Apart from the geo-restriction on Netflix accounts and libraries, Netflix's updated household restrictions in 2023 have made it harder for users to share accounts across different locations. Netflix now enforces rules that tie account usage to a specific geographic household, limiting access for those living elsewhere. While this may help the company prevent unauthorized sharing and secure revenue, it's caused a lot of frustration for users who live in different areas with their families and want to share the same Netflix account.
In this guide, I'll show you 7 effective methods to bypass Netflix household rules, so you can continue watching your favorite content without interruptions.
Part 1. How Does Netflix Household Work
Netflix's household rule is designed to restrict account access to devices within the same geographic household. Netflix defines a household as a group of people who live together and share a physical address. It tracks this by monitoring the IP addresses, device IDs, and your account activity.
Still confused? Here is how does Netflix household work in detail:
When multiple devices use the same Netflix account, Netflix checks if they are accessing the service from the same IP address associated with the primary household.
If Netflix identifies irregular login patterns, such as frequent access from different locations, it may prompt the user to verify their device through an access code. If the device fails to verify or continues to access the account from a non-household location, Netflix may temporarily block access to that device.
This method prevents long-term sharing of accounts with users who are in different locations. Devices like smart TVs and streaming sticks are more closely monitored, as they are more likely to remain in a fixed location. However, there are still several solutions to get around Netflix household restrictions. For example, downloading DRM-free Netflix videos for offline watching is an effective way to bypass Netflix's frequent detection. But you may need the professional tool at below.
Part 2. How to Bypass Netflix Household [7 Effective Ways]
In this section, I'll introduce seven effective methods to bypass Netflix household limits. Each method has its pros, cons, and specific use cases. Whether you're traveling, sharing with friends, or need a simple workaround, these solutions can help you continue sharing accounts or accessing Netflix from different locations.
Method 1. Stream Netflix via VPN with Meshnet
One highly recommended method to bypass Netflix household rules is using a VPN with Meshnet. VPNs like NordVPN offer Meshnet feature, which allows multiple devices to share the same network remotely. This masks connections from different IP addresses, making them appear as though they are coming from a single household. This way, you can trick Netflix into thinking you are streaming from the same location.
Can I use a regular VPN server to bypass Netflix household restrictions? The short answer is yes. However, for it to work, every person sharing the account must connect to the same VPN server every time they stream Netflix, which is less flexible than Meshnet.
Here are the steps to bypass Netflix password sharing restrictions using Meshnet, with NordVPN as an example:
Step 1. Subscribe to the Meshnet-capable NordVPN server.
Tip: One NordVPN account can be signed into up to 6 devices.
Step 2. Install the NordVPN app on both the account holder's device in the household and the device you want to stream Netflix on outside the household.
Pro tip: Windows or Mac devices are the best choice for Meshnet hosts.
Step 3. On the household device, the account holder should enable Meshnet in the NordVPN app by navigating to the Meshnet tab on the left-side menu.
Step 4. The account holder can click Send Invitations next to the Link External Device button and enter the emails of the individuals with whom they want to share the Netflix account. Once accepted, these users will share the account holder's IP address and stream Netflix without restrictions.
Best for:
- Users who frequently travel or stream from school.
- Those looking to share accounts with distant friends or family.
- Pros
- Allows seamless streaming from any location.
- Bypasses geographic restrictions without frequent verifications.
- Enhances privacy and security while streaming.
- Cons
- Not all VPNs work with Netflix due to Netflix's VPN detection systems.
- Requires a subscription to a reliable VPN like NordVPN, which can be costly.
- May experience slower streaming speeds depending on the VPN.
Method 2. Download Netflix Videos via Professional Tool
Another way to bypass Netflix household restrictions is by downloading content for offline viewing using a tool like StreamUlt Netflix Video Downloader. As Netflix requires the Internet connection to check your online Netflix activity, downloading videos for offline watching is a wayaround to avoid such detection. However, the download feature is also limited by Netflix, which may not suitable for all users.
