HBO Max is about to make account freeloading a lot harder. Starting next month, Warner Bros. Discovery will roll out measures to limit password sharing across the streaming service. The company says the move is aimed at boosting subscriptions and follows similar actions from Netflix and Disney+.
HBO Max to track account access more closely
The new system will monitor logins for signs of sharing outside a single household. If it spots patterns that suggest an account is being used in multiple locations, HBO Max will prompt users to create their own subscription. The company hasn’t shared the exact thresholds, but the detection tools will be active immediately after the rollout.
Netflix's policy against password sharing bolsters subscriber growth, netting an additional six million users.
Extra member options will mirror Netflix’s approach
For viewers who still want to share, HBO Max will offer an “extra member” add-on for a monthly fee. This mirrors Netflix’s playbook, letting paying customers add one or two non-household users without needing a separate plan. Pricing for the add-on hasn’t been confirmed yet.
Why HBO Max is making the change now
Streaming growth is slowing, and competition for paying subscribers is tougher than ever. HBO Max’s parent company has been open about its plan to tighten spending while squeezing more value from existing content. Password sharing crackdowns are one of the quickest ways to turn casual viewers into paying customers.
What subscribers can expect
Emails will go out ahead of the change to alert affected accounts. Once the system flags unusual activity, users will either have to sign in from the primary location or pay for the extra member slot. In markets where the add-on isn’t offered yet, access from secondary locations will simply be blocked.
- HBO Max crackdown starts next month
- Monitoring logins for multiple household use
- Optional paid “extra member” slots
- Follows similar moves by Netflix and Disney+
- Aims to convert non-paying viewers into subscribers
HBO Max is joining a streaming industry trend
The writing’s on the wall: free rides are ending. Netflix proved password crackdowns can actually grow revenue, and now every major player is taking notes. Whether viewers pay up or drop off, HBO Max is betting the math works in its favor.
Your roommate just got a lot more expensive.
