Netflix’s crackdown on password sharing in 2023 left millions scrambling for solutions. With strict “household” rules in place, users in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and beyond found themselves locked out of shared accounts.
But does this mean you have to buy a separate subscription? Not necessarily. There are still creative ways people can access Netflix outside their designated households.
In this article, I’ll break down how Netflix Household works, why it restricts sharing, and the clever methods some users are using to bypass these limitations.
Let’s dive in!
What Is Netflix Household, And How Does It Stop You From Sharing Passwords?
A Netflix Household account is meant for people living together. If someone doesn’t live with you, they’ll need their account to access Netflix. A Netflix Household includes all the devices connected to the internet at your home where you typically watch Netflix.
You can set it up using your TV. Any device connected to the same internet as this TV will automatically be part of your Netflix Household.
If Netflix detects that a user isn’t part of the household and might be attempting to bypass its password-sharing rules, it will prompt them to verify their device.
How Netflix Decides Who Is In A Household?
Netflix uses the IP address, device IDs, and account activity to determine who is part of a household.
This means if you watch Netflix on your main TV and other devices using the same internet, they’re all part of one household. You can choose your TV as the main one, but you can’t add other devices or friends to that household.
It might seem tough to change this, but there are some tricks you can try!
How To Get Around The Netflix Password-Sharing Rules
Want to keep streaming Netflix even with password-sharing rules in place? Here’s how you can bypass restrictions and enjoy your favorite shows:
1. Buy An Additional User Account
Netflix now allows users to add extra members to their accounts for a small fee, offering a way to share with others. This option is ideal for those who want to share their Netflix account with friends or family outside their household.
By purchasing an additional user account for $7.99 per month, you provide them with their login credentials while staying within Netflix’s terms of service.
This method avoids any risk of the primary account being flagged for unauthorized access, offering a legal workaround to Netflix’s restrictions.
With the Standard plan, you can only add one extra person to share your Netflix account. The Premium plan lets you add two people. But if you have the “Standard with ads” plan, you can’t add anyone at all.
2. Use NordVPN App
A common way to bypass Netflix’s household restrictions is by using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). VPN apps mask your real location by routing your internet connection through a server in a different geographic area.
Connecting to a server near the account owner’s location can trick Netflix into thinking you are part of the same household.
However, Netflix has been cracking down on VPN usage, so this method isn’t foolproof. Here’s how you can use NordVPN Meshnet to bypass the Netflix password-sharing ban:
Step 1: Go to the official NordVPN website and download the Nord VPN app.
Step 2: After installation sign in to your account.
Step 3: Look for the Meshnet icon and activate the Meshnet feature. Once you’ve reviewed the information, click the “Turn on Meshnet” button to enable it.
3. Share Access Via Codes Or Emails
Another approach to sharing a Netflix account is by verifying your account, you need to type in a four-digit code within 15 minutes. This code is sent to the email you used to sign up.
If you want, you can also share this code with a friend using your account outside your house.
If 15 minutes isn’t enough, you can set up auto-forwarding for these emails in Gmail. Here’s how:
- Go to the Gmail Forwarding and POP/IMAP settings.
- Click on the Add a Forwarding Address button and type in the email address you want to send Netflix codes.
Just remember, the person getting the email will need to confirm it, and you might want to set up a filter to only forward Netflix messages, not all your emails.
After you add the forwarding address, you’ll see a message at the top of your Gmail. You can even add multiple addresses if you want to share Netflix codes with more friends!
4. Connect To The Netflix Account Owner’s WiFi To Log In
If you live close to the Netflix account owner or visit frequently, you can log in while connected to their WiFi. Once logged in on the primary network, your device is recognized as part of the household. Afterward, you can access Netflix from other locations without any issues for a certain period.
However, Netflix may require the device to reconnect to the primary household WiFi, so this method works best for occasional usage or those who can visit the account owner frequently.
5. Avoid Smart TVs And Streaming Devices
Smart TVs and streaming devices like Roku or Amazon Fire TV Stick are more likely to flag Netflix’s household detection. This is because these devices have unique IDs and are often stationary. It is easy for Netflix to track usage outside the primary household.
Instead, consider using mobile devices or laptops to access Netflix, as these are more portable and less likely to be flagged for location mismatches. Avoiding these larger devices can help you bypass the restrictions without raising red flags in Netflix’s monitoring system.
Is It Safe To Bypass Netflix Household?
No, trying to get around Netflix’s household rules isn’t safe, and it might break their rules. Netflix looks at things like where you are using it and what devices you have to see if they belong to the same home. If Netflix finds a device that doesn’t belong to the household, they might send a special code to the phone or email linked to the account.
While there are ways to get around Netflix’s household rules, it’s essential to consider the risks. Netflix is continually updating its technology to detect unauthorized access. Bypassing their restrictions could result in your account being flagged, limited, or even terminated.
If you’re sharing an account, it’s best to stick to Netflix’s official guidelines, such as buying an additional user account, to avoid any issues with your service.
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Conclusion: Buying An Additional User Account Is The Best Legal Method
Netflix wants more people to subscribe and help them increase revenue, so they’ve made it harder to share your account with friends or family who don’t live with you.
But, there are still some ways people can get around the Netflix household. In my opinion, buying an additional user account is the best way to get around the Netflix household.
There are a few other ways too but they come with some risks and won’t work for the long term.
While it may be tempting to find workarounds, following Netflix’s guidelines ensures uninterrupted service and avoids potential risks. If you want to share an account with someone outside your household, consider purchasing an additional user account to stay within Netflix’s terms.
FAQs
Sharing with people in different locations may violate Netflix’s household rules unless you purchase an additional user account.
Netflix detects VPN usage by monitoring IP addresses and blocking known VPN servers.
While it’s not illegal, bypassing Netflix’s rules may result in account limitations or termination.
Netflix may require verification or restrict access to devices not recognized as part of the household.
You can use Netflix on multiple devices within the same household or by following the terms for additional user accounts.
The safest way is to purchase an additional user account to stay within Netflix’s guidelines.
