Is your “Continue Watching” list on Netflix not working? The feature is an integral part of a content streaming service but can malfunction due to problems with the software or user decisions. Additionally, since February 2022, the service has allowed users to remove certain shows from the list. That is a relief when you’re looking through tens of shows or watching only the first or first few episodes, so you can focus on those that matter. Simultaneously, that action is a downside when you can’t recall which show you watched and how far along you are. Therefore, here’s how to fix Netflix not keeping track of watched episodes.
Note. Before starting, double-check that the show you’re watching is still available. Netflix, due to the way it works, removes shows and movies due to contractual obligations all the time. In the process of removal, a show may seem available in the catalog for a bit.
1. Restart the Netflix app or refresh the browser tab
We understand this seems like a no-brainer guide, but restarting the application can eradicate all temporary glitches. It also forces the Netflix software to sync an account and profile progress across devices. Now, Netflix works on Blu-ray, Mac, Windows, PlayStation, Xbox, Android, iOS, iPadOS, Amazon Fire TV and Stick, Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, and Smart TVs from Samsung, Sony, and others.
We would waste precious time and your attention demonstrating each procedure. Thus, quit the software as usual. You can also use Task Manager on Windows and Activity Monitor on Mac. Then, open the app before checking whether the activity for the shows you watch is up-to-date.
2. Sign out from Netflix on one or all devices
The next step is to log out everywhere you’re logged in like this:
- Visit the Netflix website and sign in with your Netflix account.
- If already signed in, tap your profile in the top right corner.
- Select your Account or Your Account. If you want to log out only on that account, choose the Sign out of Netflix option.
- Go to the Settings section, then select Sign out of all devices → Sign Out to confirm.
- Log in on one or multiple devices then give it a few minutes for the syncing to commence.
- Check the “Continue Watching”, “My List”, or open the show page and see if there are progress bars or the last episode names.
3. Check your Internet connection
Another method that seems unnecessary but solves many issues, especially with viewing history, is a spotty or nonexistent Internet connection. Thus, check that your router is on, that the Internet works, and that you have enough mobile data on a limited plan. Share a hotspot from one device to another or switch from wired to wireless and vice versa. Open other Netflix shows and start watching another episode to verify if the issue is with a particular show. That can happen with recently added shows on Netflix or Netflix Originals, both with a surge in traffic.
4. Verify you’re using the correct user profile
We know the Netflix software isn’t perfect, but sometimes users in a hurry or with a large family are responsible. After all, the service permits anyone in the household to create and utilize a user profile on the same account. Thus, check if you’re logged in to the correct profile. If you watched those episodes on a different one, it’s no wonder Netflix is not keeping track of watched episodes, and there’s your fix. Unsurprisingly, viewing history does not carry over from one profile to another. Also, profiles let parents watch adult-rated episodes. Concurrently, via Parental Controls and content moderation, the software forbids children or teenager profiles access, all on the same device and account.
5. Fix Netflix not keeping track of watched episodes by including a show again
We mentioned that the OTT (over-the-top) service introduced a way to get rid of shows you don’t want to keep seeing from the “Continue Watching” feature. Thus, if you or someone in your household removed a show, you know the culprit. Even if you watch one or more episodes, it will not appear. After all, it was marked, and it syncs with the web, mobile, and TV. Luckily, you can follow these steps to fix the Netflix not keeping track of watched episodes problem:
- Open the show whose episode history Netflix doesn’t remember.
- Select the back arrow (←) next to/below “Remove from Continue Watching” or “Remove from My List”. The options list is usually on the left side, below the thumbnail, show information, and the episode list.
- If you only see those options, it means saving wasn’t removed for the show. Thus, the issue lies somewhere else. You can also toggle the option off, on, then off again to refresh the configuration.
6. Check Viewing History to fix Netflix not keeping track of watched episodes
Although using the option above shouldn’t make watched episodes disappear from Viewing History, it may happen. Nonetheless, account owners can have access to the viewing history for all profiles this way:
- Opening the Netflix website in your browser.
- Click or tap your icon in the top right corner after signing in.
- Select the profile then go to Account.
- Go to Viewing Activity or My Activity.
- You will now see the list of all content you watched on your profile. Shows will display separate episodes in chronological order.
Note. An account owner might have clicked the prohibition icon (circle with a slash inside). If so, the episode is erased from Viewing History, My List, and Continue Watching in 24 hours.
7. Contact Netflix Customer Support
No one barred the show from appearing in the list, or you reversed the decision, yet still can’t find a fix to Netflix not keeping track of watched episodes? We propose reinstalling the application as suggested in our Netflix isn’t compatible with device solution. If that doesn’t work, reach out to Netflix using any option on the Netflix Contact Us page.
Quit Netflix on a particular episode (Workaround)
Until the issue is resolved, many users recommend the option to stay on the episode before you stop watching Netflix as opposed to quitting and opening the home screen. That way, provided you don’t erase your viewing history, clear the cache, or switch profiles, opening Netflix makes you go to the latest episode you watched.