As Netflix cracks down on password sharing between different locations, miserable users are refusing to take no for an answer and are instead coming up with clever ways to get around the crackdown - including a free option using a VPN.
Having first appeared on Reddit's Unethical Life Pro Tips channel, miffed Netflix users were quick to jump on the trick. Streamers were prepared to cancel their accounts, they were so unhappy with the crackdown on password sharing across different locations.
After first appearing on Reddit, the hack has spread across social media - with one user even saying it saved their long-distance relationship.
The trick involves something called 'tunnelling', which allows multiple people to connect to the internet from the same IP address. The Netflix crackdown uses IP addresses, as well as other methods, to detect whether users are sharing passwords outside of their households.
Netflix said: "A Netflix account is for use by one household."
However, NordVPN has a feature called 'Meshnet', which allows users to appear as if they're connecting to the internet from the same IP address as someone else. It works on a variety of devices including Android TVs.
Instead of routing traffic through a VPN server, users can route internet traffic through a TV or laptop at home. It means that others connected to the same Meshnet will look like they're in the same place.
NordVPN explains: "Meshnet lets you create your own VPN server through your own or your friends' devices, no matter where they are in the world."
It means you could even be on another continent and still seem as though you're connecting from a friend or family member's house. Traditionally, Meshnet is used for file sharing or creating a virtual local area network (LAN) for online gaming so gamers are connected from the same place - allowing people to play together whether they're in the same country or not.
NordVPN Meshnet users can invite up to 10 friends to their 'family' and extend invitations to as many as 50 friends. It lets the other users access the same IP address and syncs up with Netflix's other detection methods to create a bypass.
The connection is encrypted and allows other devices to share the same IP address, which therefore means Netflix shouldn't be able to detect if an account is being shared with someone in another location.
How to use a VPN to bypass Netflix password-sharing rules
While most traditional VPNs are not free, NordVPN's Meshnet is - all you have to do is sign up for a NordVPN account. You'll need to install the NordVPN app on the devices you want to use Meshnet with but there's no need for a paid NordVPN membership.
To use Meshnet on a Windows device, simply open and activate the NordVPN app and log in if prompted. After that, you can just turn on the Meshnet toggle on the left-hand side of the screen.
When a dialogue box pops up, select 'Turn on Meshnet'. Within Meshnet, your device will be assigned a Nord name and Meshnet IP address, which is what you can use to access the device from other linked devices.
Setting up traffic routing, which is what allows devices to appear from the same IP address, you simply select 'Route Traffic' and a list of devices you can route traffic through will come up.
All devices signed into your NordVPN account will be able to access your Meshnet. To add devices from another NordVPN account, 'external devices', you can send invites to family and friends directly from the NordVPN app.
You just need to select 'Link Devices', and then enter the email address of the person you want to invite. The invite will then appear on any devices that are logged in with Meshnet switched on.
As soon as the invitation is accepted, your friend's device will become part of your Meshnet. Meshnet is available on Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Android TV.
