Netflix Password Sharing Rules: Everything You Need to Know (2024)

Netflix has rolled out updated guidelines on sharing passwords, and this change has already taken effect in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Starting from July 20, 2023, Netflix has started sending out emails to users who share passwords with people outside their household.

It’s important to note that these rules aren’t just limited to the US and UK; they also apply to users in India and across the globe. The implementation of these measures will happen gradually, reaching users worldwide.

What is a Netflix Household?

Think of a Netflix Household as a digital control center. It helps Netflix make sure that all the gadgets using their service are part of the same “household.” If you’re not living together, each person should use their own Netflix account. But creating a Netflix Household means you can’t use those 2 or 4-device plans from different spots like before.

So, for those going for Standard or Premium plans, it’s crucial to make sure all the devices on the account are in the same place. Otherwise, following the new Netflix password sharing rules, access to this Household will be cut off if they move away from the main location.

What is the Netflix Household Rule?

According to Netflix, the primary location or Netflix Household is the group of devices connected to the same internet where you mainly watch Netflix. The Netflix Household rule says all devices on the same internet using the same Netflix account are part of the Household.

Since many Netflix users sharing an account might be in different places, finding a primary location can be tricky. But under the new Netflix password sharing rules, it’s up to the account holder to set a primary location. Netflix will then use this location and the Wi-Fi network to recognize your account as a household and handle its profiles.

How Netflix is Tackling Password Sharing:

Even though the look of your Netflix account and profiles won’t change, Netflix is stepping up its game with the new “household rules.” According to a fresh support page, your location as the primary account holder now takes center stage, aligning with the updated Netflix password sharing guidelines.

To address the issue of password sharing, Netflix has introduced a solution in the form of invite-based extra member slots. This allows users who wish to share their account beyond their household to do so through a controlled and regulated process. These extra members get their password, own account, and profile, but it’s on the primary account holder’s tab.

Not all Netflix plans support adding extra members, though. Among the four U.S. plans—Standard with Standard, ads, Basic, and Premium—only Standard and Premium holders can bring in extra members. And there’s a cap: Standard plan holders can add one, while Premium plan holders get two.

In the United States, Netflix is implementing a charge of $7.99 per account per month for each additional member added to the household. Across the pond in the U.K., it’s £4.99 per account per month for Standard and Premium plans.

Here’s the clarity boost: these rules don’t mess with “Netflix Profiles.” If you’ve got Standard or Premium plans, you can still binge on two or four devices at once, respectively—just make sure you’re all under the same roof.

How Netflix Determines Household Membership

Netflix has streamlined the process for identifying household members, primarily through its TV app. According to their official support page, to set or update their primary location, users are required to log into Netflix from a television connected to their home Wi-Fi network.

In cases where a user lacks a compatible TV, Netflix takes charge and automatically determines the primary location by analyzing the user’s device IDs, IP address, and account activity.

If someone attempts to access the Netflix account from a different location, they won’t be recognized as part of the primary account holder’s household. Netflix promptly detects such instances and restricts access to the platform.

Tracking Password Sharing on Netflix

Netflix employs critical data, including IP addresses, device IDs, and account activity, to assess the authenticity of devices within a household. If you have various WiFi connections at home or access different WiFi networks with unique external IP addresses, it’s crucial to prioritize the primary connection when configuring a Netflix Household on your TV.

If a user isn’t on the same network as the primary device, they won’t be recognized as part of the household. Consequently, automatic access to Netflix will be restricted for anyone not on the primary network.

Can Netflix Passwords Still Be Shared?

Indeed, Netflix allows password sharing with users outside of the household, but not without a cost. While a Netflix account is originally designed for sharing within the same household, the flexibility to add users residing outside the household is exclusive to those on a Standard or Premium Plan.

In the United Kingdom and the United States, adding one member to the Standard plan costs $7.99 or €4.99, respectively, with variations based on the country. Additionally, the extra account can only be established in the same country as the primary account’s location.

In essence, traditional password sharing on Netflix is gradually becoming a thing of the past. The alternative is to either add extra members to your account or consider obtaining separate accounts for each user. You can still choose to share passwords at your own risk, or explore alternative streaming options.

