Netflix’s recommendation algorithm, while often helpful, can sometimes bombard you with suggestions that simply don’t resonate. Thankfully, you’re not entirely at the mercy of its choices. This guide will walk you through the various methods for removing unwanted recommended movies from your Netflix account and reclaiming control over your viewing experience.
Understanding the Netflix Recommendation Engine
Netflix uses a complex algorithm based on your viewing history, ratings (thumbs up/down), searches, and even the time of day you typically watch, to suggest content. It categorizes titles based on genres, subgenres, actors, directors, and other metadata. By understanding how the algorithm works, you can better manipulate it to get recommendations you actually want. Think of it as training your Netflix assistant to understand your tastes.
The Power of Thumbs: Refining Recommendations with Ratings
The most direct way to influence Netflix’s recommendations is by actively using the thumbs up and thumbs down rating system. This provides explicit feedback to the algorithm about your preferences.
- Thumbs Up: Signals that you enjoyed the title and want to see similar content.
- Thumbs Down: Informs Netflix that you disliked the title and do not want to see similar recommendations.
Giving every watched movie a rating, even if it was only watched for a few minutes, drastically improves the accuracy of your recommendations. This is because the algorithm learns from every interaction. Don’t be passive; actively participate in shaping your viewing experience.
Hiding Your Viewing History: The Stealth Approach
Another crucial method is hiding titles from your viewing activity. This is particularly useful for movies you started but didn’t finish, or titles watched on a whim that don’t reflect your overall preferences.
Steps to Hide Titles on Desktop:
- Log in to your Netflix account on a web browser.
- Navigate to the Account section.
- Under Profile & Parental Controls, select your profile.
- Click on Viewing Activity.
- You’ll see a list of all the titles you’ve watched. To hide a title, click the “Hide” icon (a crossed-out circle) next to it.
- You can also choose to hide an entire series if you don’t want to see any future episodes recommended.
Steps to Hide Titles on the Netflix App (Mobile):
Unfortunately, hiding titles directly through the mobile app is not available. You will need to use a web browser on your phone or tablet to access the “Viewing Activity” section as described above.
Creating Separate Profiles: A Clean Slate
If you share your Netflix account with others who have vastly different tastes, consider creating separate profiles for each user. This keeps viewing histories separate and prevents recommendation pollution. Each profile will have its own personalized algorithm.
Steps to Create a New Profile:
- Log in to your Netflix account.
- Navigate to the Account section.
- Under Profile & Parental Controls, click on Add Profile.
- Enter a name for the profile and select whether it’s for a child.
- Click Continue.
By creating dedicated profiles, you ensure that your viewing history doesn’t get mixed with other users’ preferences, leading to more accurate and relevant recommendations for everyone.
Leveraging Netflix Categories: A Proactive Approach
While not directly removing recommendations, exploring specific categories can help you discover content that aligns with your interests and potentially “crowd out” unwanted suggestions. The more you watch titles within a specific category, the more Netflix will prioritize similar content in your recommendations. Use the search function to find niche genres or subgenres that appeal to you.
Reporting Issues: Escalating to Netflix Support
In rare cases, you might encounter recommendations that are completely inappropriate or irrelevant. While not a guaranteed solution, contacting Netflix support to report the issue can sometimes help improve the accuracy of your recommendations. Explain why you believe the recommendations are unsuitable and provide specific examples.
FAQs: Deep Diving into Netflix Recommendations
FAQ 1: How long does it take for Netflix to update my recommendations after I rate a movie?
Typically, changes in your recommendations are reflected within 24 hours after you provide a rating. However, the algorithm is complex, and it might take a few days for the full impact to be realized, especially if you’ve made significant changes to your viewing habits.
FAQ 2: Can I completely disable recommendations on Netflix?
No, you cannot completely disable recommendations on Netflix. The service is designed to suggest content. However, by actively managing your viewing history, using ratings, and creating separate profiles, you can significantly reduce the influence of unwanted suggestions.
FAQ 3: Does watching trailers affect my recommendations?
Yes, watching trailers can influence your recommendations. Netflix tracks which trailers you watch, and if you consistently watch trailers for a particular genre, it may suggest similar movies or shows.
FAQ 4: Will deleting my entire viewing history reset the recommendation algorithm?
Yes, deleting your entire viewing history will essentially reset the recommendation algorithm for your profile. However, this is a drastic measure, and you’ll lose all the personalized suggestions you’ve cultivated. It’s generally better to manage individual titles rather than performing a complete reset.
FAQ 5: If I watch Netflix on different devices, will my viewing history be synced?
Yes, your viewing history is synced across all devices as long as you are logged into the same Netflix profile. This means that any actions you take on one device, such as rating a movie or hiding a title, will be reflected on all other devices.
FAQ 6: Does Netflix recommend movies based on my age or location?
Yes, Netflix considers your age and location (specifically your region) when making recommendations. Some content may be restricted based on age ratings or regional licensing agreements.
FAQ 7: What is “My List” and how does it affect recommendations?
“My List” is a feature that allows you to save titles you want to watch later. Adding titles to “My List” signals to Netflix that you are interested in that type of content, which can influence its recommendations.
FAQ 8: Can I see a history of my ratings on Netflix?
Unfortunately, Netflix does not provide a direct way to view a history of your ratings. You can only see your viewing activity and hide titles.
FAQ 9: If I start watching a movie and stop after a few minutes, will it still influence my recommendations?
Yes, even watching a movie for a short period can influence your recommendations. Netflix tracks the titles you start watching, regardless of how long you watch them for. It’s important to hide titles you didn’t enjoy to prevent similar recommendations.
FAQ 10: Are there any third-party tools or browser extensions that can help manage Netflix recommendations?
While some third-party tools or browser extensions may exist, it’s important to exercise caution when using them. Netflix’s API is not publicly accessible, so these tools may rely on unofficial methods to interact with the platform. Always review the permissions and privacy policies of any third-party tool before installing it. Using these may also violate Netflix’s terms of service.
FAQ 11: Does Netflix use social media data to personalize recommendations?
Netflix has stated that it does not use social media data to personalize recommendations. Your viewing history, ratings, and other interactions within the Netflix platform are the primary factors that influence its algorithm.
FAQ 12: How often does Netflix update its recommendation algorithm?
Netflix is constantly refining its recommendation algorithm based on user feedback and data analysis. These updates are typically rolled out silently in the background, so you may not notice a specific announcement. The company continuously strives to improve the accuracy and relevance of its suggestions.