If Netflix has more than 230 million subscribers around the world, 100 million people use the platform without paying, borrowing a relative’s account. Or a third of the usual.
To break this habit that causes a gigantic deficit, Netflix has decided to crack down. From now on, only users assigned to the subscriber’s address will be able to benefit from the service. Is that how it works.
• How does Netflix define where my home is?
To authorize devices to use a Netflix account, the platform now requires them to “regularly” connect to the Wi-Fi network linked to the main home TV.
In fact, Netflix identifies the IP address (a unique number that identifies an Internet box, which is therefore linked to a single Wi-Fi network), as well as all the devices that connect to it regularly. Once this information is available, Netflix associates the primary home with this IP address and therefore with the corresponding Wi-Fi network.
Please note that this procedure is performed automatically – no action is required from the subscriber. In addition, to “validate” this connection with the home, it is essential to open the Netflix application and start playing content.
• What if I don’t have a TV?
On its site, Netflix specifies that users without a TV do not need to install a fireplace. Under these conditions, the definition of the home is redone automatically, thanks to the detection of the most used Wi-Fi network to connect to the platform.
• Can I change my Netflix home?
As the Netflix Help Center explains, it is possible to manually set up or update your home. A simple manipulation in the settings, detailed here, will allow you to report a long trip or a move.
Take into account that this operation must necessarily be carried out from your television. All devices that will then connect to the same Wi-Fi network as the TV will be automatically integrated into the home.
One question remains though: how do I manually switch my Netflix home if I don’t have a TV? Contacted by Tech&Co, Netflix France has not yet responded.
• Will I still be able to access Netflix while on vacation?
It all depends on the length of your absence. Questioned by Tech&Co, Netflix France does not want to communicate about the period before which it is necessary to reconnect to the main home Wi-Fi to continue benefiting from the service. However, according to previous communications from the platform, the latter fluctuates around a month.
That is, if you leave for less than a month, don’t worry, you can continue accessing the content.
• What happens if I am away for longer?
At the moment, Netflix has not announced a solution adapted to this type of case for France. In other words: a subscriber on the go for a month and a half could lose their access to the platform for the last 15 days, before finding it again by connecting to the Wi-Fi network at home, upon their return.
• What if I travel frequently?
With Tech & Co, Netflix France ensures that exceptions are provided, for example for users who have a second home or in the context of joint custody.
Specifically, Netflix will be able to detect if a user associated with a home’s IP address regularly uses another network. If so, then this second network will be integrated into the home.
• What am I at risk if I keep sharing my account?
Netflix does not penalize customers who continue to share their password with family members. The main sanction will fall, therefore, on the beneficiaries of this free access, who will be disconnected from the platform after a month. Unless you go to the account holder’s house and connect to their wifi network.
• Can I pay to continue sharing my Netflix account?
The shared Netflix account now becomes a payment option, billed at 5.99 euros per month. An amount that the primary account holder will have to pay in order for someone outside the household to benefit from it.
Subscribers to the Standard offer (13.49 euros per month) can pay for one additional subscriber, compared to two for subscribers to the Premium offer (17.99 euros per month). The option is not available to subscribers of the Standard offer with advertising (5.99 euros per month) and the Essential offer (8.99 euros per month).
The price is identical to the ad-supported offer, but the terms are different: the additional subscriber will not be subject to these ads and will be able to access the titles offline. However, you can only use one profile and access content on one screen at a time.
Please note that Netflix does not allow current or former account holders to become additional subscribers.
Source: BFM TV
