Netflix Introduces an Audio-Only Mode for Android

The new mode allows you to listen to shows and movies without displaying the video.

Netflix has introduced a new feature to its Android app that allows you to listen to its content with the video off, putting an entirely different spin on the phrase background viewing.

You Can Now Listen to Netflix

It's not quite the introduction of podcasts, but it's getting there. As discovered by Android Police, the most recent update to Netflix has added an audio-only background playback feature.

This comes as part of the update version 7.84.1 build 28 35243 for Android devices. However, this doesn't mean that the feature is available to you immediately, since it'll take some time to be available to all users across every region.

Audio-only on Netflix was first spotted in an APK teardown by XDA back in October 2020, but at that point the feature was still under development and not available to the public.

With audio-only playback, you can leave a show or movie playing in the background with the video off. This means you can save mobile data and battery while you listen to the content.

Of course, this isn't going to be desirable for everything. Some shows need you to be watching them to be fully appreciated. However, it could be good for stand-up shows or for when you want to have your favorite sitcom running in the background for comfort.

How to Enable Audio-Only Mode on Netflix

For now, audio-only mode is only available on the Android version of Netflix. It might be available on other platforms like iOS, desktop, and web eventually, but that's unknown.

To enable audio-only mode, first play something on Netflix in full screen. You will then see a new Video off button at the top. This turns the screen blank, though leaves playback controls (like the progress bar and speed control).

There's also a related feature in the app's settings called Audio Only. Tap this and you can choose between three options: Always On, Headphones or External Speakers, and Off.

Change the Language on Netflix

You could try using the audio-only mode in conjunction with audio description, which is enabled via the Audio & Subtitles settings menu. That way you won't miss out so much on visual cues.

Another fun use for this audio-only mode could be to help you learn a new language. You could play a show or movie you know well in your native tongue, but choose a foreign language dub. Then you can listen along and hopefully pick up some new words at the same time.

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