How To: Prevent Binge-Watching by Disabling Netflix's Sneaky Auto-Play Feature

Netflix is an enabler. It creates a joy around binge-watching and couch potato-ness, and the major contributor to this epidemic is its built-in "Post-Play" feature.

Once you've finished watching an episode in a series, the next episode will automatically play in a matter of seconds. Needless to say, this indulges our addictive behaviors and makes watching the entire third season of House of Cards in one sitting pretty realistic.

So if you're like me and want to take control of your viewing habits to cut down on binging, you can disable Netflix's Post-Play feature in your account settings. (It's enabled by default.)

How to Disable Post-Play in Netflix Apps

Post-Play is enabled by default on most devices, including browsers on Mac/PC, and apps for Windows 8, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox 360/One, Android, iOS, Apple TV, Chromecast, and more. However, there is only one place you can actually disable Post-Play, and that's online.

Step 1: Go to "Your Account"

Just open up any web browser on your computer and log into your Netflix account at netflix.com/login. Once logged in, hover over your name up top and select "Your Account" from the drop-down menu.

Step 2: Click on "Playback Settings"

Next, click on "Playback settings," which is the same place where you can adjust video quality settings across your devices.

Step 3: Disable Post-Play & Save

You should see a "Play next episode automatically" option under the Preferences section. Uncheck this box and click "Save" to confirm your changes. These preferences are saved to each and every device logged into that particular account.

With the Post-Play feature disabled, you must close out of your Netflix applications and reopen them in order for the app to recognize your new settings choice.

With Post-Play

Without Post-Play

Now I'll be enjoying Netflix this weekend at my own leisure. Take that, House of Cards. How addictive is the auto-play feature for you? Let us know in the comment section below.