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Many RVers use Netflix to watch shows and trending documentaries. However, Netflix is in the process of instituting a new policy that might make that a little bit more difficult in the future.
If you’re an RVer and enjoy watching Netflix while on the road, you better pay attention. You could end up staring at a “locked out” screen soon.
Let’s dive in and look at this new Netflix policy!
What Is Netflix?
Netflix is a popular subscription streaming service that provides various content for subscribers. TV shows, movies, documentaries, and more on the platform. Subscribers consume content on various devices, including TVs, smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
Netflix started in 1997 as a DVD-by-mail service. Customers could browse a large library and create a “favorite” list. Depending on which plan the user subscribed to, Netflix would send the user the movies to their mailbox.
However, in 2007, the company launched its streaming service. You can still sign up for the DVD mail service, but most users can access high-speed internet and utilize the streaming-only plan.
The service is offered in approximately 190 countries worldwide.
Why Is Netflix Changing Its Policies?
Password sharing has been a major issue for Netflix and other streaming services. This is where two individuals in separate households share the same account.
Instead of two paying customers, streaming services lose out on revenue by the individuals paying for a single account.
Some experts suggest that Netflix loses somewhere between 5 to 6 billion dollars in yearly revenue due to password sharing. Just like any business, they have bills and employees to pay too.
Netflix states, “Today, over 100 million households are sharing accounts — impacting our ability to invest in great new TV and films.”
What Is the New Netflix Policy?
Netflix has begun rolling out new policies to crack down on password sharing. The policy requires members to set a primary viewing location for their account.
Users can access their accounts away from the primary viewing location but must visit the location at least once every 31 days. If not, the service will prohibit them from streaming content.
If members want to share an account with someone living outside the primary location, they can add them for a small fee. The new policy allows for “trusted devices” and users to request temporary codes for seven viewing days.
Currently, the new Netflix policy hasn’t taken place in the United States. Netflix started rolling out the policy in Chile, Costa Rica, and Peru. However, Americans can likely expect the policy in the United States once they work out all the kinks.
How Does the Netflix Policy Screw RVers?
The Netflix policy sticks it to those RVers who travel the country. Many utilize their Netflix subscriptions in various locations regularly. Some travelers will connect to various Wi-Fi connections at campgrounds and other locations to watch the content.
If this policy becomes a reality in the United States, it will likely make it difficult for RVers to use the service. Netflix would likely detect that they’re no longer in the same location when they move from campground to campground.
How to Get Around the New Netflix Policy
Since the new Netflix policy has yet to affect Americans and RVers, there’s no known workaround. Some believe using a static IP address or VPN (a virtual private network) will trick the system and allow viewing outside the primary location.
However, since the policy is slowly rolling out worldwide, no one has yet to find any definite workarounds.
Others have suggested canceling Netflix and setting up a new account while using a mobile phone. You then must stream everything you want to watch on Netflix from your phone or other mobile devices.
Again, as the new Netflix policy hasn’t fully taken effect in the United States, we can’t test these potential options fully.
Alternative Streaming Options to Netflix
While most streaming services want to crack down on password sharing, Netflix is leading the charge. If you’re looking for alternative streaming options to Netflix, we have a handful of great options worth considering.
Disney+
Disney+ launched in 2019 and has become an incredibly popular streaming service. You’ll find a tremendous amount of content from everybody’s favorite mouse.
The platform is home to some of the most popular movie franchises ever, including Star Wars, Marvel, Pixar, and National Geographic.
This streaming service is very popular with families. However, the massive library houses old and new titles from various genres. There’s something for just about everyone on this platform!
Keep in Mind: If you’re looking for a vacation full of magic, then start planning a trip Disneyland! See How to Plan an RV Trip to Disneyland
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video benefits more than 200 million Amazon Prime subscribers. You can watch various movies, TV shows, and a select number of original content produced by the industry giant.