Can I Still Access Netflix While Traveling?

Netflix assures users that for short trips, roughly around 7 days, uninterrupted access to the streaming service is maintained. In situations involving prolonged travels, it’s important to note that access may be limited. For individuals who frequently find themselves on extended journeys, we recommend ensuring the continued functionality of your Netflix Household devices by utilizing them from your primary residence at least once a month. 

If you don’t stick to these recommendations, your devices may no longer be considered part of your Netflix Household. In such situations, your best bet is to get a new Netflix account for your secondary location or the place you visit often.

Another option is to reach out to the main account holder and ask to be added to their account by chipping in an extra fee. This ensures you can keep enjoying Netflix without any interruptions and stays in line with our service rules. While it might be a bit of a hassle, those are the available options at this juncture.

So, the speculations were accurate—there is indeed a concept of a “primary” home and a “secondary” home on Netflix.

Will Netflix Profiles Still Be Around?

In accordance with the revised Netflix password-sharing regulations, the current Netflix profiles within the main household account will remain unchanged.  However, they’ll now be recognized as household members, meaning you can no longer share them with friends or relatives who aren’t residing with you, as was possible in the past. Access and the ability to create Netflix profiles are reserved exclusively for individuals residing under the same roof as you, in adherence to the updated rules. Additionally, “extra members” in your household are limited to creating only one profile.

Can Netflix Profiles be Transferred to New Accounts?

Certainly. If you used to share a Netflix profile but now want your own account, you can transfer your existing profile—including viewing history,  recommendations, and settings—to a new account. To do this, follow the provided instructions. Just make sure the new rules haven’t been rolled out in your region yet. This allows for a seamless transition while keeping your personalized content intact.

How Much Will Netflix Charge for Password Sharing?

According to Netflix’s updated password sharing rules, an additional charge of  $7.99 per member for each extra household member added in the US. For the UK, the cost of adding an extra member will be €4.99.

As Netflix shifts to household accounts for primary users, it’s good to know that the base prices and device limits will stay the same. However, if you decide to add an extra member account, remember there’s an additional charge of $7.99 or €4.99, as mentioned earlier.

There’s a caveat, though. Netflix restricts the option to add extra members to specific plans. Only users on the Standard and Premium plans can utilize this functionality. Standard plan users can add one extra member outside of their Netflix Household, while Premium plan users can add two.

Here’s a breakdown of Netflix’s updated pricing structure in the U.S.:

It’s worth emphasizing that Netflix doesn’t allow adding extra members to third-party packages. So, if you’re the primary account holder, you can either cover the cost for the additional member or suggest they get their own Netflix account. It’s all about keeping things fair and in line with Netflix’s policies.

Why is Netflix Ending Password Sharing?

The primary reason behind Netflix’s decision to end password sharing lies in the financial aspect. The company stated in a recent quarterly letter to shareholders that password sharing undermines its revenue model. As Netflix depends on each user contributing to the service’s revenue, shared passwords result in missed opportunities to gain potential customers. The company aims to address this by discouraging password sharing, ultimately encouraging users to subscribe individually and thereby increase revenue.

Key Takeaways from Netflix’s New Password Sharing Rules:

• Primary Account Location Tagging: Netflix now tags the account holder’s location and restricts profiles connected from elsewhere.
• New Account Monitoring Methods: Netflix keeps an eye on things using a mix of device IDs, IP addresses, and account activity. will be used by Netflix to monitor and regulate accounts.
• Paid Extra Accounts/Profiles: Users desiring to share passwords will need to purchase extra accounts. In the US and the UK, this comes at a price of $7.99 and €4.99 per member per month, respectively.
• Netflix Household during Travels: The new rules won’t impact short-term travellers. However, for longer periods or relocations, maintaining a consistent connection to the Netflix Household requires a monthly visit to the primary location. This practice ensures the ongoing functionality of your devices and aligns with Netflix’s operational guidelines.

Profiles Can Be Transferred: Users wanting to create new accounts have the option to transfer their Netflix profiles with viewing history, recommendations, and settings intact.