Netflix U.S. Password Crackdown Rules Now In Effect 

In our previous article, The Netflix Password Sharing Crackdown Is Getting Closer! we previewed some of what you could expect when the password sharing crackdown went into effect. 

Well, that day has arrived. It looks like we were on the right track with our previous report but going forward here are the specific rules that Neflix has laid down (at least until they decide to change them). 

Tip: Read our previous report on the Netflix Crackdown for full context on the Netflix password sharing crackdown.

The Netflix Household

At the core of Netflix’s new password crackdown rules is the Netflix Household which is defined as, “A collection of devices connected to the internet at the main place you watch Netflix. A Netflix Household can be set up using a TV device. All other devices that use your Netflix account on the same internet connection as this TV will automatically be part of your Netflix Household.“

Tip: How to establish or update your Netflix Household

How To Share Your Netflix Account

There are two ways you can share Netflix outside your Household:

1. Transfer a Profile: Anyone in your household account can transfer their user profile to a new membership that they pay for. The transferred profile will have your recommendations, viewing history, my list, saved games, and other settings you made. How to Use Profile Transfer

2. Buy an Extra Member: You can add someone outside your household (aka extra member) for $7.99 per month. An extra member will have their own profile, account, and password, but whoever invited them to join is the one who pays the extra fee. 

Tip: Only Standard and Premium subscribers can add extra members. This means that if you are on the Ad-supported plan you can’t add an extra member. Check out more details. 

• Extra members can watch Netflix on any device, but only on 1 device at a time.

• Extra members can download titles, but only on 1 phone or tablet at a time.

• Extra members can only have 1 profile and cannot create additional profiles.

Tip: This profile can be a new profile or a profile transferred from the account owner who invited the extra member. The profile can have different maturity ratings, but can’t be a Kid’s profile. 

• Extra members must activate their account in the same country associated with the account owners.

Netflix Devices In Your Household

Netflix uses a combination of IP addresses, device IDs, and “account activity from devices signed into the Netflix account” to determine if an account is being used in the primary account holder’s household. 

In addition, Netflix may require periodic device verification. We covered this in our previous article, but here is a quick rundown on what to expect:

1. Netflix sends a link to the email address or phone number associated with the primary account owner.

2. The link displays a page with a 4-digit verification code.

3. The code needs to be entered on the device that requested it within 15 minutes.

4. If the code expires, you will need to request a new verification code from the device.

5. Once verified that device can be used to watch Netflix.

Tip: The number of devices that can be viewed at the same time in the same household depends on what plan the account holder subscribes to. 

If you take a Netflix device (such as a smartphone or streaming stick) with you when you travel, you shouldn’t need to verify your device to watch Netflix. However, if you are away from the Netflix household for an extended period of time, you may be asked to verify your device. 

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