. You can also regularly clear your viewing history to minimize the impact on your recommendations. You can also consider using a “Kids” profile for certain types of content to keep them from influencing your main profile.

11. How often should I clear my Netflix viewing history?

The frequency with which you clear your Netflix viewing history depends on your viewing habits and how much you value personalized recommendations. Some people clear it monthly, quarterly, or even less frequently. If you notice your recommendations are consistently off-base, it might be time to clear it.

12. Does deleting movies from my viewing history affect my Netflix subscription cost?

No, deleting movies from your viewing history has absolutely no impact on your Netflix subscription cost. Your subscription price is determined by your chosen plan, not by your viewing activity.

By following these steps and understanding these FAQs, you can effectively manage your Netflix viewing history and ensure your recommendations are tailored to your current viewing preferences. Happy streaming!