Starting as a DVD-by-mail service in 1997, Netflix has become the number one subscription-based video-on-demand streaming service globally. The company now distributes digital movies and TV shows in over 190 countries to approximately 240 million subscribers.
However, thanks to the Netflix password-sharing facility, the number of people enjoying the platform is multiple times higher. In the recent crackdown on unethical password sharing, the company introduced Netflix temporary codes, enabling them to monitor and control users engaged in shared account usage. Let’s understand the whole scenario in detail.
What is Netflix Password Sharing?
Netflix allows its subscribers to create up to five distinct profiles within an account, facilitating at least five individuals to share access to a single Netflix subscription.
Only the account member is responsible for payment and management; nevertheless, any users can create, delete, or edit profiles. All users share the same password and depending on the subscription plan, up to 4 users can stream on the platform simultaneously.
Since the beginning, there was no restriction on password sharing, which meant that users could include anyone in their Netflix account access. Consequently, individuals began leveraging Netflix to generate income by exchanging passwords for monetary compensation. A survey revealed that, on average, one Netflix account is shared among every five users in the United States.
Although Netflix maintains that passwords should be shared exclusively among family members living under the same roof, people often disregard these guidelines and share passwords with individuals living in differing households, cities, or countries.
What are Netflix’s New Account Sharing Guidelines?
Netflix wants more people to buy the subscription, which is the primary goal of any streaming platform – to have as many paid subscribers as possible. From Netflix’s perspective, password sharing was not intended to enable unrestricted account access. However, people saw it differently and technically abused the feature as it was convenient and economical.
According to the latest Netflix guidelines, users can only share accounts with people living under the same roof: family, friends, or roommates. In simple terms, the devices must be connected to the same ‘home’ wireless network.
As Netflix stated – “Your account is for “personal and non-commercial use only and may not be shared with individuals beyond your household.”
The company has worked on various practices to control unmonitored Netflix password sharing for the past two years. In July 2022, new pricing plans were introduced to stop password sharing, providing a way to add an extra member at a price.
However, what if you find yourself on a week-long vacation? Will you still be able to access the Netflix account?
What are Netflix Temporary Codes?
To overcome this issue, Netflix temporary codes have been introduced. As per the latest regulation governing Netflix accounts, users must designate a home base for their accounts, which Netflix will identify based on the associated IP address.
If the account holder does not specify a home base within seven days, the current IP address will be used by Netflix as the primary location for the account.
Whenever you or your house members use Netflix, the company will monitor whether you are connected to your home account. You might be asked to verify the device using the Netflix temporary code if not.
It means even after implementing Netflix’s new policies, there is an option to use a Netflix account from a remote location. However, it won’t be that easy.
To maintain accessibility, each account user must log in from the designated home location at least once within 31 days. It’s important to note that this approach is still in the testing phase, leaving room for the company to introduce alternative measures.
How to Get Netflix Temporary Codes?
Netflix temporary codes will be used to authenticate that your account belongs to the primary Netflix household. When you access Netflix outside your designated home, the change in IP address will trigger an automated process that will prompt you to verify your device. Here is how it works:
- When you log in to Netflix, an email containing a Netflix traveling code will be sent to the email address of the primary account holder.
- Once the email has been opened, you will have 15 minutes to enter the code.
- After the successful code verification, Netflix will allow you to access the platform.
Please notice that Netflix has incorporated a time limit to enter the verification code to curtail the potential misuse of this feature. Yes, the system is not foolproof yet, but this is the most effective solution to counter unlimited password sharing for now.
You can request a new one if your Netflix temporary code expires before entering it. However, there is a limit on the number of codes you can generate in a single attempt. You can’t generate Netflix temporary codes daily and verify your device remotely.
How Much Does It Cost To Add Extra User to Netflix Account?
Currently, Netflix offers three premium account options in the US – Standard with Ads, Standard, and Premium. You must be on the Standard or Premium account to include an additional member. Adding a new user to the account will cost you $7.99/month.
The new users can set up their passwords, eliminating the need to share the primary Netflix login credentials. The standard plan offers one, while the Premium plan offers two extra slots for new users.
