Tech-savvy Social Media Users Discover Ways To Get Around Netflix’s Password-sharing Crackdown
Have you been kicked out of your cozy ‘Netflix and Chill’ routine? Netflix recently announced a global ban on sharing passwords outside of households. But, thanks to human ingenuity and a timely tech invention, anxious movie fans have quickly found a free workaround. And it’s a safe bet that gamers got there first!
Gamers use VPNs for extra security and online privacy. But another excellent use for VPNs is the ability to create secure virtual LAN parties for teams. Gamers have been loving NordVPN’s Meshnet function, using it to create private virtual servers for their LAN parties.
The Meshnet function is also a popular solution for international travelers, people who need secure connections while using public Wi-Fi, and secure file sharing for hybrid workers. And, as luck would have it, it also provides an easy way to keep watching your favorite shows on Netflix.
How Does Netflix’s Ip-based Password Crackdown Work?
Netflix keeps the exact details of how they detect account-sharing a trade secret, but everyone knows that they track the IP addresses from which the account is being accessed. It’s also common knowledge that they use algorithms to quickly detect multiple logins from different locations.
The Netflix ‘password ban’ is their way of stopping people from sharing accounts with users who are not part of the same household. If Netflix sees logins coming from several locations, they may conclude that the account is being shared between users, not in the same household. Someone’s going to get the chop!
Meshnet Tunneling Gives All Users The Same Ip Address
Meshnet lets people worldwide connect to a host’s secure private home network, which then connects to Netflix. Everyone in the LAN party accesses the internet via the same IP address (which, if you remember, is the main signal that Netflix uses to detect password sharing). When all devices share the same IP address, Netflix can’t tell when an account is being shared.
For example, if a meshnet user in the US adds a device located in Germany to their private network, that German user will look like they’re located in a US household.
This is different from connecting to Netflix via a VPN. In a ‘standard’ VPN connection, your traffic gets routed via a VPN router, and your IP address changes to the VPN servers. But with Meshnet, your traffic gets routed via someone else’s TV or laptop, which changes your IP address to that of the anchoring TV or laptop. It looks like you’re hanging out in your friend’s living room, watching Netflix together.
Connect Different Devices To The Same Ip Address
Meshnet works on most devices, including Windows computers, iOS devices, and Android TVs. Only the main account user needs a VPN subscription, which doesn’t cost the guests anything. They don’t need a paid VPN subscription to join someone else’s meshnet; they’ll only need to create a free Nord account and download the meshnet app on their device.
Gamers have been using it for months to create virtual LANs for special gaming events because the host can connect up to 60 devices. The connection between LAN friends is encrypted as part of a highly secure, private VPN server.
The meshnet host doesn’t need special tech skills to link up their own and their friends’ devices. So even if you’re not a tech whiz, you can still host a virtual LAN party with your friends!
Easy New Way To Join A Private Virtual Network
The steps are pretty simple. The primary user (host) must turn on the NordVPN app and log in. Meshnet will assign the anchoring device a name and a Meshnet IP address. The host then adds the guests’ ‘external’ devices (devices from a different Nord account) by sending invitations via email. Guests will see the host’s invitation if they’re logged into their free Nord app and have the meshnet function switched on.
The guest device will become part of the host’s meshnet as soon as they accept the invitation.
Using An Ultra-secure File-sharing Tool To Watch Movies
Since the large-scale adoption of remote and hybrid work models, VPNs have become invaluable security and privacy tools for home users. People who travel a lot or work while on the road use the meshnet feature to connect to their home computers to access important files and documents. And now, as a bonus, they can use this ultra-secure file-sharing tool for fun and entertainment.
