How to Use Netflix: A Beginner's Guide for Seniors

Netflix is one of the most popular ways to watch films, documentaries, and TV series today. If friends or family have mentioned it and you are not quite sure what it is or how to get started, you are in the right place. This guide will walk you through everything, step by step, in plain English.

What Is Netflix?

Netflix is a streaming service. That means it sends films and TV shows to your screen over the internet, so you can watch whatever you like, whenever you like. There are no adverts on most plans, no schedules to follow, and no trips to the video shop.

Think of it like a massive library of films and programmes that you can browse from your sofa. You pay a monthly fee, and in return you get access to thousands of titles — including Netflix's own original series and films that you cannot find anywhere else.

If the idea of streaming is new to you, our guide on what streaming is and how it works explains the basics in simple terms.

You will need a reliable internet connection to use Netflix. If you are unsure about your home internet setup, have a look at our article on what WiFi is and how it works.

Netflix Plans and Pricing

Netflix offers several plans. Here is a quick summary of what is available in 2026:

• Standard with Adverts — The most affordable option. You will see a few short adverts during programmes, similar to regular television. You can watch on two screens at the same time.
• Standard — No adverts. You can watch on two screens at once and download shows to watch offline on up to two devices.
• Premium — No adverts, the best picture quality (including 4K Ultra HD), and you can watch on up to four screens at the same time. Good for larger households.

Prices change from time to time, so visit netflix.com to see the latest pricing for your country. You can cancel at any time — there is no long-term contract.

Tip: If you are the only person using Netflix, the Standard plan is usually more than enough.

How to Sign Up for Netflix

Signing up takes just a few minutes:

1. Open a web browser on your computer, phone, or tablet and go to www.netflix.com.
2. Click the Get Started or Sign Up button.
3. Choose the plan that suits you (you can always change it later).
4. Enter your email address and create a password. Write these down somewhere safe so you do not forget them.
5. Enter your payment details. Netflix accepts credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal. You will not be charged until your free trial ends (if one is available) or your first billing date.
6. That is it — you are ready to start watching.

If you have never downloaded an app before, our guide on how to download apps safely can help you get the Netflix app onto your device.

How to Watch Netflix on Different Devices

One of the best things about Netflix is that you can watch it on almost any screen you own. Here is how to get started on each type of device.

On a Smart TV

Most modern televisions sold in the last few years are "smart TVs" and have Netflix built in.

1. Turn on your TV and look for the Netflix app on the home screen or in the app list.
2. Open the app and sign in with the email and password you created.
3. Start browsing and watching.

If your TV is older and does not have Netflix, you can buy a small streaming device such as an Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku, or Google Chromecast. These plug into the back of your TV and give you access to Netflix and other streaming services.

On a Tablet or Phone

1. Open the App Store (iPhone or iPad) or Google Play Store (Android devices).
2. Search for Netflix and tap Install or Get.
3. Open the app, sign in, and you are ready to go.

On a Computer

1. Open your web browser (such as Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or Safari).
2. Go to www.netflix.com and sign in.
3. No app is needed — you watch directly in the browser.

Finding Something to Watch

When you first open Netflix, the number of choices can feel a bit overwhelming. Here are some tips to make it easier:

• Browse by category. Netflix sorts its content into categories like Drama, Comedy, Documentaries, True Crime, and more. Scroll down the home screen to see these rows.
• Use the search bar. If you know the name of a film or actor, tap the magnifying glass icon and type it in. Netflix will show you matching results instantly.
• Check the "Top 10" list. Netflix shows you what is popular in your country right now. This is a good starting point if you are not sure what to watch.
• Look at "New Releases." This section shows films and series that have just been added.
• Read the descriptions. Click or tap on any title to see a short summary, the year it was made, the rating, and how long it is.
• Try the "Play Something" button. If you really cannot decide, Netflix can pick something for you based on what you have watched before.

Tip: When you find something you want to watch later, click the plus sign (+) or "My List" button. This saves it to your personal list so you can find it easily next time.

How to Use Subtitles and Captions

Subtitles can be a real help, whether you find some actors hard to understand or you simply prefer reading along. Netflix makes it easy to turn them on.

On a TV or Streaming Device

1. Start playing a programme.
2. Look for a speech bubble icon or a button labelled "Subtitles & Audio" on the playback controls.
3. Choose your preferred language (for example, "English" or "English [CC]" for closed captions, which also describe sounds like music or door knocking).
4. The subtitles will appear at the bottom of the screen.

On a Phone, Tablet, or Computer

1. Start playing something.
2. Tap or click the speech bubble icon (usually in the bottom right or top right of the screen).
3. Select the subtitle language you want.

You can also change the size and style of subtitles. Go to your account settings on the Netflix website, find "Subtitle Appearance," and adjust the font size, colour, and background to make them easier to read.

Creating Profiles

If more than one person in your household uses the same Netflix account, profiles are very handy. Each profile keeps its own watchlist and recommendations, so your suggestions are not mixed up with someone else's viewing habits.

