Struggling with unwanted titles cluttering your Netflix Continue Watching row on your Smart TV? This guide walks you through simple, effective methods to remove or hide shows and movies—no matter your TV brand. Enjoy a cleaner, more personalized viewing experience in just minutes.
Key Takeaways
- You can’t permanently delete the Continue Watching row, but you can remove individual titles or hide the entire section from your profile.
- Use the Netflix website or mobile app for the most reliable way to manage Continue Watching—your Smart TV has limited editing options.
- Clearing watch history removes items from Continue Watching and prevents Netflix from suggesting similar content.
- Create separate profiles to keep viewing habits private and avoid accidental spoilers or clutter.
- Log out and back in after making changes to ensure updates sync across all devices, including your Smart TV.
- Some Smart TV models may require a restart for changes to appear immediately on the Netflix app.
- Regular maintenance—like monthly cleanups—helps keep your Continue Watching row relevant and enjoyable.
How to Delete Continue Watching on Netflix Smart TV
If you’ve ever scrolled through Netflix on your Smart TV only to be greeted by a row of half-watched shows or movies you have no intention of finishing, you’re not alone. The “Continue Watching” row is designed to help you pick up where you left off—but sometimes, it becomes more of a distraction than a convenience. Whether it’s a show you started on a whim, a movie you fell asleep during, or content someone else watched on your profile, that persistent thumbnail can be annoying.
The good news? You can remove titles from the Continue Watching row—even on a Smart TV. The process isn’t always obvious, and it varies slightly depending on your TV brand (like Samsung, LG, Sony, or Tizen), but with the right steps, you can clean up your Netflix home screen in just a few minutes.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through multiple methods to delete or hide Continue Watching items on Netflix when using a Smart TV. We’ll cover how to do it directly from your TV (when possible), how to use the Netflix website or mobile app for more control, and how to prevent unwanted titles from reappearing. By the end, you’ll have a streamlined, personalized Netflix experience that reflects what you actually want to watch.
Why the Continue Watching Row Can Be Problematic
Visual guide about How to Delete Continue Watching on Netflix Smart Tv
Image source: lifewire.com
Before diving into the how-to, it’s worth understanding why the Continue Watching feature exists—and why it sometimes causes frustration.
Netflix’s algorithm is built around personalization. The Continue Watching row is one of the most prominent features on the home screen because it’s designed to keep you engaged. If you start a show, Netflix assumes you’ll want to return to it. But real life gets in the way. You might start a documentary with a friend, fall asleep halfway through a movie, or accidentally press play while browsing.
Over time, this row can become cluttered with content that no longer interests you. Worse, it might reveal spoilers (“Wait, they’re already on Season 3?!”) or make it harder to find new recommendations. On a shared profile, family members or roommates might leave behind their viewing history, cluttering your screen with shows you’d never watch.
That’s why knowing how to manage—or delete—Continue Watching items is essential for a smooth, enjoyable streaming experience.
Can You Delete Continue Watching Directly on a Smart TV?
The short answer: Not really—at least not easily.
Most Smart TVs (including models from Samsung, LG, Sony, and Vizio) run a simplified version of the Netflix app. While you can browse, search, and play content, the editing features are limited. There’s no built-in “remove from Continue Watching” button when you highlight a title on your TV.
You might try pressing the “OK” or “Select” button on your remote while hovering over a Continue Watching item, hoping for a menu to appear—but in most cases, you’ll only get playback options like “Play” or “More Info.” No delete option.
This limitation exists because Smart TV interfaces prioritize simplicity and speed. Complex menus and editing tools are often reserved for the full Netflix website or mobile apps, which offer more control.
So while you can watch and pause content directly on your TV, managing your Continue Watching list requires a different approach—one that involves using another device.
Method 1: Remove Continue Watching Items via the Netflix Website
The most reliable and user-friendly way to delete Continue Watching items is by using the Netflix website on a computer, tablet, or smartphone. This method works across all devices and gives you full control over your viewing history.
