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How to get around the Netflix household rule is something people have been wondering about ever since the company rolled out its ban on free password sharing in 2023. Users in countries including the U.S., Canada, New Zealand, and Australia (and more countries are being affected) are now blocked from accessing content through shared accounts.
There are ways to get around the Netflix household rule, though, without adding additional members to accounts or buying new subscriptions. You can avoid using Smart TVs, for instance, or you can try out NordVPN’s Meshnet technology, which allows several people to remotely share the same IP.
This guide will provide everything you need to know about how to get around the Netflix household rules without having to subscribe.
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The Netflix Password-Sharing Ban
That being said, Netflix still permits families and friends residing in the same household and using the same network connection to share a streaming service account at no extra charge.
The change affects individuals who borrow a Netflix account from users in different homes and use network connections not associated with the original Netflix user account.
What are the Netflix Password-Sharing Rules?
Netflix will also remain accessible for a limited time when traveling, even when connected to a new network.
Netflix’s preferred solution for this is that the original account owner buys a sub-account for their friend or family member for $7.99/month, allowing them to use the service and watch Netflix without interruption.
Netflix Account Sharing Rules – What is a Netflix Household?
Netflix’s terms of service specify that a household is “you and the people you live with.” This would include family members as well as roommates who share an IP address from an internet service provider.
Netflix’s password-sharing policy states that household members are allowed to share a single Netflix account and watch shows and movies on multiple devices. However, sharing the account with friends or family members in different locations is against Netflix’s account-sharing policies.
To control password-sharing, Netflix has stepped up its monitoring of account activity. As well as tracking IP addresses, the company is now paying closer attention to details such as device IDs and home addresses.
Because of this, you may wonder what happens if you go on vacation but wish to enjoy Netflix while traveling. The good news is that the Netflix app will continue to work while you travel for a period shorter than two weeks.
How To Get Around the Netflix Password-Sharing Rules
If you’re used to sharing the same account, you’ll need to adapt to the new landscape following the Netflix password-sharing ban. Purchasing an additional user account is a straightforward option for sharing Netflix, but there are alternative ways to bypass the new Netflix rule without spending money.
Continue reading for five effective ways to get around the Netflix password-sharing rule.
1. Buy Additional User Accounts
Purchasing an additional user account – also referred to as a sub-account – is the simplest method to bypass the Netflix password-sharing ban. This approach ensures a 100% success rate and remains within the platform’s terms and conditions. There are several drawbacks to consider, though.
Investing in a sub-account to deal with the Netflix password-sharing restrictions might seem like a premium option to some users.
Each member you add costs $7.99 per month, with prices varying by country. Although the primary account holder foots the bill, sub-account users get their own login, ensuring personalized access to the streaming service.
Another drawback is the fact that with the Standard plan, you can only add one extra member, while the Premium plan permits up to two additional members outside your household. “Standard with ads” accounts don’t offer the feature.
2. Use NordVPN App
The best free alternative to getting a paid Netflix sub-account is to use NordVPN App where a Meshnet functionality is available. This is our recommended solution for how to get around the Netflix password-sharing ban.
This next-gen technology from one of the best VPN providers lets users mimic an IP address on up to 60 devices at once.
Follow the steps below to learn how to use NordVPN Meshnet to bypass the Netflix password-sharing ban:
Navigate to the official NordVPN website and download the NordVPN app.
Sign in or create a NordVPN account after you’ve installed and launched the app.
Find the Meshnet icon, composed of four dots linked together to form a square, and enable the Meshnet feature.
Click the “Turn on Meshnet” button after reading the information provided.
Find the “Link devices” section and click on it. Wait for a new tab to open.
Next, go to the “Send invitations” option near the “Link external device” button.
Enter the email addresses of the individuals you want to invite and assign the relevant permissions.
When your contact accepts the invite, they can start sharing your IP address to get around the Netflix sharing rules.
Netflix subscribers have confirmed that NordVPN Meshnet is an effective workaround for Netflix’s password-sharing ban, and it’s being talked about on Reddit:
The Meshnet feature is available on all major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. If any issues arise, NordVPN offers 24/7 customer support via email and live chat.
3. Share Access Codes and Verification Emails
If an individual outside your household repeatedly accesses your account via a WiFi network that isn’t your primary internet connection, you might receive a request to confirm the account. This may also happen if you try to access your Netflix account while traveling.
To verify the account, you have to enter a four-digit code within 15 minutes, which is sent to the email you used to register the account. This means you can also share an access code with a friend who is borrowing your account outside of your household.
If 15 minutes isn’t long enough, you can set up auto-forwarding for verification emails via Gmail. To do this, you need to go to the Gmail Forwarding and POP/IMAP tab.
From here, you need to click the “Add a forwarding address” button and enter the email address you want to share Netflix verification emails with.
Note that the recipient will have to confirm the action, and you’ll also need to filter which emails are sent to the forwarding address if you don’t want all your messages to be forwarded.
Once you’ve finished adding a forwarding address, you’ll see a Gmail message notifying you about it at the top of the screen. It’s worth noting that you can add several addresses to get Netflix verification messages forwarded to them so you can keep sharing your own account with several individuals.
4. Log In From the Netflix Account Owner’s WiFi
If you’ve had trouble with previous methods of bypassing Netflix’s password-sharing restriction, don’t worry. There are some simpler ways to do it from a technical standpoint. One way is to log in to Netflix using the account owner’s WiFi connection.
Netflix continuously monitors whether the user is connecting via a primary WiFi connection to prevent account sharing outside households.
However, the company recognizes that users may need to access the service from a different WiFi network when they’re away from home, such as when they’re at work or commuting. As such, Netflix allows users to have permanent connections via WiFi networks outside the household.
With this in mind, it should be sufficient to connect to Netflix from the account owner’s WiFi once a month to be logged as having the same internet connection. This will count you as a member of the household, allowing you to bypass the password-sharing rule. This is likely the simplest answer to how to bypass the Netflix household rules.
5. Avoid Smart TVs and Streaming Devices
Netflix’s password-sharing policy appears to primarily target smart TVs and streaming devices. There have also been instances where users were logged out of Netflix on their tablets and notified about unauthorized password sharing.
Although watching top movies and TV shows on a big screen is a great experience, reports suggest password sharing remains available for smartphones and computers.
You can also still enjoy the big screen experience by casting your mobile or computer screen to your smart TV or connecting it via an HDMI cable. This will allow you to stream Netflix without any restrictions.
If you do want to use a smart TV or a streaming device, you might be interested in our guide to the best Roku VPNs.
Closing Thoughts – How To Get Around Netflix Household Rules
Netflix’s crackdown on password sharing in countries, including the U.S., has disrupted the streaming habits of many users. The streaming service offers the option to purchase a sub-account for $7.99 per month, creating an additional line of revenue for the company.
Fortunately, there are ways to get around the Netflix household rules without paying a penny. Our top recommendation is to use NordVPN’s Meshnet feature.
This allows you to share your primary IP address with ten of your own devices and 50 other devices for free. You can also avoid watching Netflix on smart TVs, share the verification code with individuals outside your household, or simply periodically log in from the account’s primary WiFi address.
