Netflix is one of the most popular streaming platforms globally, offering a wide variety of movies, TV shows, and documentaries. However, like many subscription-based services, Netflix has policies to limit account sharing outside a single household. These restrictions are intended to ensure that only people living in the same residence use the account. But what if you want to share your Netflix account with family members or friends who live elsewhere? If you’re looking for how to get around Netflix household, this guide will explain the options and potential solutions for sharing your Netflix subscription without running into roadblocks.
Before diving into the methods for how to get around Netflix household restrictions, it’s important to understand Netflix’s policies on account sharing, why they’ve implemented these rules, and the potential risks of trying to bypass them.
Understanding Netflix’s Household Policy
Netflix’s household policy is designed to ensure that accounts are used primarily by people living in the same household. The service monitors account activity by detecting IP addresses, device locations, and login behaviors to ensure compliance with this rule. If Netflix detects multiple users logging in from different locations that appear to be outside the same household, it may prompt you to verify your account via email or text or limit access to specific users.
Netflix has been cracking down on password sharing outside of households in recent years. The company’s terms of service explicitly state that an account is for the personal and non-commercial use of a single household. That means friends and family members who live separately are technically not supposed to share the same Netflix account.
However, many users still seek ways for how to get around Netflix household restrictions, whether for convenience or cost-sharing purposes. Let’s explore the different ways people try to bypass these limitations and whether they’re worth the risk.
How to Get Around Netflix Household: 5 Potential Methods
While Netflix has made it more difficult to share accounts with people outside your household, there are still a few ways users have found to work around the restrictions. Here’s a look at some of the most common methods for how to get around Netflix household policies.
1. Profile Sharing and Mobile Devices
One of the simplest ways to share a Netflix account with someone outside your household is by allowing them to use a profile on your account. Netflix allows multiple profiles to be created within a single account, and while this feature is intended for members of the same household, many users share profiles with friends or family who live elsewhere.
To get around the household restrictions, you can:
- Use mobile devices: Netflix seems to monitor household activity more closely on smart TVs and other stationary devices that use Wi-Fi connections at home. However, users logging in on mobile devices (phones and tablets) may not trigger the same alerts, as mobile devices are designed to be used on the go.
- Download content: Netflix allows users to download movies and shows to watch offline. If the person sharing your account frequently travels or moves between locations, downloading content for offline viewing is a way to avoid detection while using the same account.
While this approach works for many people, keep in mind that Netflix still monitors login behavior and may require verification if it detects unusual activity. This is one of the easiest methods for how to get around Netflix household, but it’s not foolproof.
2. Use a VPN
A more advanced method for how to get around Netflix household restrictions is using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN masks your real IP address by routing your internet connection through a server in a different location. This can help trick Netflix into thinking that the users accessing the account are in the same geographic location.
Here’s how a VPN can help with Netflix:
- Mask your location: If a family member or friend lives in a different city or country, using the same VPN server location can make it appear as though everyone is in the same household. For example, you can choose a server located near your home, and all users of the shared Netflix account can connect through that server.
- Avoid verification prompts: By using the same VPN server, you reduce the likelihood that Netflix will detect multiple IP addresses from different locations, potentially avoiding verification requests.
However, using a VPN to share a Netflix account may come with challenges. Netflix actively tries to block VPNs, so some servers may not work with Netflix. Additionally, VPNs can sometimes slow down your internet connection, leading to buffering or lower video quality.
3. Verify with Email or Text
If Netflix detects that multiple users are accessing the account from different locations, it may prompt you to verify the account through an email or text message. This process is relatively simple and usually involves sending a verification code to the account owner, who must then share the code with the person trying to log in.
Here’s how you can use this method as part of how to get around Netflix household restrictions:
- Stay in contact with the account holder: If you’re sharing a Netflix account with someone outside your household, make sure you can quickly communicate with them. If a verification prompt occurs, the account owner can send the code to the other user, allowing them to continue watching.
- Rotate access among users: If several people are using the account, limit access to only one or two people at a time to reduce the chances of Netflix detecting unusual activity.
While this method doesn’t fully bypass Netflix’s household restrictions, it can be an easy workaround as long as everyone involved is willing to cooperate.
4. Split the Cost of a Premium Plan
If you’re trying to figure out how to get around Netflix household rules because you want to save money, another option is to split the cost of a premium Netflix plan. Netflix offers several subscription tiers, including a Premium plan that allows for up to four simultaneous streams in Ultra HD.
By upgrading to a Premium plan, you can share the account with multiple people while adhering to Netflix’s terms of service. Here’s how it works:
- Share the cost: If you and your friends or family members agree to split the cost of the Premium plan, you can each pay a fraction of the subscription price. This allows everyone to watch Netflix on their own devices without triggering household restrictions.
- Use separate profiles: Each user can have their own profile, allowing them to track their watch history, preferences, and recommendations.
While this method doesn’t exactly answer how to get around Netflix household restrictions in the strictest sense, it provides a legal and fair way to share a Netflix account with others.
5. Use Netflix Party or Teleparty for Remote Watching
If you don’t necessarily need continuous access to someone else’s Netflix account but want to watch a movie or show with friends who live elsewhere, consider using Netflix Party or Teleparty (formerly Netflix Party). This browser extension allows multiple users to watch Netflix together in sync while chatting in real-time.
Here’s how Teleparty works:
- Install the extension: Teleparty is available as an extension for Chrome and Edge browsers. All participants must install the extension to join the party.
- Create a party: The Netflix account holder starts a party by selecting a movie or show and generating a link to share with others.
- Join the party: Friends or family members click the link to join the watch party, where they can chat while watching the content in sync.
This method doesn’t fully address how to get around Netflix household, but it provides a fun way to enjoy Netflix with people who live outside your household without violating the platform’s terms.
The Risks of Trying to Bypass Netflix Household Restrictions
While there are several ways to explore how to get around Netflix household restrictions, it’s important to understand the risks involved:
- Account Suspension: Netflix reserves the right to suspend or terminate accounts that violate its terms of service. Sharing your account with people outside your household could result in Netflix taking action, especially if the activity is detected multiple times.
- Constant Verification: If Netflix frequently detects unusual login activity, you may be constantly prompted to verify your account, which can become frustrating for both the account owner and the users sharing the account.
- Potential Legal Issues: Although unlikely, bypassing Netflix’s household rules could potentially raise legal concerns. Netflix has the authority to enforce its terms, and while it generally focuses on preventing abuse, it’s still a risk worth considering.
Conclusion
Understanding how to get around Netflix household restrictions can be helpful for those who want to share their accounts with friends or family outside their immediate residence. From using profile sharing and mobile devices to leveraging VPNs or Teleparty, there are several ways to maintain access while minimizing disruptions.
However, it’s important to balance convenience with compliance. While methods like VPNs or mobile logins may allow you to circumvent Netflix’s household rules, they come with risks. If you’re looking for a legal and hassle-free way to share Netflix, consider splitting the cost of a Premium plan or using Teleparty for remote viewing.
By carefully considering your options and understanding the potential consequences, you can find a solution that works best for you and your household.