Here’s how to do it step by step:
Step 1: Open Netflix on a Web Browser
Go to netflix.com and log in with your account credentials. Make sure you’re signed into the correct profile—especially if you have multiple profiles set up.
Step 2: Navigate to Your Account Settings
Once logged in, click on your profile icon in the top-right corner of the screen. From the dropdown menu, select Account.
This will take you to your account management page, where you can view and edit various settings, including viewing activity.
Step 3: Find “Viewing Activity”
Scroll down the Account page until you see a section labeled Profile & Parental Controls. Under your profile name, click on Viewing Activity.
This page lists every title you’ve watched or started on Netflix—including those currently in your Continue Watching row.
Step 4: Remove Unwanted Titles
You’ll see a chronological list of shows and movies. To remove an item from Continue Watching, simply click the X (remove) button next to the title you want to delete.
For example, if you see “Stranger Things” but don’t plan to finish it, click the X next to it. The title will disappear from your Continue Watching row immediately.
Pro Tip: If you remove a title from Viewing Activity, Netflix will also stop recommending similar content—at least for a while. This is helpful if you’re trying to avoid spoilers or shift your viewing habits.
Step 5: Confirm the Changes
After removing the unwanted titles, go back to your Netflix home screen on your Smart TV. The changes should sync within a few minutes. If they don’t appear right away, try refreshing the app or restarting your TV.
Method 2: Use the Netflix Mobile App to Manage Continue Watching
If you don’t have access to a computer, the Netflix mobile app (available on iOS and Android) offers a nearly identical experience to the website. It’s perfect for quick cleanups on the go.
Step 1: Open the Netflix App
Launch the Netflix app on your smartphone or tablet. Make sure you’re logged into the correct profile.
Step 2: Go to “Account”
Tap your profile icon in the top-right corner, then select Account from the menu.
Step 3: Access “Viewing Activity”
Scroll down and tap on Viewing Activity under your profile name.
Step 4: Remove Titles
Just like on the website, you’ll see a list of everything you’ve watched. Tap the X next to any title you want to remove from Continue Watching.
The change will sync across all devices, including your Smart TV, within a few minutes.
Step 5: Check Your Smart TV
Return to your Smart TV and open Netflix. The removed titles should no longer appear in the Continue Watching row.
Method 3: Hide the Entire Continue Watching Row (Advanced)
If you find the Continue Watching row too distracting or cluttered, and you don’t want to delete individual titles, you can take a more drastic step: hide the entire row from your profile.
This won’t delete your viewing history, but it will remove the Continue Watching section from your home screen.
Here’s how:
Step 1: Use the Netflix Website or App
Go to netflix.com or open the mobile app and log in.
Step 2: Navigate to “Viewing Activity”
Follow the same steps as before: Account > Viewing Activity.
Step 3: Remove All Recent Activity
To hide the Continue Watching row, you need to remove all recent viewing activity. Click the X next to every title in the list.
Once all items are removed, the Continue Watching row will disappear from your home screen.
Note: This is a temporary solution. As soon as you start watching something new, the row will reappear.
Step 4: Prevent Future Clutter
To keep the row hidden, avoid starting new content—or remove it immediately after watching a few minutes. This method works best for users who prefer a clean, minimalist interface.
Method 4: Create Separate Profiles for Better Control
One of the most effective long-term solutions to Continue Watching clutter is using separate profiles.
If multiple people use the same Netflix account—like family members or roommates—each person should have their own profile. This keeps viewing history, recommendations, and Continue Watching rows completely separate.
Step 1: Go to Your Account Page
Log in to Netflix on a computer or mobile device and go to Account.
Step 2: Add a New Profile
Under Profiles, click Add Profile. You can create up to five profiles per account.
Name each profile appropriately (e.g., “Dad,” “Mom,” “Kids”) and choose a kid-friendly icon if needed.
