Netflix rolling out audio-only mode to the Android app
Netflix has been adding many features recently into its Android app. The service got variable playback speeds and a screen lock feature this year, and now it looks like we’re in for audio-only background playback. It could help you save some precious mobile data or leave your phone in your pocket while you’re keeping up with your favourite series.
The feature is now available to subscribers as part of a server-side rollout in version 7.84.1 build 28 35243. If you’re in on the change, you’ll see a new Video off button at the top of the full-screen video player. Selecting it turns on the audio-only mode, leaving you with a blank screen showing all playback controls including the scrub bar, forward and backward, speed, and so on. Even the brightness slider remains available.
There is also a new Audio Only option in settings. Selecting it opens a pop-up menu that lets you choose when you want to use the mode: Always On, Headphones or External Speakers, and Off.
The mode is ideal for blind and low vision users, just switch to audio description under Audio & Subtitles when available.
It might take a while until the audio-only mode rolls out to your account. The only thing you can do is try to keep your Netflix app updated, so check if you’ve got the latest version installed on the Play Store.
