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How to Get Rid of “Continue Watching” on Netflix? A Definitive Guide

The “Continue Watching” row on Netflix – a digital purgatory for half-watched documentaries and abandoned binge-watching sessions. It’s a helpful feature, sure, but sometimes it becomes a cluttered reminder of our unfinished entertainment business. Thankfully, banishing these lingering titles is surprisingly straightforward. The most effective way to remove a show or movie from your “Continue Watching” is to go to “Account” settings, find “Profile & Parental Controls”, select your Profile, and then select “Viewing Activity”. Then, click on the hide icon next to any title that you wish to remove, and choose “Hide Series” to remove the entire show or “Hide Episode” to remove a specific episode. It might take a while to take effect.

Understanding the “Continue Watching” Algorithm

Before diving into the methods, it’s important to understand why certain titles populate your “Continue Watching” row. Netflix’s algorithm adds content to this section based on one simple criterion: you’ve watched at least a few minutes of it and haven’t finished it. Even if you accidentally click on something and immediately back out, it can still land there. This algorithm is designed to be helpful, allowing you to easily pick up where you left off. However, sometimes it requires a little manual intervention.

The Nitty-Gritty: Step-by-Step Removal Guide

Here’s a breakdown of how to reclaim your “Continue Watching” real estate:

1. Accessing Your Viewing Activity:

Log in to your Netflix account through a web browser (this process can’t be completed directly on the app).
Navigate to your account settings. You can usually find this by clicking on your profile icon in the top right corner and selecting “Account.”
Under the “Profile & Parental Controls” section, you’ll see a list of profiles associated with your account.
Select the profile from which you want to remove titles.
Click on “Viewing Activity”. This will bring you to a page displaying everything you’ve watched on Netflix.

2. Hiding Individual Titles:

Next to each title in your “Viewing Activity,” you’ll see a small hide icon (it looks like a crossed-out circle).
Click this icon next to the title you want to remove.
For TV shows, you’ll have the option to “Hide Episode” or “Hide Series.” Choose accordingly.

3. The “Just Keep Watching” Method (The Impatient Person’s Guide):

This is less a removal method and more of a “force finish.” Simply resume the content you want gone and let it play to the end credits.
Netflix will then automatically remove it from your “Continue Watching” list, assuming you actually finish the content.

4. Time to Reflect and Update:

The changes don’t take effect immediately. Netflix states it can take up to 24 hours for the “Continue Watching” row to update. However, most users report changes appearing much faster, often within minutes.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Still Seeing the Title? Clear your browser’s cache and cookies. This can sometimes resolve display issues. Also, ensure you’re logged into the correct profile.
Using a Shared Account? Be mindful that your viewing activity affects everyone on that profile. Communicate with other users before removing titles.
App vs. Browser: Remember that you must use a web browser to access your viewing activity. The Netflix app doesn’t offer this functionality.

FAQs: Your “Continue Watching” Questions Answered

1. How Long Does it Take for a Title to Disappear from “Continue Watching” After Removing it?

While Netflix says it can take up to 24 hours, most users see the changes reflected much sooner, often within minutes. If it’s taking longer, try refreshing your Netflix app or web browser. Clearing your browser cache and cookies can also help.

2. Can I Remove Multiple Titles from “Continue Watching” at Once?

Unfortunately, Netflix doesn’t offer a bulk removal option. You have to manually hide each title individually through your viewing activity.

3. Will Removing a Title from “Continue Watching” Delete it from My Watch History?

Yes, hiding a title from “Viewing Activity” removes it from your viewing history and, consequently, from your “Continue Watching” row. If you ever want to find a title again that you’ve removed, you’ll have to search for it.

4. Does Removing a Show from “Continue Watching” Affect Recommendations?

Removing titles can influence Netflix’s recommendations. The algorithm uses your viewing history to suggest content you might enjoy. By removing shows or movies, you’re essentially telling Netflix that you’re not interested in similar content, which may impact future suggestions.

5. Can I Remove Titles from “Continue Watching” on the Netflix App?

No, you cannot remove titles directly from the Netflix app. You need to use a web browser to access your account settings and viewing activity.

6. If I Remove Something from “Continue Watching” on One Device, Does it Remove it on All Devices?

Yes, removing a title from your “Continue Watching” list is account-wide. The change will be reflected across all devices where you’re logged into your Netflix account.

7. Can I Restore a Title That I Accidentally Removed from “Continue Watching”?

Yes, you can restore a title. It will reappear again once you’ve watched it for a couple of minutes again.

8. Does Watching the Entire Show/Movie Guarantee Removal from “Continue Watching”?

Yes, watching the entire show or movie should automatically remove it from your “Continue Watching” list. However, sometimes a glitch can occur. If it doesn’t disappear immediately, give it a few minutes or try refreshing the page.

9. How Does Netflix Decide What Goes into “Continue Watching” in the First Place?

Netflix adds content to “Continue Watching” if you’ve watched a portion of it (usually a few minutes or more) and haven’t reached the end. Even accidentally clicking on a title and immediately backing out can sometimes trigger its inclusion.

10. Is There a Limit to How Many Titles Can Be in the “Continue Watching” Row?

There appears to be no hard limit to the number of titles that can appear in the “Continue Watching” row, but it dynamically adjusts based on your recent viewing activity. The more you watch, the more your list might grow.

11. Can Kids Profiles Have “Continue Watching” Lists?

Yes, kids profiles also have “Continue Watching” lists that function in the same way as adult profiles. The steps to remove titles are identical.

12. I Have a Netflix Profile, But My Account Belongs to Someone Else. Can I Still Manage My “Continue Watching”?

Yes, you can manage your “Continue Watching” list within your profile, even if you’re not the primary account holder. Your viewing activity is specific to your profile, so any changes you make won’t affect other profiles on the account.

By following these steps and understanding the nuances of the “Continue Watching” algorithm, you can keep your Netflix experience clutter-free and tailored to your current viewing preferences. Now go forth and conquer your digital watchlist!