In past times, having a single Netflix account that was shared among the people in your family or group of friends was enough. But now all of that has changed. When Netflix banned password sharing, it was made much harder to share an account with a person outside your home. Netflix is one of the most widely used streaming services because it provides a massive library of both new and old movies and shows. After the sudden change in Netflix password sharing rules, everyone from college students to old roommates began to figure out if they would be required to create their own Netflix accounts.
This article provides details on everything you need to know about Netflix account sharing, Netflix password sharing rules, and many more.
Understanding Netflix Password Sharing Rules
Why did the password sharing end in Netflix?
Netflix states that it limited password sharing because it was more difficult to invest in new original TV shows and films because of the lost revenue from all of those accounts. Competition was an additional factor. The streaming scene has grown more crowded every year, as compared to the early years when there were not many options. This indicates that Netflix is competing with rivals like Disney and Amazon Prime Video.
Netflix’s approach to getting as many viewers on the screen as possible has shifted in the streaming market which has become more competitive. Instead, it requires users to purchase memberships to maintain its current movies and deliver new exclusive shows. Netflix’s crackdown on password sharing aimed to take advantage of the millions of users who were sharing passwords.
What are the Netflix password sharing rules and how do they work?
Though sharing a Netflix account is possible, it is only meant for people who live in the same house. This means that until someone moves out, you may continue to have a single-family subscription or split one account with your household members. That is where things get more complicated.
You have to set up a primary location for your account according to the current Netflix rules. Once it is set, Netflix will check the IP address of the users accessing the service of your account, if they do not match, you will not be able to access Netflix.
When a device wants to sign in from a new location, Netflix generally uses email codes or text messages to verify the device. Only authorized users can access the account because of the verification process. Since family members may watch while away from home, Netflix allows temporary access for travelers from various locations.
You have two options, if you want to use Netflix but don’t live with the person who you share an account with. An extra household member can be added to a Netflix account for $8 a month. This extra account has to be in the same country as the one to which it is being added and the extra account can only access Netflix on one device at a time. Otherwise, they have access to everything on Netflix.
If it doesn’t fit your requirements, the only other option left for you is to pay for your own Netflix subscription. The best part is that you can transfer your Netflix profile to a new account without needing to start again. The above-mentioned are the two Netflix password sharing rules.
What is Netflix’s household sharing policy?
There are specific guidelines about how Netflix subscribers can share their accounts. These guidelines specify what constitutes a household and how the streaming service monitors user behavior to enforce its policies.
A Netflix household refers to people who live together in the same physical location. Most of the subscribers have a query, ‘Can I share my Netflix account with family in a different home?’ The answer is Netflix’s official policy states that an account should only be shared by people who live under one roof. This includes roommates, family members, and everyone else living in the same home or apartment.
Specifically, friends or family who live at different addresses are not included in the company’s definition. Even before Netflix’s stricter enforcement of their household-only policy, many subscribers shared their passwords with other people outside of their homes.
For the subscribers who want to share their subscription with someone who does not live with them, Netflix provides a way in many countries by allowing them to buy an “extra member slot.”
Do we have a penalty for sharing a Netflix account with a person who is not from home?
Netflix can send warning emails to those who share their account with a person from outside their home. These notifications let users understand that sharing their accounts violates Netflix’s terms of service.
Devices that appear to be utilizing the account from outside the home can be blocked by Netflix. These devices have to join the home Wi-Fi network to regain access.
Netflix provides an “extra member” option in different countries. This enables users to officially add one person who does not live in their home to their account.
Are VPNs still usable?
Different content has always been available on Netflix based on the location. While you may still have access to Netflix with a VPN, you may not be able to see everything.
The way that a virtual private network, or VPN, works is by disguising your location. In addition to being an excellent way to keep your personal information from advertising, this also has the added benefit of enabling you to browse websites just like you were browsing from another country. This means that, when it comes to streaming services, you may be able to access some shows that are not available in your nation.
Unfortunately, Netflix doesn’t work that way. Although using a VPN to access Netflix is still an option, you may not be able to access the entire collection for a specific region. Rather, you will only have access to TV series and movies that Netflix has worldwide rights for, like Stranger Things and Squid Game.
You should be safe if the primary reason you watch Netflix is its original programming. However, before you purchase that subscription, you might want to know whether you can view a particular favorite show through a VPN, especially in light of the recent Netflix Password Sharing Rules.
