In 2023, Netflix has made some changes regarding password sharing. This impacts users in the US, Canada, New Zealand, and other places. Maybe you’ve even gotten a letter from them explaining what’s going on. Or perhaps you’ve found yourself unable to enjoy your favorite Netflix shows because you were using someone else’s account.
This situation is a big deal for many people. Now, if you want to add a new person to your Netflix account, you’ll have to pay extra. But don’t worry, there are ways to work around these new restrictions without spending any money.
One of the most effective methods to bypass Netflix’s password sharing limits is by using NordVPN and turning on the Meshnet feature. This feature lets you connect up to 60 devices at the same time and helps you get around Netflix’s rules without costing you anything extra.
If you’re curious about why NordVPN’s Meshnet is a top solution and want to know about other ways to get past Netflix’s password-sharing changes, just keep reading this article.
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How Does the Netflix Password Sharing Policy Work?
Currently, the way Netflix handles password sharing involves limiting account usage to one, two, or four smart TVs and streaming devices operating simultaneously. All of these active screens are required to be within the same household.
If you’re looking to share your Netflix account with individuals outside your household, the officially sanctioned method involves acquiring a sub-account for an additional fee of $7.99 per month.
At present, the restrictions on Netflix password sharing extend to more than 100 countries. This includes countries like the USA, Great Britain, France, Germany, Australia, Singapore, Mexico, and Brazil.
To determine whether your Netflix account is being shared with individuals beyond your home network, Netflix employs several markers including:
- IP address
- Device identification
- Your home’s location
- Activity data from your Netflix account
It’s evident that a significant amount of personal data is gathered in this process. Hence, our recommendation is to employ a robust VPN to reclaim your online privacy, particularly when enjoying Netflix content in regions like the USA, New Zealand, Spain, or other countries with password sharing restrictions.
The good news is, currently, Netflix doesn’t impose charges for sharing your account with friends. However, when someone uses a streaming device outside of your household, they’ll be prompted to input a four-digit verification code.
This code is sent to the primary email address or phone number associated with the account and must be entered within a 15-minute window. Failure to do so will result in the outside user being unable to access the account. A message will appear stating, “This TV is connected to the primary location for this account.”
In the meantime, primary Netflix account holders generally don’t need to undergo verification when accessing the account—unless, of course, they are spending an extended period away from their registered home location.
Strategies to Navigate Around the Netflix Password Sharing Restrictions
Indeed, purchasing a sub-account to complement an existing Netflix subscription offers a valid avenue for sidestepping the constraints imposed on sharing. However, there exist alternative approaches that don’t necessitate any financial expenditure.
Among these additional methods is the utilization of NordVPN’s Meshnet, a feature that harmonizes the IP addresses between you and your friend. Additionally, logging into Netflix for the first time from your primary household network, as well as opting to watch Netflix content on devices other than smart TVs or streaming devices, can also prove effective.
As you delve further into this article, you’ll uncover a detailed exploration of four viable techniques to maintain the practice of sharing your Netflix membership with friends and acquaintances.
How to Get Around the Netflix Password Sharing Restriction
- Begin by registering with NordVPN. You can utilize its Meshnet without any subscription.
- Proceed to download and install the NordVPN application onto your device.
- Activate the Meshnet feature from within the application.
- Extend a Meshnet invitation to your friend by sending them an email. Alternatively, you can activate Meshnet on other devices within your home, and the connection will be established automatically.
Now, you’re all set to open Netflix and enjoy unrestricted access, free from the constraints of password sharing limitations!
Acquire Additional User Accounts
Opting to purchase extra Netflix user accounts, often referred to as sub-accounts, presents a legitimate avenue for sidestepping the constraints of Netflix’s password sharing regulations, all while adhering to the streaming platform’s terms and conditions. This method is sanctioned by Netflix itself, ensuring that you can confidently pursue this solution without apprehension.
Although this approach might seem foolproof, it does come with certain drawbacks. The trade-off is that you’ll be required to allocate an additional $7.99 per month for each new member. This financial commitment could potentially equate to securing an entirely separate streaming service subscription, like Hulu, for instance.
Moreover, it’s worth noting that not all Netflix subscription tiers offer the option to create sub-accounts. This functionality is exclusively accessible to users of the higher-priced Standard and Premium plans.
Additionally, Standard plan subscribers are restricted to adding just one sub-account. In essence, Netflix is employing strategies to incentivize users toward acquiring a wholly new subscription at the full price.
Utilize NordVPN’s Meshnet Functionality
NordVPN, renowned as one of the most reputable VPN providers available, extends the opportunity for both its paid subscribers and non-subscribers to leverage a free feature known as Meshnet.
This innovative feature enables your fellow Netflix account users to replicate their IP addresses to match yours, effectively fooling Netflix into perceiving that all streaming activities originate from a single location. Meshnet is accessible across various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS devices.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to acquire and deploy Meshnet to navigate around the Netflix password sharing restrictions:
- Begin by visiting the official NordVPN website or accessing it through the app store. Download the NordVPN application from the provided source.
- Proceed to download and install the application on your chosen device.
- Create a new NordVPN account or log in if you already have one.
