Having access to streaming services on our phones and tablets is really convenient, but the viewing experience can be frustrating if you accidentally tap the stream. Playback can be paused, or worse, jumps to a different position. If you're watching Netflix on Android, though, accidental taps are no longer a problem.
As 9To5Google reports, the latest update to the Netflix app for Android introduces a new "Screen Lock" feature. When a stream starts playing on your Android device you'll notice a new addition to the on-screen controls called Screen Lock. Tapping it will make all the usual controls disappear with the exception of the Screen Lock toggle.
With Screen Lock active, playback can't be interrupted. Any taps, accidental or otherwise, will simply show the locked Screen Lock icon. If you want to disable it, just tap the screen again while the icon is visible and you'll be asked if you want to unlock. A further tap performs the unlock and all the usual playback controls will return.
It's a simple solution to a very frustrating problem, and a feature I expect will also appear for iOS users in the not too distant future.
Further Reading
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