That's why you need the StreamUlt Netflix Downlaoder. This software allows you to and save unlimited videos in MP4 or MKV formats without DRM protection. By doing so, you can download batches of content at once and watch them offline without needing to log into Netflix.
Key Features of StreamUlt Netflix Video Downloader
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- Download Netflix movies, TV shows and more locally
- Convert Netflix movies and TV shows to MP4 or MKV
- Save multilingual language and subtitles in two types
- Remove ads from Netflix and keep original video quality
Step 1 Install the StreamUlt Netflix Video Downloader on Your Computer
Once installed, sign in to your Netflix account through the built-in browser.
Step 2 Preset Your Output Preferences
Go to Menu > Preferences > Download and adjust settings like video format, quality, audio, and subtitles for a better viewing experience.
Step 3 Add Netflix Videos to List and Download in Batch
Find the videos you want to watch, click the download arrow at the bottom right, select the episodes or movies, and click Add to List. Once you've collected everything you want to watch, go to the List tab and download them all at once.
You can record 3-minute long Netflix videos in the free trial. Please subscribe it if you want to unlock the full video.
Best For:
- Users taking long trips or with unreliable internet access.
- Those wanting to avoid IP tracking altogether.
- Users who want to watch Netflix across multiple households.
- Pros
- Allows offline viewing without worrying about household restrictions.
- No need for an internet connection to watch downloaded content.
- Reduces the need to sign in frequently; you can download content in bulk.
- Cons
- Downloads can take up a lot of storage space. Consider downloading Netflix to SD card or storing Netflix videos on USB drive.
- You still need to log into the Netflix account to download content.
Method 3. Add Additional Netflix Household Members
Netflix offers an official solution for sharing your account with people outside your household by allowing users to purchase sub-accounts for an additional cost. This is a hassle-free way to share your Netflix subscription without worrying about access restrictions. Sub-accounts come with their own login credentials but remain tied to the primary subscription.
Netflix's extra member feature is only available to Standard and Premium subscribers in select countries, including the US, UK, Canada, France, Australia, and Brazil.
| Country | Extra Member Price |
|---|---|
| US | $7.99 each/month |
| Canada | 7.99 CAD each/month |
| UK | £4.99 each/month |
| Australia | AU$7.99 each/month |
You can click here to find more details on sharing your Netflix account with people outside your household, as well as the specific requirements for extra members.
Step 1. Go to the Netflix Add Extra Member page on your browser and log into your account.
Step 2. Click the Buy an extra member slot button and select Next.
Step 3. Review your payment details and click Buy Now.
Step 4. Enter the extra member's name, email address, and your own name. You can transfer an existing profile or create a new one for the extra member.
Step 5. The extra member will receive an invitation email from Netflix. They can activate their account by clicking the link.
Best For:
- Users willing to pay extra for a hassle-free way to share a Standard or Premium account.
- Only 1 or 2 families or friends require a sharing account.
- Pros
- Legal and straightforward, ensuring uninterrupted access across multiple households.
- Cons
- Comes with an extra monthly cost.
- Limits the number of extra households.
- Location restrictions still apply to account holders and extra members, which require that you are in the same country.
Method 4. Log in with the Netflix Access Code
When Netflix detects an account being used from a different location, it may send a verification code to the account holder. The code must be entered within 15 minutes to maintain access. One common workaround is for the account holder to share this code with friends or family, allowing them to log in from a different location. However, it's not always convenient to monitor emails constantly. Fortunately, this issue can be solved by setting up automatic email forwarding in Gmail to send the code to the person sharing the account.
Best for:
- Users who only occasionally access Netflix from a different location.
- Close family members or friends sharing an account.
- Pros
- Simple and quick solution for temporary access.
- No additional software or subscriptions needed.
- Cons
- Requires coordination between the account holder and the person accessing the account.
- Access is temporary and needs to be renewed every 15-30 days.
Method 5. Stream Netflix Under the Holder's WiFi for a While
Another simple method is to log in to Netflix from the account holder's WiFi at least once a month. Netflix requires this to ensure that your device is still part of the household, even if you primarily use the account from a different location. As long as the device checks in with the home network regularly, Netflix won't flag the account for sharing outside the household.
If Netflix warns you that you're not part of the household after you leave the account holder's home and back to yours, you can turn off the WiFi, force stop and relaunch the Netflix, turn on the WiFi again, and tap the refresh button to solve it.
Best For:
- Users who can periodically visit the account holder's home.
- Those who prefer streaming Netflix on their phone or computer rather than a TV app.
- Pros
- Free and simple, no extra software needed.
- Cons
- Requires physically being at the account holder's home for the initial setup.
- Needs regular log-ins from the home network to keep the device authorized.
Method 6. Watch Netflix on Your TV Offline
Watching Netflix on a TV or streaming device often triggers household-related restrictions. If your account is logged into more than two TVs in different countries, Netflix may automatically log out of one device, as TVs are not considered portable and cannot change locations frequently. To bypass this issue, you can stream Netflix on your TV from a phone or computer using an HDMI cable. This method avoids using Netflix's online service directly on the TV, allowing you to bypass location-based restrictions.
Best For:
- Users who prefer watching Netflix on Apple TV or other smart TVs without triggering location checks.
- Travelers who want to watch Netflix on hotel TVs.
- Pros
- No need for constant internet access or household verification.
- Cons
- Requires an HDMI cable for connection.
- Video quality may be lower than streaming directly from the Netflix TV app.
Pro Tip: You can download DRM-free Netflix videos via the StreamUlt Netflix Video Downloader, then use Airplay or screen mirroring to stream Netflix to your TV without needing a cable.
Method 7. Block Netflix Production Domain on Your Browser
Advanced users can block Netflix's production domain on their browsers, preventing the platform from detecting location. This way, Netflix is unable to verify your IP address and you can bypass the household restrictions. However, be cautious as this may interfere with other aspects of Netflix's functionality.
You can check this tutorial to block websites on Chrome/Safari/Android/iPhone etc.
The websites to block are listed below:
- Android: android.prod.cloud.netflix.com
- iOS: ios.prod.cloud.netflix.com
- Web: web.prod.cloud.netflix.com
- TV: prod.cloud.netflix.com
Best For:
- Users with technical skills who want to bypass restrictions without additional tools and fees.
- Pros
- Bypass Netflix Household restrictions with simple settings.
- Cons
- Not available on Netflix app.
- Might be difficult to operate and affect Netflix functionality.
Part 3. FAQs on Netflix Household
Q1.Can You Share Netflix with Another Household?
A1.Yes, Netflix allows account sharing through sub-accounts, which require an additional fee. Alternatively, you can try the other methods mentioned above, such as using a VPN or downloading unlimited Netflix videos via the StreamUlt Netflix Movie Downloader.
Q2.How to Deal With Netflix Household During Travelling?
A2.Log in from your home network before traveling. Netflix allows devices to stay logged in for up to 31 days after household verification. If you're on a longer trip, you can use the access code to log in.
Some content may be unavailable in other countries, so it's a good idea to back up your favorite Netflix videos before traveling.
Q3.How Can College Student Get Around Netflix Household?
A3.College students living away from home can use VPNs with Meshnet to connect to their family's network, or request verification codes when prompted by Netflix. For students on unstable or slow school networks, downloading Netflix videos to your computer for offline viewing is recommended.
Part 4. Conclusion
Netflix household restrictions have complicated account sharing for many users, but the seven solutions on how to bypass Netflix household mentioned here make account sharing easier. Whether you use a VPN with Meshnet, download videos via StreamUlt Netflix Downloader, or simply log in periodically from the home network, these methods offer effective solutions for continuing to enjoy Netflix from multiple locations. Start with a free trial of StreamUlt Netflix Video Downloader now!
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Alex Mercer, a multimedia expert at StreamUlt, specializes in streaming video conversion, tips, and troubleshooting, providing innovative solutions to simplify digital life.
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