Disney+ Is Taking the Netflix Approach to Cracking Down on Password Sharing

Disney+ is finally rolling out its initiative to crack down on password sharing. 

This week, the app officially introduced its paid sharing option to subscribers in the U.S., Canada, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.  These changes come after initial launches in other markets over the summer.  Now, it seems most customers who share passwords will begin paying to do so.  Subscribers who want to add users outside their household will need to cough up an extra $6.99 per month for the basic plan or $9.99 per month for the premium plan.  Each account is limited to adding just one additional member.  Disney+ defines a household as “a collection of devices linked to your primary residence, used by individuals living there.”

Interestingly enough, this feature is currently not available for customers who subscribe to Disney’s bundle packages or those billed through third-party partners.  Alternatively, subscribers can transfer eligible profiles to a new account, keeping watch history and settings intact. Profiles for minors, primary profiles, and those set to junior mode cannot be transferred. Those outside the household can also opt to create their own separate accounts.

For users who are traveling or have recently relocated, Disney+ provides the option to mark themselves as away or update their household location. This will require a one-time passcode sent to the account’s registered email address.

This move follows that of Netflix, which implemented similar rules in May 2023 to stop customers from sharing passwords.  Disney CEO Bob Iger initially revealed the company’s own anti-password model during an August 2023 earnings call.  Unfortunately, Disney also intends to apply similar measures to Hulu and ESPN+. U.S. customers were first informed of the subscription changes in January, and now, they must finally face these rules.

Max has also hinted at implementing similar restrictions, with a larger rollout expected by 2025.