Step 3: Switch Profiles on Your Smart TV
On your Smart TV, open Netflix and select the appropriate profile when prompted. Each profile will have its own Continue Watching row, so no one’s viewing history interferes with another’s.
Step 4: Manage Each Profile Individually
Use the website or app to clean up Continue Watching for each profile as needed. This ensures everyone enjoys a personalized, clutter-free experience.
Method 5: Clear Your Entire Viewing History
If your Continue Watching row is completely out of control, you might want to start fresh by clearing your entire viewing history.
This will remove all titles from Continue Watching and reset your recommendation algorithm.
Step 1: Visit Viewing Activity
Go to Account > Viewing Activity on the Netflix website or app.
Step 2: Click “Clear All Viewing Activity”
At the bottom of the page, you’ll see a link that says Clear all viewing activity. Click it.
Step 3: Confirm the Action
Netflix will ask if you’re sure. Confirm, and all viewing history—including Continue Watching—will be deleted.
Step 4: Wait for Sync
Changes may take up to 24 hours to fully sync across all devices. After that, your Continue Watching row will be empty, and Netflix will begin building new recommendations based on your future viewing.
Warning: This is irreversible. Once cleared, you can’t recover your viewing history.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the right steps, you might run into problems when trying to delete Continue Watching items. Here are some common issues and how to fix them.
Issue 1: Changes Don’t Appear on Smart TV
You removed titles on the website, but they’re still showing up on your TV.
Solution: Netflix syncs data periodically, but sometimes it takes time. Try these steps:
- Close and reopen the Netflix app on your Smart TV.
- Restart your TV completely (power off, wait 30 seconds, power on).
- Ensure your TV is connected to the internet.
- Log out of Netflix on your TV and log back in.
Issue 2: Can’t Find the “X” to Remove Titles
Some users report not seeing the remove button next to titles.
Solution: Make sure you’re on the correct profile and that you’re viewing “Viewing Activity” under your own account—not a kid profile or managed profile. Also, ensure you’re using the latest version of the Netflix app or website.
Issue 3: Continue Watching Row Keeps Coming Back
Even after clearing history, the row reappears as soon as you watch something new.
Solution: This is normal behavior. The Continue Watching row is designed to reappear when you start new content. To minimize clutter, remove titles immediately after watching a few minutes—or use separate profiles.
Issue 4: Smart TV App Feels Slow or Unresponsive
Older Smart TVs may struggle with app performance.
Solution: Update your TV’s software through the settings menu. If the Netflix app is outdated, uninstall and reinstall it (if possible). Also, ensure your internet connection is stable.
Tips for Maintaining a Clean Continue Watching Row
Now that you know how to delete Continue Watching items, here are some best practices to keep your Netflix experience smooth and enjoyable:
- Clean up monthly: Set a reminder to review and remove unwanted titles once a month.
- Use profiles wisely: Assign one profile per user to avoid mix-ups.
- Remove titles immediately: If you start something and don’t like it, remove it from Viewing Activity right away.
- Avoid accidental plays: Be careful when browsing—hovering over a title for too long can trigger autoplay.
- Check other devices: Changes sync across devices, so clean up on your phone or computer for the best results.
Conclusion
Deleting Continue Watching items on Netflix when using a Smart TV might not be as straightforward as clicking a button on your remote—but it’s definitely possible. While your TV’s Netflix app doesn’t offer direct editing tools, you can easily manage your viewing history using the Netflix website or mobile app. Whether you remove individual titles, clear your entire history, or create separate profiles, you have full control over what appears on your screen.
By following the steps in this guide, you can say goodbye to cluttered rows, accidental spoilers, and unwanted recommendations. Your Netflix home screen will feel fresh, personalized, and tailored to your tastes.
Remember: consistency is key. A little maintenance goes a long way. Take a few minutes each month to tidy up your Continue Watching row, and you’ll enjoy a smoother, more enjoyable streaming experience—no matter what Smart TV you’re using.
So grab your phone or laptop, log in to Netflix, and start cleaning up today. Your future self will thank you.