5 Ways to Protect your Netflix Account
Sometimes, password might not be enough to keep your account save. Just like many other accounts, you need to secure your Netflix account. The reasons revolve around protecting personal information, preventing unauthorized access, and ensuring a safe streaming experience.
Netflix is a common target for phishing scams, where attackers impersonate the service to steal login credentials. These scams often involve fake emails that appear legitimate, prompting users to enter sensitive information on fraudulent websites. If successful, these attacks can lead to unauthorized access to your account and potentially expose personal data.
More so, if someone gains access to your Netflix account, they can not only misuse your subscription but also access any saved payment information and personal details linked to your account. This can result in financial loss and identity theft.
With that being said, it's also worth noting that many users share their Netflix passwords with family and friends. While this may seem harmless, it increases the risk of the password being shared further without your knowledge, potentially leading to unauthorized access by unknown individuals.
In this article, we've compiled six tips that your can implement and practice to protect/secure your Netflix Account. Let's dive in.
1. Logout All Devices
Believe it or not, there's a penalty for sharing Netflix account. Although, it may not happen now, but you'll definitely face one or more consequences. If you're using a personal account, make sure you always sign out whenever you sign-in to Netflix on a external devices (such as hotel, Airbnb and lounge) that's not within your household.
It's important to understand that signing in to an external devices retain your account information if you do not login as a guest. And if you just turn the device off without signing-out your Netflix profile, the next person who uses the device has access to your account.
Nevertheless, if you forget to sign-out, don't panic as there's still away around it. All you need to do is sign-out all devices in your Netflix profile settings. To do just that, login to your Netflix Account, navigate to "settings" and click "Manage Access and Devices".
This section displays all the devices you're currently signed into. To remove a device, click "Sign Out" next to it. If a device you expect to see is missing, or if you want to sign out of all devices at once, click "Sign Out of All Devices" at the bottom of the page.
2. Don't Share Netflix Password
Netflix has once encouraged this in the past. But has the online security becomes weak, the streaming platform has cracked down on password sharing mindset and introduced "Buy An Extra Member Slot" as a replacement for users to share access legitimately. Instead of sharing your Netflix password, you can simple use the Buy-an-Extra-Member-Slot feature to give someone outside your household their own account and password.
To share your Netflix with someone who doesn't live with you, navigate to "settings" in your Netflix account and select "Buy an Extra Member Slot", and follow the prompts. However, it's important to note that the additional member incurs a fee of approximately $7.99 per month, which will be added to your account existing subscription cost. well, for your security, it's best to keep your Netflix password private and not share it widely.
Note: Only users on Standard or Premium plans can add extra members. Those on Basic or ad-supported plans are not eligible. Standard plan holders can add one extra member, while Premium plan holders can add up to two.
3. Set A Strong Password
Using a unique and strong password for your Netflix account is crucial. A good password should be at least eight characters long, include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols, and should not be easily guessed.
Password managers can help manage these unique passwords, reducing the temptation to reuse them across multiple sites, which is a common vulnerability. To change your Netflix password, navigate to your account settings and select "Update Password." You can create a password up to 60 characters long, so take advantage of this and avoid using the six-character minimum.
4. Add A Phone Number
Almost every Netflix users sign-in to their account using their registered email address and a password. To take your account accessibility to next level, then it's essential to add a phone number to activate extra verification upon logins and to make it very seamless to recover your account when you forget your password or when you're locked out of the account.
To add a phone number to your Netflix Account, go-to your account "Settings" and select "Security" from the left menu, then "Mobile Phone", and follow the prompts through to add your phone number.
5. Setup A Profile PIN
Netflix offers users the option to set up profile PINs, providing an additional layer of security. This feature is especially useful in shared living situations or when using rental properties, as it prevents unauthorized users from accessing your viewing history and recommendations. With a profile PIN, your profile can only be accessed after entering a four-digit code, ensuring that no one can stream from your account without your knowledge.
To set up a profile PIN, go to your Netflix account settings and select Edit Settings > Profile Lock. After entering your password, check the box that requires a PIN to access your profile and input your four-digit code. For added security, you can also require the PIN to add new profiles. Once you've set your preferences, click "Save" to activate the profile lock.
Securing your Netflix account goes beyond protecting your viewing preferences—it's crucial for safeguarding your personal and financial information from cyber threats. By using strong passwords, being cautious with account sharing, and taking advantage of security features, you can greatly reduce the risk of your account being compromised.
Once your account is secure, you can fully enjoy Netflix's offerings, including ad- and transaction-free mobile games that come with your subscription. Take these steps to enhance your security and make the most of what Netflix provides.