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Last year, Netflix announced that it was working on a feature to prevent users from sharing their accounts with others. The change has been tested in some countries as the company claims that sharing Netflix accounts - or account sharing - is hurting its revenue. Now, Netflix has detailed how exactly it will prevent users from sharing their accounts.
In a new FAQ section On the Netflix website, Netflix clarifies that people living in another home must use "their own account" to access the streaming platform. According to the website, devices found in other locations may be blocked from Netflix access.
How Netflix wants to prevent the sharing of account passwords
For those still wondering how Netflix plans to limit account password sharing, the company explains how it will go about it. The platform uses information such as IP addresses, device IDs, and account activity to determine if a device connected to the account is connected to the primary location. If a newly signed-in device is connected to a different location, Netflix will require a temporary code that will allow you to log in to that location for seven days. The company explains that those who travel with their primary device will be able to use Netflix in other locations without any issues. However, to ensure uninterrupted access to Netflix, one must connect to the Wi-Fi at their primary location at least once every 31 days.
To ensure uninterrupted access to Netflix, connect to the Wi-Fi network at your primary location, open the Netflix app or website, and watch at least once every 31 days. This creates a trusted device that allows you to watch Netflix even when you're away from your primary location. If you're away from your primary location for an extended period of time, your device may become locked to Netflix. You can request a temporary access code to keep watching. Please note that this will not affect how many people can watch Netflix content at the same time using the same account.
profile transfers
As a further measure to combat the sharing of account passwords, Netflix introduced a new feature last year called "Profile Transfer." As the name suggests, this feature helps users transfer their personal Netflix profile from another account to a new one. In other words, a user can create a new Netflix account and transfer their entire history, suggestions, and settings.
Against account sharing: Will Netflix achieve the hoped-for success with these measures?
Netflix confirmed last year that it lost more than 200,000 subscribers in the first quarter of 2022. The figures show that more and more users are migrating to other streaming platforms. Between January 2021 and August 2022, Netflix's global market share fell from 32 percent to 27 percent. This even prompted the company to introduce a new, cheaper, ad-based plan. By preventing users from sharing their accounts with others, Netflix hopes to get more people to sign up for their own Netflix subscription, which should bring the company more revenue. However, it remains to be seen whether all of these measures will be successful for Netflix. (Photo by Hamara / Bigstockphoto)
