Sharing a Netflix Account has been a common habit among friends and families, but Netflix’s new household rule has made it harder to share an account with people outside of your household.
If someone tries to access your Netflix Account from outside your home network, they will see this message: “Your device isn’t part of the Netflix Household for this account.”
Although it blocks others, this message might also appear for you when you’re travelling or away from home. That’s why I’ve listed some helpful ways to bypass Netflix’s household rules.
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Why Netflix Implements the Household Rule
Netflix introduced the household rule to prevent password sharing and ensure that each subscription is used as intended. They identify households by tracking IP addresses, device usage, and account activity. If your account is used from multiple locations, Netflix may ask you to verify the device or even block access.
This policy is intended to encourage people to have their own subscriptions, but it has caused problems for genuine users who travel or whose family members live apart.
Ways to Bypass Netflix Household Restrictions
Below are some simple methods to bypass the Netflix Household restrictions. It shows how you can access your account even when you’re outside your home network.
Method 1. Connect With Your Home Wi-Fi Regularly
If you use the streaming service outside of your home Wi-Fi, you might see an error message. However, the company understands that you may need to use it while working, travelling, or staying elsewhere temporarily.
To avoid errors, just remember to connect your device to your home Wi-Fi at least once a month and stream something for at least 30 seconds before you leave. This will keep your devices connected to your account.
Method 2. Update Your Netflix Household Location
If you’ve moved or been living in a different location for a long time, you can update your Netflix household location. This process can only be done when you sign in to Netflix on a new smart TV, tablet, or laptop.
After that, you shouldn’t see the “Your TV isn’t part of the Netflix Household for this account” message anymore. However, updating your location might log you out of devices that were previously connected to your original household location.
This method worked well for me when I stayed with relatives for a month. Although it logged out a few devices at home, it provided uninterrupted streaming at my temporary location.
If someone is going out for a few days, such as your child visiting friends or a family member is on a trip and gets a Netflix Household error, then you can use Netflix’s temporary access code feature. Netflix will send the account owner a code that can be shared with the person who needs access.
They can use this code to stream for a limited time without changing the household settings. If this isn’t a one-time situation, setting up email forwarding can make it easier to quickly share these codes. I’ve used this feature when visiting my family, and it’s a convenient way to access Netflix without changing household settings.
Method 4. Download Shows for Offline Viewing
If you’re going on a trip, download movies and shows on your device before leaving home. This way, you can watch your favourite content without needing internet access or worrying about Household restrictions.
Here’s how you can download it:
- Open the Netflix app on your phone or tablet.
- Select the content you want to watch and tap the Download button.
- Access your downloads from the menu to watch offline.
The number of devices you can download depends on your Netflix plan. For example, the Standard plan allows downloads on two devices, while the Premium plan allows six.
Method 5. Avoid Logging In on Smart TVs
When you log into your Netflix account on a smart TV, it marks the TV as part of your household and limits password sharing. However, if you avoid logging into a smart TV, you can bypass the Netflix Household restriction.
This way, you can continue sharing your password on other devices outside your home network, since the app won’t know your household. Just stick to using smartphones.
If you’ve already signed in on a TV, it’s best not to do it on any other TV outside your household. Doing so may trigger the message again, and you’ll have to set it up as your new household TV, which can be a hassle.
Method 6. Cast Content to Your TV
If you want to watch Netflix on a bigger screen while avoiding Household issues, you can cast content from your phone to the TV. Use a USB-C to HDMI cable or an older Chromecast device to mirror your phone’s screen. This way, Netflix won’t detect the TV as part of your Household.
Method 7. Use a VPN to Match Your Household Location
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) can make it appear as though you’re connecting from your Household’s location. Choose a reliable VPN service, connect to a server near your home, and log in to Netflix.
I’ve tried this method with mixed success. Some VPNs are blocked by Netflix, so you might need to test a few to find one that works.
Method 8. Add an Extra Member to Your Plan
Netflix now offers a paid sharing option that lets you add extra members outside your Household for a small monthly fee of $7.99. Each added member gets their own login and password, but the account owner pays for the extra cost. This is the simplest and most official way to share your account responsibly.
If they have the $15.49 plan, the streaming quality will be limited to 1080p, while the $22.99 plan offers 4K resolution. You can go to Netflix’s “Add Extra Member” page to buy an additional account and add it to your plan.
This option worked well for my cousin, who added a family member living in another city. This is the simplest and most official way to share your account without violating Netflix’s terms.
Conclusion
Netflix’s household rules may seem restrictive, but with a little creativity, you can still enjoy your favourite shows and movies. Whether it’s using your home Wi-Fi regularly, verifying devices, downloading for offline viewing, or adding additional members, there’s a solution for every problem.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a VPN to bypass Netflix Household rules?
A: Yes, a VPN can help, but Netflix actively blocks some VPNs, so it may not always work.
Q: What happens if I don’t connect my device to my home Wi-Fi?
A: Netflix might restrict access if your device doesn’t connect to your home Wi-Fi within 31 days.
Q: How can I share my account legally?
A: Netflix allows you to add extra members to your plan for a small monthly fee.
Q: Can I use Netflix while travelling?
A: Yes, you can verify your device or download shows for offline viewing before your trip.
Q: Is bypassing Household restrictions against Netflix’s rules?
A: Some methods may violate Netflix’s terms, so consider using their paid sharing option for a risk-free solution.
Further Reading
- How To Cast Your Android Screen To Windows
- How to Download Videos on Facebook (Phone & PC)
- How To Empty Trash Or Junk Files On Android
