How does Netflix actually recognize account sharing?

Netflix users are no longer allowed to share their accounts with people outside their household. The only exception is adding an additional member for an additional charge. But how does Netflix actually recognize account sharing?

Sharing streaming accounts with friends or family has long been common practice – especially to save costs. But recently, many services have begun to put a stop to this practice.

Due to growing economic pressures, the company decided last year to charge a premium for account sharing. In order to check whether everyone is complying, the group has introduced some technical measures.

How does Netflix detect account sharing?

Basically, a Netflix account is intended for people who live together in the same household. Everyone else has to create their own account to see the provider’s content. Depending on the subscription, a Netflix household includes a certain number of devices that are connected to the Internet in the location where the account is used most frequently.

To detect whether multiple people share an account, Netflix uses a number of technical methods. First, the company monitors the IP addresses of its users. Because every device that is connected to the Internet is recorded in a log – including its rough location. If Netflix notices that an account is frequently used by several different IP addresses that are far apart from each other, this may be an indication of account sharing.

Netflix also monitors certain device information. Smart TVs, smartphones and laptops send specific information that allows Netflix to determine whether users are suddenly logging in with unknown devices.

Geolocation is also used. Netflix can use location data to determine whether a user is moving within a certain geographical area. This gives the streaming provider another indication that account sharing is currently taking place. Usage behavior is also monitored: If several streams are started at the same time from different locations, this is a clear indication that an account is being used by several people.

This is how you can bypass the ban on account sharing

Since Netflix began regulating account sharing, various tips and tricks have been circulating online to circumvent the procedure. First, users can pay for an additional membership spot. It costs 4.99 euros per person and is considered the official way to continue sharing an account.

However, there is also a way to circumvent account sharing: via VPN services. This allows you to disguise your IP address and trick Netflix into thinking that all users are in the same geographical area. However, the company also tries to prevent this by blocking some VPN services or trying to detect their servers.

Additionally, it is possible to limit the use of the account to just a few devices. Since Netflix continuously monitors usage behavior, it is important that the medium is regularly in the same location. This way, there is less chance that the account sharing will be exposed.

Also interesting: