Netflix reveals exactly how it can tell if you’re sharing your password – and what it will do to block you
NETFLIX will soon be playing closer attention to users’ activity as it seeks to stamp out password sharing.
It is the latest attempt from the popular streaming platform to draw in more paying viewers.
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Many users distribute their password to other people who live outside their household, such as friends and family.
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But the platform has been wrestling with falling viewership, as the battle between streamers like Prime, Disney+ and Apple TV boils.
Netflix introduced a with-ads streaming option in October to try and entice more viewers for a lower price.
And despite recent successes like Bridgerton, Squid Game and Tim Burton’s Wednesday – which have all banked billions of hours worth of watching – the streaming platform is upping its game.
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But how can it tell I’m sharing my password?
People on the same plan who live in a different house will “need to use their own account” to access the streaming platform, the company said in a new FAQ on its website.
That means paying a monthly fee of £4.99 for access to one device with adverts, £6.99 for no adverts, and £10.99 to £15.99 for no adverts and two to four screens.
The company said that devices detected in other locations “may be blocked from watching Netflix”.
This is done by tracking IP addresses, device IDs and account activity.
If a device, say a TV or laptop, is logged into the account in a different location, Netflix will require a temporary code that lets users log in at that location for seven days.
Those travelling with their ‘primary device’ – the device that is used for Netflix the most – will not have any issues in accessing content, Netflix said.
However, users must make sure to connect to WiFi at their primary location at least once every 31 days to ensure uninterrupted access.
“If a Netflix account is used by a device that is not associated with the primary account owner’s household, the device will need to be verified before it can be used to watch Netflix,” the company wrote.
“We do this to confirm that the device using the account is authorised to do so.”
Netflix stressed that it will not automatically charge users if they share their account with someone who doesn’t live with them.
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