Netflix has changed how it handles account sharing and households, making it easier to manage who can use your subscription.
Now, Netflix clearly defines what counts as a “Household,” provides tools to manage your devices, and lets Standard or Premium plan users share access outside their home using the Extra Member feature.
Knowing these updates helps you keep your account secure, avoid interruptions, and enjoy Netflix smoothly on all your devices.
How Does Netflix Determine A Household?
Netflix uses a combination of factors to define a “Netflix Household,” which technically refers to all devices connected to the internet at your primary viewing location.
- IP Addresses: Netflix uses your home’s internet connection (IP address) as the primary “anchor” for your household.
- Device IDs: Unique identifiers for the TVs, phones, and tablets used to stream content.
- Account Activity: Viewing history and behavior that helps confirm the main location of use.
These factors mean that sharing your account with someone who lives in a different location may lead to complications, as Netflix restricts use to people who live together in one household.
Maintaining your Netflix household is essential as Netflix has increased its prices, and you need to keep it if an unwanted member is not using your Netflix household spot.
How To Update Your Netflix Household?
Ready to update your household? Follow these steps:
Step 1. Grab your TV remote and open Netflix.
Step 2. Press the back button on your remote to open the menu. Go to your profile icon, then find Get Help and select Manage Netflix Household.
Step 3. Click on Update Netflix Household, then pick Send Email or Send Text to get your verification link.
Step 4. Don’t see the message? No worries – just hit Resend Email or Resend Text to try again.
Step 5. Open your email or text and click “Yes, This Was Me” or tap the link, then hit Confirm Update.
Step 6. You’ll receive a confirmation email, and your TV will automatically refresh, allowing you to get back to binge-watching.
Pro Tip: Can’t find the Manage Netflix Household option? Switch to a different TV – some older devices don’t have this feature available.
How Netflix Handles Accounts Without a TV Household Setup
If you don’t use a Smart TV or streaming stick and only watch Netflix on laptops, tablets, or phones, here’s how it works:
- No Manual Setup Needed: You don’t need to create a Netflix Household manually.
- Automatic Household Detection: Netflix figures out your household using your main IP address and device history.
- Travel Rules: You can watch Netflix on your devices while traveling without any issues.
- Device Verification: If you use a new location for a long time, Netflix may ask for a temporary code sent to your email to verify the device.
- Security Tip: Regularly check your account’s “Manage Access & Devices” page to remove any unrecognized devices and keep your account safe.
Common Netflix Household Troubleshooting Issues
When you encounter any issues while trying to connect to Netflix on your TV and get a notification that “This TV is not part of your Netflix household,” you need not worry.
Some common solutions can help you get back to streaming quickly. Take a look:
- On your TV, select “Update Netflix Household” when prompted.
- Select “Troubleshoot This TV”.
- Open the camera on your mobile device, point it at the TV screen to scan the QR code, and then tap “Next.”
- Ensure your mobile device is connected to your home Wi-Fi, then tap “Next.”
- If your device can’t connect to your home Wi-Fi, the process may fail, so reconnect and try again.
- Tap “Get Code” to generate a new QR code on your TV.
- Open the camera on your mobile device and point it at the TV screen to scan the QR code. (You may need to allow Netflix to access the camera on your mobile device.)
- Once verified, select “Start Watching” to continue watching Netflix.
If the verification process is unsuccessful, double-check that both devices are on the same Wi-Fi, or restart your modem/router to reset your network.
Steps To Verify Devices And Troubleshoot Connection Issues
If you’re experiencing other connection issues, such as a slow or unstable connection, here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot:
- Check your internet connection and restart your router if necessary.
- Log out and log back into your Netflix account on the affected device.
- Turn off your device, then unplug your modem and router from power for 30 seconds.
- After 30 seconds, plug in your modem and router, wait 1 minute, then turn on your device.
- Try Netflix again.
How To Share A Netflix Account With an Extra Member
Netflix allows account holders on Standard or Premium plans to share their account with individuals outside their household by purchasing an Extra Member slot. This feature is now available in all major markets globally.
- Standard Plan ($17.99/mo US): Can add 1 Extra Member.
- Premium Plan ($24.99/mo US): Can add up to 2 Extra Members.
- Cost per Extra Member (US): $6.99/month (with ads) or $8.99/month (without ads).
Note: Extra Members get their own profile, login, and password, but their fee is paid by the primary account holder.
Managing Shared Netflix Access
If you see any unfamiliar device logging in to your account, you can remove the access for your privacy. Take these simple steps and remove the unknown access:
- Log into your Netflix account
- Go to “Account” settings
- Select “Manage Access and Devices”
- Add or remove extra members as needed
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Conclusion: Manage And Update Your Netflix Household Within A Few Steps
Understanding and managing your Netflix household settings is essential to enjoying watching with family members. By following the simple steps, you can easily update your household information.
Troubleshoot common issues for a smooth experience. Citizens of Canada, New Zealand, Portugal, and Spain can share their account access outside the house with standard or premium plans.
Ready to update your Netflix household? Head to your account settings on TV and set the members you want in your Netflix household.
FAQs
To resolve this error, ensure that the device is connected to your home network and verify that you’re signed into the correct account.
You can access your account from different locations; however, sharing it with individuals outside of your designated household may violate Netflix’s policies.
Updating your Netflix Household involves verifying who has access to your account from your primary location and making necessary adjustments based on changes in living arrangements or usage patterns.