To create a new profile:

1. Open Netflix and look for your profile icon (usually in the top right corner).
2. Select "Manage Profiles" or "Add Profile."
3. Give the new profile a name (for example, "Margaret" or "David").
4. Choose an avatar picture if you like.
5. Save it.

Now, whenever someone opens Netflix, they simply choose their own profile before they start watching.

Downloading Shows for Offline Viewing

If you are going on a train journey, visiting somewhere with no internet, or simply want to save on mobile data, you can download films and episodes to your phone or tablet and watch them without an internet connection.

Here is how:

1. Open the Netflix app on your phone or tablet.
2. Find the film or episode you want to download.
3. Look for the download icon — it looks like a small arrow pointing downward.
4. Tap it, and Netflix will save the programme to your device.
5. When you are ready to watch, go to the "Downloads" section in the app (usually found in the menu at the bottom of the screen).

Things to keep in mind:

• Downloads are only available on the Netflix app, not in a web browser.
• Not every title can be downloaded — but most popular ones can.
• Downloads expire after a certain amount of time, so it is best to download just before you need them.
• Make sure your device has enough storage space. A one-hour programme typically takes around 250 MB to 1 GB, depending on quality.

Parental Controls

If grandchildren visit and use your Netflix account, you may want to make sure they only see age-appropriate content. Netflix has built-in parental controls for this.

Setting Up a Children's Profile

When you create a new profile, there is an option to mark it as a "Kids" profile. This limits the content shown to child-friendly programmes and films only.

Setting a Maturity Rating

You can also set maturity ratings on any profile:

1. Go to netflix.com on a computer or phone browser.
2. Click your profile icon and select "Account."
3. Under "Profile & Parental Controls," choose the profile you want to adjust.
4. Click "Viewing Restrictions" and set the maturity level (for example, allow only content rated PG or below).
5. You can also set a PIN so that children cannot switch to an adult profile.

Recommended Shows and Films for Seniors

Not sure where to start? Here are some genres and titles that are popular with viewers over 60:

• Documentaries: Netflix has brilliant nature documentaries like Our Planet and Blue Planet, narrated by Sir David Attenborough. History fans may enjoy The Crown or World War II in Colour.
• Drama: The Queen's Gambit, All the Light We Cannot See, and Anatomy of a Scandal are all well-made dramas with gripping stories.
• Comedy: Grace and Frankie follows two women over 70 whose lives are turned upside down — it is funny, warm, and relatable. The Kominsky Method is another favourite.
• Mystery and Crime: Broadchurch, The Lincoln Lawyer, and Lupin are all excellent if you enjoy a good whodunit.
• Classic Films: Netflix regularly adds classic films from the 1960s through the 1990s. Use the search bar to look for a favourite actor or film title.

Tip: After you watch a few things, Netflix learns your tastes and starts recommending shows you are likely to enjoy. The more you watch, the better the suggestions become.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Here are answers to a few problems that come up often:

• "The picture keeps stopping and starting" (buffering). This usually means your internet connection is slow. Try moving closer to your WiFi router, or restart the router by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in.
• "I forgot my password." Go to netflix.com, click "Sign In," then "Forgot Password." Netflix will send a reset link to your email.
• "The app is not working." Close the app completely and reopen it. If that does not help, check for an update in the App Store or Play Store, or restart your device.
• "I am being asked to pay more." Netflix occasionally increases its prices. You can switch to a cheaper plan at any time from your account settings.

How to Cancel Netflix

If you decide Netflix is not for you, cancelling is straightforward and there are no cancellation fees.

1. Go to netflix.com in a web browser and sign in.
2. Click your profile icon in the top right corner and select "Account."
3. Click "Cancel Membership."
4. Confirm that you want to cancel.

Your account will remain active until the end of your current billing period, so you will not lose access immediately. If you change your mind later, you can always sign up again — Netflix saves your preferences and watchlist for 10 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a smart TV to watch Netflix?

No. While a smart TV makes it easy because Netflix is built in, you can also watch on a regular TV by connecting a streaming stick (like Amazon Fire TV Stick or Roku), or you can watch on a computer, tablet, or phone. Any device with an internet connection and a screen will work.

How much internet data does Netflix use?

Netflix uses roughly 1 GB of data per hour on standard quality, and up to 3 GB per hour on high definition. If you have unlimited home broadband (which most plans include these days), this is not something you need to worry about. If you are watching on mobile data, downloading over WiFi first is a good way to save data.

Can two people watch Netflix at the same time?

Yes, as long as your plan allows it. The Standard plan lets two people watch at the same time on different screens, and the Premium plan allows up to four. The Standard with Adverts plan also supports two simultaneous streams.

Final Thoughts

Netflix is a wonderful way to enjoy films, series, and documentaries from the comfort of your home. Once you have signed up and had a little browse, you will quickly get the hang of it. Start with something that catches your eye, use subtitles if you need them, and do not be afraid to explore.

If you found this guide helpful, you might also enjoy our articles on what streaming is and how it works and how to download apps safely. Happy watching!