26 May 2023 , 16:47
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Around a quarter of Netflix 's 15 million UK subscribers are said to share their password - but not for much longer.
Earlier this week, the streaming giant sent an email to almost four million British users identified as granting free access to friends and family members outside their home.
This has been overlooked for years, but with around 100m homes globally sharing their passwords, Netflix has decided to act.
The streaming giant has now set up a 'paid sharing' offering where extra users can be added for £4.99 a month.
But many customers aren't happy.
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Netflix is cracking down on password sharing (Future Publishing via Getty Images)Analysis of Google search data reveals that online searches for ‘Cancel Netflix account’ rocketed 2,939 per cent in the UK on May 24 - the date the streaming giant launched the crackdown.
Comparison site reveals that online interest in the term was more than 30 times the average volume following the announcement.
The email began by warning its users: "Your Netflix account is for you and the people you live with - your household."
At the same time, searches for ‘Netflix password sharing’ soared by 1,469 per cent as UK-based account holders tried to find out how they would be affected.
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How to cancel your Netflix account
You can cancel your Netflix membership at any time.
All you have to do is log into your account and click on the relevant profile.
After clicking the profile icon in the top right-hand corner, you will then be taken to your My Account page, which will display all your account details.
There you simply click on 'cancel membership' in the first section on Membership and Billing.
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Does Netflix stop as soon as you cancel?
If there's time left on your billing period, you can continue to use Netflix until it ends.
Check your billing details for the exact dates relating to your account.
How do I reactivate my subscription?
If you unsubscribe but later decide you want back in, just sign in as normal and click Restart Your Profile.
You will then be asked to restart your Netflix membership and your new billing date will be the day you restarted your membership.
Why is Netflix cracking down on password sharing?
Netflix first confirmed plans to 'monetise' paid-for account sharing globally in a letter to shareholders in October 2022.
The subscription service introduced fees for password sharing in Canada, New Zealand, Portugal and Spain in March.
In April, the company confirmed an additional 1.75 million subscribers signed up to its service during the first quarter of 2023.
This means the total number of subscribers now stands at 232.5 million - up 4.9 per cent from the final three months of 2022.
Last month Netflix also announced it will end its DVD-by-mail business after 25 years, with its last discs to be posted out on September 29.