Is your Netflix not working because “the TV doesn’t belong in the household”? We explain what this message means, why it appears and how to bypass it. Find out what to do to watch your favorite series again.
“Your TV does not belong to your household” – what does this message mean on Netflix?
Perhaps you tried to watch an evening marathon on Netflix and instead of a new series, a message appeared on the screen: “Your TV does not belong to the household.” The first thought is simple: “But how? It’s my TV!”. Don’t panic – this is the platform’s new way of ensuring that you use your account in accordance with the regulations. In this article, we’ll explain what this message means, why it appears and, most importantly, what you can do about it.
What’s the deal with Netflix household?
Let’s start from the beginning. Netflix has recently tightened its account sharing rules. You probably remember that once you could share your slogan with someone living on the other side of Poland and everyone was happy. Well, once upon a time. Currently, the platform ensures that only household members – people living under one roof – use one account. At least that’s the theory.
Netflix uses various technical tricks to check whether a TV, computer or phone actually belongs to the same “household”. This means it analyzes your IP, location, and sometimes even devices that log in regularly. If something is wrong, this unfortunate message appears.
Why is Netflix doing this?
The reason is simple: money. The platform has noticed that a huge number of users are sharing accounts with people who technically should not have access to them. This is a real loss for Netflix, because instead of paying for separate subscriptions, such people use one group subscription. Although it was turned a blind eye for years, the platform decided to put an end to it.
For many users, this sounds like “nitpicking”, but for Netflix it is a way to increase revenues. It is worth noting, however, that the introduction of such restrictions caused a lot of controversy. Some say it’s fair because everyone should pay for themselves, others say that if they pay for the account, they should have the right to use it as they want.
What to do if a message appears?
Okay, but what to do when your TV is suddenly considered “foreign”? There are several options – here they are.
1. Set your household to Netflix
The easiest way is to make sure your device is assigned to a household. Visit your Netflix account on your TV and follow the instructions. Most often, the idea is to log in from your home Wi-Fi – the Internet connection is one of the key factors that Netflix takes into account.
If your device was previously working fine and nothing has changed, you may just need to confirm that you’re still using the same space.
2. Pay extra for an additional user
If you share an account with someone who lives in a different place (e.g. parents, siblings or friends), Netflix gives you the option to purchase an additional user. The cost is PLN 13 per month. This isn’t a perfect solution, but in many cases it can be cheaper than paying for a separate subscription.
3. Use on mobile devices
Fun fact: Netflix is not that strict when it comes to smartphones and tablets. If you use the application on mobile devices, you are unlikely to encounter such a message, even if you log in from a different location. Of course, this is not convenient if you wanted to watch the series on the big screen, but as a temporary solution – it works.
4. Contact technical support
If you are absolutely sure that the message appeared by mistake (e.g. you always use the same device and the same network), it is worth reporting the problem to Netflix customer service. This may be a location recognition problem or some other technical issue. In this case, technical support should clarify the situation.
Netflix Restrictions: Can You Get Around It?
Now you’re probably wondering if there’s any way to cheat the system. Of course, there are various guides on the Internet – from using VPNs to artificially setting the device’s location. However, it is important to remember that Netflix is constantly improving its methods of detecting such activities.
While Netflix’s new rules may seem irritating, many people still accept them as part of the cost of using the platform. However, if you are at the stage where you are considering canceling your subscription, remember that there are other VOD services on the market – Disney+, HBO Max or Prime Video. Each of them has its pros and cons, but it may turn out to be an interesting alternative.
Is Netflix overreacting? Opinions are divided. One thing is certain – the rules of the game have changed and it is worth familiarizing yourself with them before planning your next evening with TV series. And if this message upsets you, maybe it’s worth taking a break and giving the competition a chance?
