Netflix begins crackdown sharing logins with monthly fee per ‘extra member’ – how to spot if you’ve been caught
NETFLIX has announced that it will begin cracking down on subscribers who share their membership beyond their households from today.
The company is sending emails out to rule-breaking customers across the US and UK from today – so keep an eye out on your inbox.
If you want to continue sharing your login outside of your home, you’ll need to pay $7.99/£4.99 a month per additional member.
The streaming giant has been warning about the crackdown for months – but it’s set to begin on Tuesday, May 23.
“A Netflix account is for use by one household,” Netflix warned.
“Everyone living in that household can use Netflix wherever they are – at home, on the go, on holiday – and take advantage of new features like Transfer Profile and Manage Access and Devices.
“Starting today, we will be sending this email to members who are sharing Netflix outside their household in the United States/United Kingdom.”
The email warns users that their Netflix accounts are strictly for the people they live with – and no one else.
It says you can still watch the Netflix app on the go or when you travel.
But if you’re persistently sharing your device with other people outside your home, you need to take action.
If you don’t, The Sun understands that non-household users will have their Netflix access revoked.
Share scare
Netflix said you can check who is using your account in Settings, and sign devices out if they shouldn’t have access.
It also recommended changing your password if people are still using your account.
Netflix also said that there are options available for people who want to share their subscription.
You have the option to Transfer A Profile, which lets you move a watching profile to a new membership paid for by someone else.
This will transfer recommendations, viewing history, My List, saved games, settings and more.
And a back-up copy of the profile will remain on the original account.
Alternatively, you can Buy An Extra Member, which lets you share your Netflix account with someone else who doesn’t live with you.
This will cost you an additional $7.99/£4.99 per month for each new member.
It’s important to note that this option isn’t available if you “pay for Netflix through a third party or as part of a bundle”.
If you invite an extra member for $7.99/£4.99, they will get their own account and password.
They’ll also be able to use their existing profile (or switch to a new one).
Add-on users will be limited to watching on one device at a time.
And these extra members will need to be 18 years or older, and living in the same country as your account.
Fee fiasco
“We recognise that our members have many entertainment choices,” Netflix said after announcing the controversial move.
“It’s why we continue to invest heavily in a wide variety of new films and TV programmes.
“So whatever your taste, mood or language and whoever you’re watching with, there’s always something satisfying to watch on Netflix.”
But subscribers have reacted with anger and frustration.
“Well goodbye @Netflix you have a good run. You gotta pay $7.99 for each person outside your household,” one user tweeted.
Another tweeted: “Translation: Netflix will start sending out emails to kickstart their fall off.”
And one said: “$7.99+ Netflix subscription Going to lose a lot of subscribers instead of gaining.”
One tweet read: “Lmao no one is paying an extra 7.99 to share. Delete. Netflix is about to lose a lot of subscribers.”
It’s currently unclear how long users will have to make the switch.
We’ve asked Netflix for comment and will update this story with any response.
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