Netflix Launches 'Cellular Data Controls' to Adjust Video Quality on Data-Capped Smartphones - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
Skip to Content

Netflix Launches 'Cellular Data Controls' to Adjust Video Quality on Data-Capped Smartphones

by

Streaming company Netflix today introduced a new set of "cellular data controls" that will give its customers control over the quality of video streaming on cellular networks so as to avoid overcharge fees with data-capped plans. The launch follows an admission of throttling video by Netflix earlier in March, when the company also confirmed the data saver feature would debut in May.

According to Netflix, the default control setting will let users stream approximately 3 hours of TV and movies per gigabyte of data, which it determined as the sweet spot setting that "balances good video quality with lower data usage to help avoid exceeding data caps and incurring overage fees." Of course, since the whole point is personal customization, the controls let users on higher data plans up the streaming quality at their will, and vice versa.

Netflix iOS update

Netflix's cellular data controls (left) and new 3D Touch Quick Actions (right)

The cellular data controls can be found in App Settings, with the various customizable controls available once you toggle off "Set Automatically." From there users can choose Low (4 hours per GB), Medium (2 hours per GB), High (1 hour per GB), or Unlimited options for streaming video in the app. An alternative also exists to shut off cellular data playback completely -- and only use Wi-Fi -- within the menu.

In addition to the cellular controls, the 8.4.0 update to Netflix on the App Store also brings 3D Touch support for Quick Actions right from the Home screen, VoiceOver improvements to navigation, and various bug fixes. Those who have yet to do so can download Netflix from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Tag: Netflix

Top Rated Comments

134 months ago
How about offline viewing like Amazon. That saves a lot of data for your customers.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
134 months ago
Weird that something like this wasn’t there from the beginning. Surely, it must have occurred to someone before that limiting or adjusting mobile data usage of a data-heavy app is something a lot of people care about?

Porn sites have been doing this for years, so I've heard.
You seem to be well-informed. o_O
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Smith288 Avatar
134 months ago
Im over here on my TMobile just chilling.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Jimmy James Avatar
134 months ago
What I really want is offline viewing.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bruinsrme Avatar
134 months ago
Weird that something like this wasn’t there from the beginning. Surely, it must have occurred to someone before that limiting or adjusting mobile data usage of a data-heavy app is something a lot of people care about?



You seem to be well-informed. o_O
Just repeating what I have heard.;)
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
134 months ago
Seem like a smart move. I don't watch Netflix on my cell phone and my iPad is wifi only, so about the only time this will apply is when traveling and not having access to wifi. That happens when Hotels charge extra for wifi, so I am happy to know that this option is there.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

Apple Event Logo

Apple Working on All-New Operating System

Wednesday July 29, 2026 11:39 am PDT by
Apple is developing an all-new operating system that is essentially a mix of tvOS, watchOS, and iOS, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In a report this week, he said the operating system will feature a grid of icons, widgets, and apps, along with customizable clock faces. The new software platform is intended for Apple's long-rumored smart home hub. With built-in facial recognition,...
imac video apple feature

Apple Made Its Second-Biggest Acquisition Ever This Year

Wednesday July 29, 2026 12:03 pm PDT by
Apple this year acquired Israeli startup Q.ai for close to $2 billion, according to the Financial Times. That would make this Apple's second-biggest acquisition ever, after it paid $3 billion for the popular headphone maker Beats in 2014. This is also the largest known Apple acquisition since the company purchased Intel's smartphone modem business and patents for $1 billion in 2019. Q.ai...
Dynamic Island iPhone 18 Pro Feature

iPhone 18 Pro: Twelve Changes Coming to Apple's Next Flagship

Thursday July 30, 2026 3:43 am PDT by
We're less than two months out from the launch of Apple's premium next-generation smartphone lineup, and while we're not expecting a dramatic change in terms of functionality, there are still several enhancements rumored to be coming to the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. One thing worth noting is that Apple is reportedly planning a major change to its iPhone release cycle this year,...

🔗 Related Apple News & Rumors

Stay updated with the latest Apple ecosystem news and verified rumors