Image Courtesy: Netflix

Netflix is rolling out a major change to how user profiles work, requiring nearly every profile on an account to be linked to its own unique email address. The update, which began rolling out on June 15, is gradually reaching subscribers and changes what were once simple profile slots into individual user identities. Children’s profiles are the only exception.

Previously, multiple profiles could exist under a single Netflix subscription without separate login credentials, making it easy for households to switch between viewers on shared devices. Under the new system, users accessing an existing profile may be prompted to add an email address and create their own login before continuing.

Netflix says the change gives each user greater control over their account by allowing individual login credentials, easier access across devices, and support for security features such as two-factor authentication. Personal settings, including language preferences and viewing history, also become tied to each user rather than the primary account holder. The update also aligns with the company’s broader effort to reduce password sharing and tighten account access.

However, the move has frustrated some subscribers. Households that share a television say the extra setup creates unnecessary steps for profiles that previously worked without separate credentials. Others have raised privacy concerns, pointing to Netflix’s policy stating that email addresses may be shared with marketing and advertising partners.

The update also affects users who rely on multiple profiles for personal organization rather than sharing an account. Some subscribers use separate profiles to categorize movies, documentaries, or TV genres. Under the new system, maintaining that setup would require multiple email addresses, making the approach far less convenient.

Adding to the confusion, reports recently suggested Netflix was preparing to require multifactor authentication for all subscribers. However, those reports were tied to business partner accounts and do not apply to standard consumer accounts.

The latest changes signal Netflix’s continued shift toward treating each profile as an individual user rather than simply a viewing preference within a shared subscription. While the new system offers stronger account management and security, many subscribers view it as another step toward a more restrictive and complicated streaming experience.