We all try to map out our daily data consumption and think about all the bizarre ways in the world to curtail it. When it comes to Netflix, it does provide us with data uses the option of download movies and watching them later but is it really helpful? If you people use Wifi or Broadband, it may not concern you that much but if you are a cellular data user, then I have got your back. Here we will see about Data Netflix Uses to Download Movies
Basic Data Consumption Structure
It almost takes the same amount of data usage in online streaming as in downloading.
- Standard Quality (SD) – up to 1GB per hour of video
- High Definition (HD) – up to 3GB per hour of video
- 4K Ultra HD – up to 7GB per hour of video
These are just a rough sketch and data usage varies depending on the type of device you are using. The data consumption can be more in the case of TV as compared to smartphones.
While we discuss the usage, we should also keep in mind the storage, because you will need space to keep the downloads.
Why download movies or shows?
So you might be thinking, that if it takes up the same amount of data plus we need to have an extra look at the storage then why should we go for downloading them. I think everything has its pros and cons, this has its pros too
- You can watch your favourite movie or series anytime without interruptions.
- You can start off watching where you left before.
- You can watch without having a proper internet connection.
- You can watch the downloaded movie again without losing data.
Tips to make Netflix use less data
If you are streaming online, you need to keep these pointers in your mind.
- Set yourself on the Automatic mode, as it will make sure that you can stream more hours per GB.
- Use the Saving Mode, it will allow you to get up to six hours of streaming per hour though it will reduce the video quality.
- Enable the Wifi only option so that you can watch the movies whenever you get access to any broadband network.
How to access the options
- Open the Netflix App
- Click on the menu option in the right corner.
- Click Cellular Data usage
- Then choose automatic mode, saving mode or wifi only option as per your requirements.
Tips to reduce data usage per hour
- Use the Automatic option so that the video quality gets adjusted according to the Internet speed.
- Put it on Low Option, and this will consume 0.3 GB per hour.
- Put it on the Medium option, and this will consume 0.7 GB per hour which will further reduce the SD resolution.
- Put it on the High option, and it will consume the normal data amount stated above.
How to access the above option
- Login to Netflix.
- Select the profile you want to change the settings.
- Tap the account option on the top corner.
- Choose My profile, and click playback settings.
- Now choose the suitable option.
I hope that these little tricks might help you to keep a track of your daily data usage and you can watch your favourite shows without any interruptions.
Q. Which is better streaming online or downloading movies offline?
Answer: I think it completely depends upon the situation and the type of data resource you are using. If you are using Wifi then I think you can go for online streaming and if you are using cellular data either you can reduce the data consumption or download the movie so that you can watch it multiple times. Also, keep some extra space handy for downloads.
Plus if you have a really bad internet connection then downloading it would be a better option. So choose as per your convenience.
Q. Why does Netflix consume so much data while streaming and downloading content?
Answer: Well Data is not free plus watching a video consumes a lot of data and you are nothing but streaming a two and half-hour-long video on Netflix which is surely going to consume a great amount of data.
Q. Is there any way to reduce data consumption while downloading a movie from Netflix?
Answer: You can do one thing, you can change the settings to wifi only for downloading which will enable you to download movies when wifi is available. This will help you to save data plus you can enjoy downloaded content anytime, anywhere.
Q. Why does Netflix consume more data on smart TV as compared to phones?
Answer: the data consumption depends on the resolution, and refresh rate of the phone and the TV. So higher the resolution higher will be the data consumption. So it completely depends upon your internet resources whether you want to watch it on TV or smart phones.
