Netflix Household Rules: Everything You Need to Know

Netflix put an end to password sharing in July 2023. It sent out emails to existing subscribers informing them about the impending doom. But if you are still confused about the whole thing, and want to know whether you can or cannot continue hogging your friend’s account then this guide is for you. We have compiled everything you need to know about Netflix Household rules in 2024. So without further ado, let’s dive in.

What is Netflix Household?

Netflix Household is a digital fortress that allows Netflix to determine whether the devices using its service are within the same “household”. People who do not live in the same household must use their own Netflix account. It’s set up automatically when you sign in to your Netflix account on a smart TV.

It was initially imposed in the United States, the UK, and Australia and gradually rolled out worldwide. Once set up, you won’t be able to use your 2-device or 4-device plans from multiple locations for very long because you’ll need to join the household Wi-Fi network every 30 days. Otherwise, you will be booted out and need an access code to sign in again.

Netflix Household Rules

Visually, Netflix accounts will remain the same and have the same profile layout. However, as per the rules, Netflix uses the primary account holder’s location as the household location, as mentioned on their support page. It says that all devices connected to the same internet and using the same Netflix account will be a part of the household.

Since most Netflix users sharing a single account are geographically spread apart, it can be difficult to set a primary location. That is why Netflix automatically assigns a primary location when you sign into a smart TV. Once you have done that, it becomes your primary location. And your TV’s active Wi-Fi source becomes that location’s primary network.

What About People Who Are Not Living Together?

If there is another family member who does not live with you whether it is because they are going to college or some other reason, you will have to get them an extra member slot with your primary account. Extra members will have their own account, password, and profile. However, the membership fees for the extra slot will be payable by the primary account holder.

The option to add extra is only available with the Standard and the Premium plans. In the U.S., Netflix is charging $7.99 per month for adding extra members £4.99 in the U.K. To clear the confusion, these rules do not apply to “Netflix Profiles”.

How Does Netflix Household Work?

As we mentioned above, Netflix determines your primary household location based on the TV it is signed in, and the home Wi-Fi said TV is connected to. If you don’t have a compatible TV, Netflix will set the primary location automatically based on the user’s IP address, device IDs, and account activity. You can check out our dedicated guide here to learn how to update your Netflix Household to your current location.

So, anyone who uses this Netflix account from a different location will not be a part of the primary account holder’s household. Automatically, Netflix will detect such a user. It will prevent them from accessing the platform by showing this error, “Your device isn’t part of the Netflix Household.”

Can I Still Use Netflix While Travelling?

Netflix promises that users traveling for short periods (roughly around 30 days) can continue to enjoy the streaming service. But you will need to connect to your Household network once every 30 days to continue to enjoy the streaming service without any interruptions.

In case you don’t, your device will cease to be a part of your Netflix Household. Then, you’ll have to either request codes from the app to regain access to your account. Or, if you are not the primary account holder then you’ll need the extra member plan we discussed above. That sure is a hassle, but, that is all you can quite possibly do at this point.

Will Netflix Profiles Still Exist?

Yes, Netflix profiles remain untouched inside the primary household account. However, they are now considered members of the household. So, you cannot keep using them with friends or relatives who are not living with you as in the past. Only those who are living under the same roof can access and create Netflix profiles.

Further, those who are “extra members” in your household can only create one profile. And yes you can still move your profile with recommendations, viewing history, and settings to a new account. If you want to do so, then use our guide to learn to transfer your Netflix profile to another account.

How Much Netflix Will Charge For Password Sharing?

While primary Netflix accounts have converted to household accounts, the base prices and device limits remain the same. You will need to pay $7.99 or €4.99 more if you get an extra member account. But you cannot add members to the ad-supported plan.

Only the Standard and Premium plan users will be able to use this functionality. While the Standard members can add 1 extra member, Premium members can add 2 extra members. Here’s what Netflix’s updated pricing structure looks like in the US:

So, short of adding extra members to your account or buying them another account altogether, there’s no way to password share on Netflix anymore. Instead, you can check out these best Netflix alternatives and switch over.

How to Get Around Netflix Household?

The new Netflix Household rules offer limited wiggle room but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other ways to get around its strict password sharing policies. Some users suggest that as long you don’t sign into the Netflix app on a smart TV, the Household feature won’t start working.

That means Netflix can’t lock in a single primary location allowing you to continue sharing your account with friends and family. If you want to learn more ways to bypass Netflix Household then I suggest you check out our dedicated guide on the same topic.

Why Netflix Ended Password Sharing?

The primary reason behind ending password sharing on Netflix is the lack of profit it creates for the company. Since Netflix relies on every user essentially paying for the service, password sharing undercuts that decision and sees the company missing out on potential customers. The company said so in its quarterly letter to the shareholders recently.

If you are a Netflix user currently sharing your password and account with a friend or parent, you are part of the demographic the company plans on rectifying. This drives more users to get their own accounts, resulting in more money in the company’s pocket.

Netflix Household Rules: Recap

Now that we have discussed all the important aspects of Netflix Household and its rules, let’s do a quick recap before we end the topic:

• Netflix Household only allows people living together using the same Wi-Fi network to use their account.
• It restricts profiles that are connecting from elsewhere.
• Netflix uses a combination of IP addresses, device IDs, and account activity to keep a cap on accounts.
• If you want to share your account with someone living outside your household, then the only official way is to buy an extra member plan.
• The price for the extra member is $7.99 in the US and €4.99 per month in the UK.
• You can only add an extra member if you are using the Standard or the Premium Netflix plans.
• New rules won’t impact those who travel for less than 30 days.
• When traveling for longer periods or shifting to a new place altogether, you will need to either request the access codes or update your Netflix account location.
• Those wanting to make new accounts can transfer their Netflix profiles with their recommendations, history, and settings intact.

So that sums up everything that you need to know about Netflix Household. I hope you found this guide useful and if we left out anything in between then let us know in the comments section below.