- Locate the Meshnet icon, which typically resembles four dots interconnected to form a square.
- Activate the Meshnet feature within the application.
- Familiarize yourself with the comprehensive details about the feature, and then opt to turn on Meshnet.
- Identify the option to link devices and select it.
- Choose the “Invite” button adjacent to the “Link external device” option.
- Enter the email address of the recipient you wish to invite and configure the permissions as per your preference for their device.
- Once the recipient accepts the invitation, a shared IP address will be established. At this juncture, you’re ready to access Netflix and enjoy your shared account without incurring any additional charges.
Opt for Non-Smart TV and Non-Streaming Device Streaming
An interesting loophole in Netflix’s policy comes into play here. The scrutiny for account sharing beyond the household is mainly directed towards smart TVs and streaming devices, such as Roku or Fire Stick.
Consequently, circumventing the Netflix password sharing restrictions can be achieved by accessing a shared Netflix account through alternative means like a computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
While it’s no secret that indulging in episodes of popular TV shows like “You” or “Manifest” on a larger screen provides a more immersive experience than on an iPhone, there’s still room for creative solutions.
For instance, you can cast your computer’s or phone’s screen onto your smart TV. Alternatively, the tried-and-true HDMI cable method remains a reliable option.
Access via the Netflix Account Holder’s Wi-Fi
An alternative approach for sidestepping the limitations on Netflix account sharing is both temporary and yet quite effective.
Capitalizing on the fact that Netflix isn’t particularly vigilant about monitoring users who share a common network connection, you can readily visit the primary residence of the account owner. Once there, you can log in to Netflix using the primary Wi-Fi connection associated with that location.
Admittedly, this method might require periodic re-login instances. However, as long as you remain logged in, you should be poised to relish seamless streaming of Netflix content, including the US library and even offerings from other global Netflix regions.
How Does Netflix Define “Household”?
Netflix’s stance on password sharing defines a “household” as encompassing “you and those with whom you share your residence.”
This interpretation is also reflected in the error message encountered by individuals attempting to log in from beyond the recognized household while in the US. Effectively, adhering to Netflix’s understanding of a household permits the shared utilization of a single Netflix subscription among multiple individuals.
It’s important to note, however, that the streaming service doesn’t explicitly prohibit account usage while traveling, as long as the permitted number of screens according to the subscription plan is not exceeded.
Moreover, the rules governing downloading films and TV shows remain unaffected. Consequently, logging into the Netflix account through the primary Wi-Fi connection can serve as a means to sustain the practice of sharing the account with individuals outside the primary household.
The Netflix crackdown has brought about a heightened level of scrutiny on account activities, particularly in regard to password sharing. In addition to the primary focus on IP addresses, Netflix now extends its surveillance to encompass other key factors. This includes gathering details such as your device’s unique identifier and the geographical location of your residence.
Fortunately, there’s a workaround that allows you to create the appearance of shared households among friends. Enter the NordVPN Meshnet feature. This innovative capability enables the replication of the same IP address across a remarkable 60 devices concurrently.
Given that tracking IP addresses forms the cornerstone of Netflix’s approach, having a consistent IP address among your shared account users effectively signals compliance and quells any potential concerns.
However, it’s important to acknowledge the legal perspective. Regrettably, the act of password sharing on Netflix runs counter to the service’s established terms and conditions. In certain regions, such as the UK, it even crosses into the realm of criminal activity, being classified as a violation of copyright laws as deemed by the Intellectual Property Office.
Is Sharing Netflix Passwords Considered Illegal?
Yes, in a technical sense, sharing Netflix passwords can be considered illegal. However, it’s noteworthy that Netflix hasn’t aggressively pursued legal action on this front. Notably, in 2016, the US 9th Circuit Court of Appeals classified password sharing as an offense under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act. It’s important to emphasize that this verdict pertains to the US jurisdiction exclusively.
Extending beyond the US, other regions have also addressed this matter. For instance, the United Kingdom’s Intellectual Property Office has introduced legislation that prohibits password sharing on account of its violation of copyright law. This underscores the broader global context of the issue.
Can You Continue to Unlock Different Netflix Libraries with a VPN?
Yes, it remains possible to access diverse Netflix libraries using a VPN. Importantly, the use of a VPN for Netflix has never been officially endorsed by the streaming platform itself. Consequently, leveraging a VPN to circumvent geographical restrictions on Netflix can be seen as a violation of the platform’s established terms and conditions.
However, the question arises: does the mere breach of these terms deter individuals from pursuing their desires through VPN usage? The answer is likely varied; while some might be dissuaded, not everyone will be.
Summing it up, the landscape remains unchanged in terms of using a VPN for Netflix. Thus, you can still employ a VPN to unlock content from, for instance, Netflix Japan while residing in the US, and vice versa.
Final Words
The implementation of Netflix’s password sharing restrictions in various countries, including the United States, has undeniably left a global impact on user satisfaction. While the motives behind Netflix’s pursuit of increased revenue and a broader base of genuine users might not be entirely transparent to us, regular individuals, the persistence of the password sharing ban is a reality we must reckon with.
Thankfully, adhering to this policy isn’t the only option available, and there are ways to navigate around the imposed restrictions.
