If you’re letting someone outside your household use your Netflix login, the free-benefit era is ending. Netflix is set to charge $7.99 per month for accounts shared with people who don’t live with you.
After clamping down on password sharing in countries such as Chile, Costa Rica and Peru, Netflix recently revealed it will roll out this policy in the United States.
Analysts had anticipated a smaller fee for U.S. users — perhaps $3 or $4 per month based on international pricing — so the $7.99 monthly charge is somewhat unexpected.
“Starting today, we will be sending this email to members who are sharing Netflix outside their household in the United States,” the streaming company stated. “A Netflix account is for use by one household. 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.”
The streaming platform, behind hits like “Stranger Things,” “Squid Game” and “The Crown,” had long tolerated password sharing. Now it says the practice is costing it too much revenue.
With Netflix subscription fees already higher in the U.S. — after January increases to $9.99 a month for the Basic plan, $15.49 for Standard and $19.99 for Premium — the additional sharing charge could be a deal-breaker for some customers.
How to Kick Someone Off Your Netflix Account
If a friend, family member or ex is still using your Netflix credentials, now’s a good time to revoke their access.
Head to the Netflix Account Settings page and follow these steps to remove unauthorized users:
- Remove any unwanted profiles by clicking your profile icon at the top right, then selecting “Manage Profiles.”
- Pick “Change Password” to set a new password that will prevent anyone you previously shared with from signing back in.
- At the bottom of the account page, choose “Sign Out Of All Devices.” This forces everyone currently logged in to re-enter the new password to regain access.
People who are signed out can move their viewing history and preferences to a new account using the Transfer Profile feature.
If someone you remove needs a cheaper way to watch Netflix (or you find yourself booted from another person’s account), the service introduced an ad-supported option. For $7 per month, customers can subscribe to the Basic with Ads plan.
Struggling to manage multiple streaming subscriptions? See our roundup of the top free TV apps for alternatives. Ready to leave Netflix entirely? Cancel your membership at Netflix’s cancellation support page.
Also, if you’re looking into related account-sharing issues or ways to move your profile, you might find useful information at netflix password sharing how to transfer profile. For those tracking membership policy changes elsewhere, see costco membership crackdown.
Jordan Ellis is a senior writer at Savinly. Alex Morgan is a former senior writer at Savinly.
