Get All Access for $5/mo

All the Details of the Netflix Password-Sharing Update Nobody Wanted Netflix revealed the gory details of its new rules.

By Entrepreneur Staff Edited by Jessica Thomas

SOPA Images | Getty Images

At long last, here is the update that no one was waiting for: Netflix has announced its new sharing guidelines, which could reportedly go into effect by the end of March 2023, per CBS News. We'll break down the specifics, but in short, if you've been using someone else's account or lending yours out, no more sharing for you!

Here are all of the details from Netflix's help center.

If they don't live in your house, they can't use your account. Period full stop.

Per the guidelines, "People who do not live in your household will need to use their own account to watch Netflix." If a device is not within your home, Netflix says it "may ask you to verify that device before it can be used to watch Netflix or switch your Netflix household." (By the way, it defines a household as "people who live in the same location with the account owner.")

Related: Pamela Anderson's New Netflix Documentary Reveals Some Surprising Secrets

What if you're traveling?

Netflix assures users that it wants you to be able to watch while on the road, staying at an Airbnb or couch surfing after getting dumped. However, "If you are away from the Netflix household for an extended period of time, you may be occasionally asked to verify your device," read the guidelines. As long as you're watching on a device that is using the internet connection in the primary account owner's household, Netflix won't require this verification.

Netflix is watching you watching

How does Netflix know who is in a household or not? "We use information such as IP addresses, device IDs, and account activity from devices signed into the Netflix account."

Related: This Streaming Service Beat Netflix as the No. 1 One Market Leader in the U.S.

What about people who come and go?

Does this mean your kid who's away at college can't use your account? Not exactly. Check out the following pricing plans, which allow for varying numbers of household members and lower costs if you have a high tolerance for prescription drug commercials.

Entrepreneur Staff

Entrepreneur Staff

Editor

For more than 30 years, Entrepreneur has set the course for success for millions of entrepreneurs and small business owners. We'll teach you the secrets of the winners and give you exactly what you need to lay the groundwork for success.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Side Hustle

This Former Starbucks Employee Started a Side Hustle That's Making More Than $70,000 a Month — and He's Not Done Yet

When Tom Saar moved to New York City, he spotted a lucrative business opportunity.

Business News

Is One Company to Blame for Soaring Rental Prices in the U.S.?

The FBI recently raided a major corporate landlord while investigating a rent price-fixing scheme. Here's what we know.

Business News

Amazon Has a Blank Book Problem: Buyers Report Receiving Fakes of Bestselling UFO Book

The book looked fine on the outside, but the inside was out-of-this-world.

Business News

Paramount Leadership Alludes to Layoffs If Merger Does Not Go Through

Paramount is awaiting approval on its merger with Skydance Media from majority shareholder Shari Redstone.

Business News

Microsoft Reportedly Lays Off Over 1,500 Employees in Cloud Sector as Partnership with OpenAI Strengthens

Alphabet also reportedly laid off employees from several teams in Google's cloud unit last week.

Side Hustle

10 Online Side Hustles Proven to Boost Your Bank Account

Even the busiest schedules can accommodate finding a precious few hours to create a profitable online venture — something that many are already mastering.