Netflix lets you add a separate household to your account, but only if you pay for an extra member

Netflix stopped allowing password sharing between unrelated people in 2024. If someone outside your household wants to use your account, you now have two options: add them as an extra member on your current plan, or they can start their own account. Adding an extra member costs between $7.99 and $8.99 per month depending on your plan, and they get their own profile, login, and viewing history — but they cannot watch on a different Wi-Fi network than the primary account holder.

If you want to add someone who lives with you, you do not need to pay extra. They can simply create their own profile on your existing account at no additional cost. The distinction matters: Netflix defines a household by the Wi-Fi network and devices you use, not by who lives in the building.

Key Takeaways

  • Adding someone who lives in your home requires only a new profile on your current account and costs nothing extra.
  • Adding someone outside your household requires paying for an extra member, which costs $7.99 to $8.99 per month depending on your plan.
  • Extra members have their own profile and login but cannot use the account on a different Wi-Fi network than the primary account holder.
  • You can add up to two extra members to most Netflix plans, though the Standard with Ads plan allows only one.

How to add a household member who lives with you

If the person lives in your home and uses your Wi-Fi, add them as a new profile instead of paying for an extra member. Open Netflix on any device, select your profile icon in the top right corner, and choose "Manage profiles." Click "Add profile" and enter their name. You can assign them a PIN for parental controls if needed, or leave it blank so they can access all content. They will then see their own profile on the Netflix home screen and can create a personalized watchlist.

This method is free and works indefinitely. The person will see recommendations based on their own viewing history, not yours, and Netflix will not count them as a separate household.

How to add an extra member outside your household

To add someone who does not live with you, go to your account settings by clicking your profile icon and selecting "Account." Scroll down to "Plans and pricing" or "Your plan" and look for an option labeled "Add extra member" or "Manage extra members." Click it and follow the prompts to enter the person's email address. Netflix will send them an invitation email with instructions to set up their own login and password.

The extra member will have their own profile, viewing history, and recommendations. However, they must use the account only on the same Wi-Fi network as the primary account holder. If they try to watch on a different network, Netflix will ask them to verify their identity or will block playback. This is Netflix's main enforcement tool against account sharing.

What happens if an extra member uses a different Wi-Fi network

Netflix monitors which Wi-Fi network each account uses. If an extra member tries to watch on a different network — such as at their own home or on mobile data — Netflix will detect it and ask them to verify their identity. They can do this by entering a code sent to their email address. After verification, they can watch for a limited time before Netflix requires verification again.

If verification fails repeatedly or if Netflix suspects the account is being shared outside the household, it may temporarily block that extra member's access. The primary account holder can always remove an extra member from the account settings if they no longer want to pay for them.

Checking how many extra members you can add

The number of extra members you can add depends on your plan. The Standard with Ads plan allows one extra member. The Standard plan (without ads) allows two extra members. The Premium plan also allows two extra members. You can see your current plan and how many extra members you have room for by going to your account settings and selecting "Plans and pricing."

If you have reached your limit and want to add another person, you must either remove an existing extra member or upgrade to a higher plan. Removing an extra member takes effect immediately, and they will lose access to the account.

The cost of adding extra members

As of 2024, adding an extra member costs $7.99 per month on the Standard with Ads plan and $8.99 per month on the Standard and Premium plans. These prices vary by country and may change. The charge appears on your regular Netflix bill each month for as long as the extra member remains on your account.

If you remove an extra member, the charge stops immediately. You will not be refunded for the current month, but you will not be charged again after that billing cycle ends.

Removing an extra member from your account

To remove an extra member, go to your account settings and select "Manage extra members" or "Plans and pricing." Find the extra member you want to remove and click the option to delete or remove them. Confirm the action. They will lose access to Netflix within minutes, and the monthly charge will stop at your next billing date.

The extra member will receive a notification that they have been removed. If you want to add them back later, you can do so through the same process, and you will be charged again starting with your next billing cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add an extra member if I have the Standard with Ads plan?

Yes, but only one. The Standard with Ads plan allows one extra member at $7.99 per month. If you need to add more than one person outside your household, you would need to upgrade to the Standard or Premium plan, both of which allow two extra members.

What is the difference between a profile and an extra member?

A profile is free and is for people who live in your home and use your Wi-Fi. An extra member is paid and is for someone outside your household who needs their own login and can watch on a different network (with periodic verification). Profiles do not cost extra; extra members do.

Can an extra member watch on mobile data or a different Wi-Fi network?

Yes, but Netflix will ask them to verify their identity by entering a code sent to their email. After verification, they can watch for a limited time before verification is required again. This is how Netflix enforces the household restriction.

What happens if I stop paying for an extra member?

They will lose access to Netflix within minutes. The charge stops at your next billing date. If you add them back later, you will be charged again starting with your next billing cycle.

Can I change which extra member I have if I reach my limit?

Yes. You can remove one extra member and add a different person. The removal takes effect immediately, and the new charge begins with your next billing cycle. There is no waiting period between removing and adding.