Netflix Changed its Password Sharing Policy. What About Other Streaming Services?

For years, password sharing has been an unspoken norm in the world of streaming. Families, friends, and even distant acquaintances have routinely shared login credentials, allowing multiple people to enjoy content under a single subscription. In this article, we’ll explore how major streaming platforms handle password sharing today, comparing their approaches and the impact on subscribers.

Maximising revenue streams from current subscribers

For years, Netflix had a relatively lenient stance on password sharing. The company even embraced the practice at times—famously tweeting in 2017, “Love is sharing a password.” Subscribers could share their login credentials with family and friends, even if they lived in different households, without any restrictions.

Netflix’s standard plans allowed multiple simultaneous streams, which made it easy for people in different locations to use the same account without any enforcement mechanisms preventing it. While technically against the terms of service, password sharing outside of a single household was widely tolerated.

Starting in 2023, Netflix implemented a crackdown on password sharing, enforcing stricter policies to ensure accounts were only used within a single household.  A “household” is defined as people living at the same physical address. To facilitate this, Netflix requires users to set a primary location, typically determined by the IP address of the main device used for streaming. Devices connected to this primary location are recognised as part of the household. If someone outside your household attempts to use your account, they may be prompted to verify their device through a code sent to the account’s registered email or phone number. This code is valid for a limited time and must be entered to gain access. Alternatively, Netflix offers an option to add extra members to your account for an additional fee.

While many streaming services discourage password sharing, some take a more lenient approach. These services allow multiple users to log into the same account from different devices or locations, but they still advise against it. Ultimately, the decision to share passwords is up to the individual user, but it’s important to note that there may be consequences if caught. So how do different video-on-demand (VOD) streaming platforms handle password sharing? Let’s start with MAX.

MAX

Before Warner Bros. Discovery rebranded HBO Max to Max in 2023, the platform had a relatively flexible approach to password sharing. Like many other streaming services, Max allowed users to create multiple profiles under a single account, enabling family members and friends—even those living in different households—to use the same subscription without restrictions.

While the terms of service stated that accounts were meant for a single household, there were no active measures to enforce this rule. Users could log in from various locations, and Max did not have a strict verification system to detect or block password sharing.

As of early 2025, Max has started cracking down on password sharing to ensure accounts are only used within a single household. The changes began in late 2024 with gentle warnings sent to accounts suspected of extensive sharing. In 2025, Max introduced a paid “Extra Member” option, allowing users to add people outside their household for an additional fee. Max plans to further tighten restrictions by introducing automated detection systems that flag unauthorised access and potentially block persistent password sharing.

With a Max subscription, you can create up to five user profiles within a single account. This allows each household member to have their own personalised watchlist and viewing history, enabling them to watch content at their own pace, even if they’re following the same shows.

Disney+

When Disney+ launched in 2019, it had a relatively relaxed approach to password sharing. The platform allowed users to create up to seven profiles under a single account and stream on up to four devices simultaneously, making it easy for friends and family outside the same household to share an account without restrictions.

As of February 2025, Disney+ has implemented policies to restrict account sharing to individuals within the same household. A “household” is defined as the collection of devices associated with your primary personal residence that are used by the individuals who reside there.

To accommodate users who wish to share their subscription with individuals outside their household, Disney+ offers an “Extra Member” add-on for an additional monthly fee. In the United States, this feature costs $6.99 per month for Basic subscriptions and $9.99 per month for Premium subscriptions. Each account is limited to one Extra Member slot. Extra Members have access to the same content and features as the primary account holder but are limited to a single profile and can stream or download on only one device at a time.

Subscribers can still watch Disney+ while traveling by updating their household location as needed. However, there may be limitations on how frequently the household location can be updated.

Hulu

Hulu, owned by Disney, historically allowed some level of password sharing, though it had more restrictions than other platforms like Netflix. Hulu permitted subscribers to create up to six user profiles under a single account, allowing different users to have personalised watchlists and recommendations. The standard Hulu (With Ads) and Hulu (No Ads) plans allowed streaming on two devices at the same time, making it possible for users outside the same household to access the account—though this was technically against Hulu’s terms of service.

As of 2025, Hulu has tightened its policies to prevent unauthorised password sharing. The platform now tracks device locations to ensure that an account is primarily used within the subscriber’s designated household. For Hulu + Live TV, users must verify their home network and connect to their home Wi-Fi at least once every 30 days to continue accessing live television.

Apple TV

Apple TV+ allows subscribers to share their subscription with up to five additional family members through Apple’s Family Sharing feature, totalling six users. Each family member uses their own Apple ID, ensuring personalised experiences and maintaining individual privacy.

After setting up, family members can access Apple TV+ on their devices by signing in with their own Apple IDs. This approach ensures that each person has their own recommendations and watch history. It’s important to note that sharing your personal Apple ID and password is discouraged, as it can compromise personal data and security. Family Sharing provides a secure method to share subscriptions without sharing account credentials.

Last Words on Password Sharing

Sharing passwords with others who are not part of your household is a common practice among streaming service users. However, it’s essential to know that not all companies officially allow or encourage this. Different streaming services have different policies regarding password sharing, and some may even have restrictions or guidelines against it.

Before choosing a streaming service to use or sharing your account with others, it’s important to research and explore the specific policies of each service. This can help you find services that offer features that make sharing accounts within a household more affordable and accessible. Some services may have limitations on the number of devices that can stream content simultaneously.

Ultimately, the decision to share passwords is yours to make. But, it’s crucial to be aware of any policies or guidelines that may be in place to ensure that you’re using the services in a way that aligns with their values and expectations.