Here’s how Netflix puts an end to password sharing

Netflix has revealed how it plans to deal with password disclosure. The streaming service explained that users will need to log into the account holder’s home Wi-Fi network and watch something at least once every 31 days.

If they fail to do so, then the entire account may be banned from using the platform.

This information was first obtained by The Streamable from the Netflix help pages, but at the time of writing it is only available on the information page specifically for Costa Rica. Whether this method will apply to other countries such as the US and the UK remains to be seen.

If this does happen, then we expect it to happen in the next few months, as Netflix mentioned back in January that the password sharing cap would happen in the first quarter of 2023.

The streaming giant refers to an account’s primary family as its “primary location.” Anyone using the Wi-Fi at this location can watch Netflix as usual – the way the company has always planned.

Netflix will detect people streaming from an account outside of their primary location using a combination of “IP addresses, device IDs, and account activity.” If you’re traveling, Netflix has added a bypass solution.

You can request a temporary code from Netflix via email or text message, which will be valid for seven days while you’re on the road. Netflix has yet to provide a solution if your vacation lasts longer than this.

If you’ve moved, you’ll need to update your primary home address in your Netflix settings. If you don’t manually set it up when you first sign up, Netflix will automatically assign it to you based on your account activity and your most used IP address.

If you’re just sharing passwords, then Netflix asks account holders to either add people as additional members (although there’s only one profile with no concurrent streams available) or simply buy their own account.

The impending end of password sharing could be a financial burden for many users. If this is you, check out my top five ways to save money for streaming.