Outlined below are the subscription plans offered by Netflix in 2023:
| Plan | New Member | Price | Streaming Quality | Simultaneous Streaming |
| Standard with Ads | Not available | $6.99/month | Up to 1080p Full HD | Two |
| Standard | One member for an additional $7.99/month | $15.49/month | Up to 1080p Full HD | Two |
| Premium | Two members for an additional $7.99/month/user | $19.99/month | HDR and 4k Ultra HD | Four |
Can I Still Share My Netflix Password with Friends?
In a way, sharing your password with your friends living in the same or different households is still possible. However, the process has become more intricate since Netflix’s attack on freeloaders.
With the introduction of Netflix temporary codes, users must undergo an authentication process to confirm their access with the account owner through a verification code. When the account owner is out of reach, this could delay the verification process.
However, regrettably, you can’t keep generating verification codes to verify your account repeatedly. It’s still unclear how Netflix will oversee and control the frequency of code generation; it’s sure to ruin your plans to share your Netflix account with your dear friends.
Also, all the account members must sign in to Netflix from the primary location at least once a month. While this might not pose a significant challenge for those cohabiting in the same region, be prepared to say goodbye to long-distance Nettlix account partners.
So, if you still want to binge-watch your favorite TV show with your friends, the only option is to invest an additional $8 to access the streaming service without any limitations.
Is Netflix Password Sharing Ethical?
Different viewpoints regarding Netflix password sharing reflect the evolving landscape of digital content consumption. Although Netflix maintains that passwords should be shared exclusively among family members living under the same roof, the reality is far more complex.
People often disregard these guidelines and share passwords with individuals from differing households, cities, or countries.
From the users’ point of view, it’s legal. It allows individuals to enjoy the streaming platform, who might not afford a subscription alone. Multiple people sharing one Netflix account doesn’t cost much for each individual. It also promotes digital inclusivity, allowing a wider audience to enjoy content that might otherwise be out of reach.
On the contrary, password sharing undermines the financial sustainability of content creation. Netflix invests substantial resources and money to stream the best movies and TV shows on their platforms, sometimes costing hundreds of millions.
Sharing passwords against the company’s guidelines potentially translates to lost revenue for the platform, which could compromise the availability of future content.
In March 2021, Netflix released an official statement warning people not to disclose passwords to friends and other individuals living in different households. However, it met with mixed responses, with the majority criticizing Netflix for such a crackdown.
In January 2023, Netflix unveiled its intention to implement policies addressing password sharing. , in an attempt to encourage users to buy separate subscriptions worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions:
According to Netflix, the services and content on the platform are intended for personal and non-commercial use only. The company advises against sharing your password outside your household. However, it’s worth noting that there is no legal obligation to prohibit password sharing.
Netflix requires the account holder to authenticate additional users with a verification code. However, there is a limit to the number of codes one can send. On exceeding the limit, you will see this error.
There is no way to get a free Netflix code or to access the platform for free. You can add an extra member for an additional price of $7.99/month.
Yes, you can share a Netflix account with your friend if you two live in the same household and share the same Wifi network. However, with the current Password sharing regulations, sharing passwords with users living in different locations is not feasible.
Since the beginning of 2022, Netflix nearly lost 1.2 million subscribers, primarily due to the stringent password-sharing policies. The company is also contending with the consequences of the ongoing Hollywood actors and writers’ strike.
According to the new Netflix rule, all users must log in to Netflix on the primary location’s WiFi within a 31-day window. Failing to do so will result in the loss of account access. Also, if there is no extra member, anyone outside the primary location won’t be able to access the account.
Final Word:
Even though the company registered a massive loss in terms of subscribers, Netflix seems to be firm on its password-sharing crackdown. This might prompt many users to switch to other streaming platforms, such as HBO, and Amazon Prime Videos, which have no restrictions on account sharing.
The intention is clear, although the company hasn’t finalized a uniform approach to account sharing globally. The streaming giant is keen on preventing the exploitation of its platform for free access.
Not only the company wants account owners to pay extra for additional users, but it also limits the number of users you can add via Netflix temporary codes. Will this strategy backfire or will Netflix be able to remain on top? The time will tell.
I am an engineer by education, tech writer by profession, and a motor sport fan by heart.
