Netflix lets you change which household owns your account, but the process deletes your watch history and recommendations
Netflix's household switching feature lets you move your account from one home to another — useful if you've moved, ended a shared plan, or want to stop paying for access in a place you no longer live. When you switch, Netflix erases your viewing history, ratings, and personalized recommendations on that account. Your login credentials stay the same, but the account itself resets in terms of what Netflix knows about your viewing patterns.
The switch takes effect when ready. Anyone using Netflix at the old address can no longer access the account unless they're on the same Wi-Fi network, and even then only for a limited time. Netflix does this to enforce its household rules — the company defines a household as people living in the same home who share a Wi-Fi network, and it uses location data to verify that.
Key Takeaways
- Changing your household location in Netflix settings erases your watch history, ratings, and recommendations permanently.
- Netflix confirms the new household location by checking your Wi-Fi network and IP address, so you need to be connected to internet at the new address.
- The old household loses access when ready unless someone logs in from that Wi-Fi within 31 days, which resets the clock.
- If you share a Netflix account with people at a different address, you cannot use the household switch — you would need a separate paid account or a Netflix add-on for an extra member.
How to find the household switch in Netflix settings
Open Netflix on any device and go to your account settings. On a web browser, click your profile icon in the top right corner, then select "Account" from the dropdown menu. On a phone or tablet app, tap the profile icon (usually in the bottom right), then look for "Account" or "Settings."
Once you're in Account settings, look for a section called "Household" or "Manage household." The exact name varies depending on your device and Netflix app version, but it will mention your current address or location. Click or tap on that section. Netflix will show you the address it currently has on file and offer a button to change it.
What Netflix needs to confirm your new household
Netflix requires you to be physically at the new address and connected to its Wi-Fi network when you make the switch. The company checks your IP address and Wi-Fi network name to verify you're actually there. If you try to change your household location while you're still at the old address, Netflix will reject the change.
You'll need to enter the new address in the same format Netflix shows it — street address, city, state, and ZIP code. Netflix doesn't verify this against a database; it just stores what you type. However, if Netflix detects that you're logging in from a different location than the one you entered, it may flag your account or ask you to confirm the change again.
What happens to your watch history and recommendations
When you switch households, Netflix permanently deletes your watch history, your ratings (the thumbs up and thumbs down marks you've given shows), and all personalized recommendations tied to that account. This happens automatically and cannot be undone. If you want to keep a record of what you've watched, take screenshots or write down the titles before you switch.
The account itself doesn't disappear — your login email and password remain the same, and you keep your subscription plan. Only the data Netflix collected about your viewing is erased. This is by design: Netflix treats a household change as a fresh start for that location, so the algorithm doesn't carry over recommendations from your old home to your new one.
What happens to people at your old address
Once you switch households, anyone trying to use your Netflix account at the old address will see an error message saying the account is no longer available at that location. They cannot watch anything unless they're on the same Wi-Fi network and log in within 31 days of the switch.
If someone at the old address does log in within that 31-day window, Netflix resets the household location back to the old address. This means your account is now tied to that location again, and you would need to switch it back to your new address. Netflix does this to prevent people from locking each other out of shared accounts. If you're switching because you no longer want to share with people at the old address, you may need to change your Netflix password so they cannot log in and reset the household.
The difference between household switching and adding an extra member
Netflix offers two ways to give someone access from a different address: switching your household (which moves your entire account) or adding an extra member (which creates a separate profile at a different location). These are not the same thing.
If you switch households, your account moves completely. If you add an extra member, your account stays where it is, and the extra member gets their own profile and login at a different address. Extra members cost extra per month and keep their own watch history and recommendations. You cannot add an extra member if you're on Netflix's cheapest ad-supported plan, and the feature is not available in all countries.
If you're trying to share Netflix with someone at a different address, adding an extra member usually makes more sense than switching households, because you keep your watch history and recommendations. Switching is the right choice only if you're moving permanently and no longer need access at the old location.
What to do if you cannot switch because of a shared account
Netflix's system prevents you from switching households if it detects that your account is being used from multiple locations at the same time. This is a sign that you're sharing the account with people in different homes, which violates Netflix's terms of service. If you try to switch and get an error message, it usually means someone else is actively using the account from the old address.
To fix this, ask anyone using the account at the old address to stop streaming, then wait a few minutes and try again. If you want to permanently stop sharing with people at the old address, change your Netflix password before you switch. This logs everyone out, so they cannot log back in and reset your household location. You can then switch to your new address without interference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch my household if I'm traveling or staying somewhere temporarily?
No. Netflix requires you to be at the new address on its Wi-Fi network to confirm the switch, and it's designed for permanent moves. If you're traveling, you can watch Netflix on your account from anywhere, but switching your household location is meant to be a permanent change. If you switch while traveling and then go home, you'll have the same problem as someone trying to reset your account from the old address.
Will switching households affect my billing or subscription plan?
No. Your subscription plan, billing address, and payment method stay exactly the same. Switching only changes the location Netflix associates with your account for the purpose of enforcing its household rules. Your monthly charge and plan tier (Standard, Premium, etc.) do not change.
What if someone at my old address keeps logging in and resetting my household?
Change your Netflix password when ready. This logs everyone out of your account, including the person at the old address. Once they're logged out, they cannot log back in without the new password, so they cannot reset your household location. You can then switch to your new address without them interfering.
Can I switch back to my old household location later?
Yes, but you'll lose your watch history and recommendations again. Each switch erases your viewing data. If you're moving back and forth between two addresses, switching households each time is not practical — you'd be resetting your recommendations repeatedly. In that case, it's better to keep your account at one location and use the extra member feature for the other address.
Does Netflix know my exact address, or just my general location?
Netflix stores the address you enter in your account settings and uses your IP address and Wi-Fi network to verify you're there. It does not use GPS or any other precise location tracking. The address you provide is visible only to you and Netflix; it's not shared with other services or used for marketing purposes beyond Netflix's own household verification system.