Netflix account sharing: Everything you need to know

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Since May 2023, netflix    prohibits account sharing outside of the same home. However, you can still share legally by adding a additional subscriber from 5.99/month.

Here's what these rules actually change and how to stay in compliance.

What changes has Netflix made to account sharing?

Netflix has tightened its rules since May 23, 2023 to generate revenue related to the account sharing. You can no longer share your account with anyone outside of the same home. So people who don't live with you will have to find another solution.

If you want to continue sharing your account with someone from another household, you have only one legal option: Add an additional subscriber from 5.99 per month.

This option is available with the Standard and Premium plans, but not with the ad-supported plan or certain bundled plans.

Please note: the’additional subscriber option must be enabled in the country where the account holder resides. So it's impossible to invite someone who lives in another country.

Finally, the guest subscriber can transfer your profile from an existing account to the new one. It then retrieves its history, his list, his recommendations and its settings, without losing anything.

What is a "home" on Netflix?

A home Netflix includes people who live together in the same place and use the same account.

It corresponds to the connected devices to the the same internet connection, where you mainly look Netflix.

Specifically, a family under the same roof form a single household, just like flatmates who share the same residence. However, people who do not live with you are no longer included since 2023. They must create their own account or use the’additional subscriber option.

Netflix illustration explaining the household and account sharing
Official Netflix illustration depicting household members and account sharing ©Alucare.fr

To share outside the home, the’Standard Plan authorizes just one additional subscriber. L'Premium Plan can afford to two, each with its own profile and its connected devices.

How Can You Keep Sharing Your Netflix Account in 2026?

You can still share your account legally, as long as you follow the new rules. You have two options: Add your household when you use a new device, or Add an additional subscriber for someone who doesn't live with you.

1. Add a fireplace on Netflix

Here are the steps to follow to add a household to your account Netflix :

  1. From the Netflix home screen on your TV, press the left arrow key to open the menu.
  2. Select "Getting help, then "Managing the Netflix household.
  3. Select "Updating the Netflix home.
  4. Choose Send an email Where Send a text message. A verification link is sent to the email address or phone number associated with the account. This link expires after 15 minutes.
  5. Select «Yes, it was me.» in the email, or tap the link in the text message, then tap "Confirm update.
  6. You receive a confirmation e-mail and the TV updates so you can watch Netflix.

2. Add an additional subscriber to share Netflix

To share your account with someone outside your household, you must purchase the’additional subscriber option. Here's how :

  1. Log in to Netflix.

Netflix Home Page After Logging In
Netflix homepage after logging in, screenshot ©Alucare.fr
  1. In the drop-down menu in the upper-right corner, open your account.

Netflix drop-down menu to access account settings
Access your Netflix account settings from the drop-down menu, screenshot ©Alucare.fr
  1. Go to your account settings subscription.

Managing Your Netflix Subscription in Account Settings
Manage your Netflix subscription in Settings, screenshot ©Alucare.fr
  1. Click on Add an additional subscriber.

"Add Another Subscriber" button on the Netflix account
Option to add an additional subscriber to your Netflix account, screenshot ©Alucare.fr
  1. Indicates whether the person you want to invite already has a Netflix profile or not.

Option to transfer an existing Netflix profile to a new account
Option allowing a guest subscriber to transfer their Netflix profile if they already have one; screenshot ©Alucare.fr
  1. Between the subscriber information whom you'd like to invite.

Field for entering information about an additional guest subscriber on Netflix
Where to enter the information for the person you're inviting, screenshot ©Alucare.fr
  1. That's it, you've Added one more subscriber to your Netflix account.

Additional Subscriber: Benefits and Limitations

Here are the advantages and disadvantages for the additional subscriber option:

✅ Benefits ❌ Disadvantages
  • Personalized access with a own profile
  • Possibility of transfer your profile by invitation
  • Centralized payment management for the account holder
  • Additional cost starting at 5.99 per month
  • Limited number of subscribers based on the’selected offer (Standard or Premium)

What happens if Netflix detects non-compliant account sharing?

If you get around this restriction and netflix    If you exceed the limit, you face several penalties. Sharing outside the home is, in fact, prohibited by the conditions of use of the platform.

In practical terms, here's what might happen:

  • The suspicious device is the subject of an audit. The account holder receives a unique code via email, valid 15 minutes. This code restores the device's access to the account for one week.
Netflix verification message requesting a code for a device outside your household
Checking a device outside the home on Netflix, screenshot from September 2026 ©Alucare.fr
  • If the device is not verified, the’Access to the service is blocked until further notice.
  • In the event of repeated violations, Netflix reserves the right to limit or even cancel your subscription.

To avoid these unpleasant surprises, it's best to play by the rules. You can legally share your account by adding a additional subscriber, or ask the person in question to create their own own account. If you no longer need it, you can also delete your Netflix account at any time.

FAQs

Can I share my account with friends who don't live with me?

No, Netflix does not allow Sharing your account with people who don't live with you. This option is available only to members of a same household. You can still grant them access legally by adding an additional subscriber to your subscription.

How much does it cost to add an extra member?

L'additional subscriber option costs 5.99 per month with ads, or €6.99 without ads, in addition to the price of your subscription. Only the following offers Standard and Premium are eligible. The Standard plan allows you to add just one additional subscriber, while the Premium plan allows for two.

To pay less for Netflix, there are other tips worth exploring.

How does Netflix detect unauthorized account sharing?

Netflix cross-references various data points to identify sharing outside the household: your IP address, I'your device ID and theaccount activity. These three factors help you verify whether the connected devices are actually in the same location as your home.

What if I'm traveling and want to use my Netflix account?

Netflix allows use while traveling. Just log in to your usual device or on the TV in your hotel. If verification is requested, simply enter the code received by email on the device you're checking to regain access to your account right away.

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Released on : August 29, 1997

Edited by : Netflix, Inc.