Ready to stop Netflix binge-watching in your household? This guide walks you through installing Streaming Video Pause, configuring it for your family, and getting the most out of its features.

The entire setup takes less than 5 minutes.

What You’ll Need

Before starting, make sure you have:

Google Chrome browser installed on your computer
A Netflix account (the extension works with Netflix)
Admin access to the Chrome profile (if setting up for a child)

That’s it. No accounts to create, no subscriptions to manage.

Step 1: Install the Extension

From the Chrome Web Store

Open Google Chrome
Visit the Chrome Web Store (link coming soon)
Search for “Streaming Video Pause”
Click Add to Chrome
Confirm by clicking Add extension in the popup

You’ll see the Streaming Video Pause icon appear in your Chrome toolbar (puzzle piece area).

Verify Installation

Click the puzzle piece icon in Chrome’s toolbar to see your extensions. Streaming Video Pause should appear in the list. You can pin it for easy access by clicking the pin icon.

Step 2: Configure Basic Settings

Click the Streaming Video Pause icon to open the settings panel.

Break Duration

The default break duration is 15 minutes—the science-backed optimal time for rest between episodes. You can adjust this if needed:

10 minutes: Shorter break, suitable for younger children or shorter sessions
15 minutes: Recommended default
20 minutes: Extended break for longer viewing sessions

We recommend starting with 15 minutes and adjusting based on your family’s experience.

Platforms

Currently, Streaming Video Pause works with:

✓ Netflix

Additional platforms (Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube) are in development. Check our website for updates.

Enable/Disable Toggle

The extension can be quickly enabled or disabled from the popup menu. This is useful for:

Adult viewing sessions where breaks aren’t needed
Special occasions (movie nights, holidays)
Troubleshooting

When disabled, Netflix functions normally without automatic pauses.

Step 3: Test the Extension

Before relying on the extension, verify it works correctly:

Open Netflix in Chrome
Start playing any series (not a movie)
Skip to near the end of an episode (use the progress bar)
Watch as the episode ends

What should happen:

Netflix pauses automatically when the episode ends
A timer appears showing the break countdown
The next episode cannot start until the timer completes

If this doesn’t work, see the troubleshooting section below.

Step 4: Set Up for Children’s Profiles

If you’re installing this for your children, consider these additional steps:

Use a Managed Chrome Profile

Chrome allows you to create supervised profiles for children:

Go to Chrome Settings → You and Google → Manage other people
Add a new person (your child)
Optionally link to Google Family Link for additional controls

Install Streaming Video Pause on this profile. The child can’t easily disable extensions on managed profiles.

Lock Extension Settings

To prevent children from modifying or disabling the extension:

Use a separate Chrome profile with parental controls
Or use Chrome’s Enterprise policies (for advanced users)
Consider pairing with a password manager to protect Chrome settings

Explain the Extension to Your Kids

Children respond better when they understand why tools exist:

“This extension helps us take healthy breaks when watching shows. It’s like a halftime in sports—good for your eyes and your brain. The pause gives you time to do something fun before the next episode.”

Frame it as helpful, not punitive.

How the Extension Works

Understanding the mechanics helps set expectations:

Detection

When you play a Netflix series, the extension monitors for episode endings. It detects:

Credits rolling
The autoplay countdown appearing
Episode transition markers

Pause Trigger

When an episode end is detected:

Netflix playback pauses immediately
Autoplay is prevented
The break timer starts
A visual overlay shows remaining break time

Break Period

During the 15-minute break:

Netflix remains paused
Attempts to play are blocked
The timer counts down visibly
Kids know exactly when viewing can resume

Resume

When the timer completes:

The pause is lifted
Normal Netflix controls return
The next episode can be played (manually or via autoplay)
The cycle repeats after the next episode

Advanced Configuration

Custom Break Activities (Coming Soon)

Future versions will include suggestions for break activities:

Physical movement prompts
Quick games
Educational micro-activities

Schedule Mode (Coming Soon)

Set different rules for different times:

Shorter breaks on weekends
Longer breaks on school nights
No extension during family movie time

Parent Dashboard (Coming Soon)

Track viewing patterns:

Episodes watched per day
Break compliance
Total viewing time

Troubleshooting

Extension Not Pausing Netflix

Check if the extension is enabled:

Click the puzzle piece icon in Chrome
Make sure Streaming Video Pause is visible and not grayed out

Refresh Netflix:

Close the Netflix tab
Open a new tab and go to Netflix
The extension sometimes needs a fresh page load

Check for conflicts: Other extensions might interfere. Temporarily disable other Netflix-related extensions to test.

Timer Not Appearing

Ensure you’re watching a series: The extension works on TV series, not movies. Movies don’t have episode breaks.

Check your settings: Open the extension popup and verify it’s enabled.

Extension Disabled Unexpectedly

Chrome updates: Sometimes Chrome updates reset extension permissions. Reinstall if needed.

Profile issues: If using a managed profile, check that the profile is properly configured.

Netflix Layout Changed

Netflix occasionally updates their interface. If the extension stops working after a Netflix update:

Check for extension updates (Chrome usually auto-updates)
Visit our website for announcements
Report the issue so we can fix it quickly

Tips for Success

Be Consistent

Use the extension every time children watch Netflix. Inconsistency creates confusion and pushback.

Pair with Other Rules

The extension handles automatic breaks, but you still set overall viewing limits:

Number of episodes per day
Viewing hours (not before homework, not after 8 PM)
Earned viewing time

Have Break Activities Ready

Fifteen minutes is more valuable when there’s something to do:

Books accessible
Art supplies out
Outdoor access available
A sibling to play with

Celebrate the System

When the extension works well and kids adapt:

Acknowledge their cooperation
Note positive changes (better moods, more outdoor time)
Let them see that breaks make viewing more enjoyable, not less

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this work on smart TVs?

Currently, no. Streaming Video Pause is a Chrome browser extension. We’re exploring options for other platforms.

Can my child disable it?

On a standard Chrome profile, yes—they could disable the extension. For stronger control, use Chrome’s managed profiles or Family Link.

Does it work with other streaming services?

Netflix only for now. Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube support are planned.

Is it free?

Yes, Streaming Video Pause is completely free.

What data does it collect?

None. The extension runs locally in your browser. We don’t collect viewing data, personal information, or usage statistics.

What’s Next?

Once you’ve set up the extension:

Test it yourself before having kids use it
Explain the system to your children
Observe the first few sessions to answer questions
Adjust settings based on what works for your family
Enjoy calmer screen time without the constant battles

Need help? Have suggestions? Visit our homepage for support resources and to share your feedback. We’re always improving based on what parents tell us.