Some originals include “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Jack Ryan,” and “The Man in the High Castle.”
Additionally, the service gives users access to various live events, including concerts and NFL games. One of the best features is integrating with Amazon devices like Alex and Amazon Fire TV.
Hulu
Hulu is a streaming subscription service launched in 2007 and grew in popularity for offering content from popular Networks like ABC, NBC, Fox, and others.
Subscribers often enjoy DVR-like features where they can replay recent shows from the most popular networks. This allows them to watch their favorite shows on their terms and when it’s convenient.
Additionally, Hulu offers a Hulu Live TV plan. This allows subscribers to stream live TV from their local television networks. Unfortunately, this requires users to be stationary based on their geographic location. You can only update or change your primary location a handful of times each year.
However, if you want to keep up with your favorite shows while traveling in an RV, Hulu is a great option. We’ve used it during our travels and loved how easy and convenient it was to stay updated on our favorite shows.
HBO Max
HBO Max is a streaming service that launched in May 2020. The service provides subscribers with content from major studios, including HBO, Warner Bros., DC Comics, Cartoon Network, and more.
Some of the most popular shows on the platform include “Game of Thrones,” “Friends,” and “The Big Bang Theory.”
The platform offers a tremendous amount of high-quality content. While some content is available on other streaming services, a large chunk of the content is specific to the platform. If you’re looking for a service to add to your arsenal, it’s worth considering HBO Max.
Paramount+
Paramount+ launched in March of 2021 by ViacomCBS. It features a wealth of content from networks like CBS, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, BET, and MTV.
Some popular shows on the platform include “The Good Fight,” “Star Trek: Discovery,” and “SpongeBob SquarePants.”
Many users enjoy accessing live content from CBS and other partnering networks. They can watch the news, sports coverage, and many other events.
Whether you want to watch live TV or something from their massive library, Paramount+ is a valuable subscription.
Pro Tip: If you’re going to spend time streaming in your RV, take a look at our guide to finding the Perfect TV for Your RV
Should RVers Cancel Their Netflix Accounts?
We typically subscribe to the “wait and see” mentality. While everything points toward Netflix changing its policies soon, it hasn’t happened yet.
We don’t recommend canceling your plan just yet over a possibility. Though, you may have other reasons to step away from this streaming site. However, it is wise to start researching the various alternatives and develop a plan.
Thankfully, subscribing and canceling from Netflix is relatively easy to do. You could always subscribe when you’re in a location for an extended time and cancel when you leave. This can help you avoid any issues of dealing with staying within a primary location.
Will you cancel your Netflix subscription when this policy changes?
I understand the reasoning, but it does make it a pain for anyone who travels a lot, including all of us RVers. Since the numbers or RVers are increasing, I am going to open a chat with them to address it. Maybe if enough of us do it, they could set up an alternative. I’m sure they don’t want to lose us! Some things to think about:
Would it be possible to devise a device or a setting that would bypass the settings? Even for a small fee? If you think about it, if the home IP isn’t being used for Netflix, wouldn’t that mean that the owners of the account are travelling? Hopefully, they come up with a compromise.
Hello!
I just had this conversation with someone from Netflix today. We currently pay for the 20.00 subscription. I got “locked out” this morning, and wanted to fix it. They told me for another 7.99 a month I can “Add” a member, and it will unlock my account and we will be able to use it. It was a headache. I did ask them about people who travel for a living – like myself. What do they do? He replied with the answer he had already given me about adding a member. I’ve been a member with netflix for almost 10 years now, I’m paying the top tear subscription It should be included!!!! Hope you get some actual answers!
I will wait and see what happens but I noticed that while I’m in Mexico for the winter I don’t have access to all of my saved list but also have access to stuff I don’t get in the USA. If they force me to cancel then I will but I suspect they can tell I watch from my Starlink wifi and that won’t change. They need to understand that thousands of people travel via RV full time. I have never been to my residency location in SD and never will be there.