Face palm: Like many companies that offer family plans, Spotify isn’t afraid to go the extra mile to ensure that members actually live in the same household. The latest trick requires users to scan a QR code that appears on the plan manager’s phone. And to prevent them from simply sending someone a screenshot, the code changes every few seconds – but there already seems to be a workaround.
Spotify announced the new Family Plan verification process in an updated support page. The streaming service may ask some Premium family members to verify that they live with the person managing their plan using a QR code verification. Both people must be in the same place.
The plan manager can find the code by tapping their profile picture in the Spotify app, selecting “Your Premium,” and then opening “Manage.” The member then scans it with their phone’s camera. Spotify says the process is only available through its mobile app and everyone involved must have the latest version installed.
After notification, members have seven days to complete the QR check. Missing this window or inability to complete verification imposes a lengthy restriction: Members cannot join another Family or Duo plan for 12 months. You can still sign up for another Premium plan, but you won’t be able to switch to someone else’s Family or Duo plan during this time.
Many people share family plans with relatives or friends who do not live in the same household, thereby violating the terms and conditions. The obvious workaround would be to simply send the member a screenshot of the QR code, but Spotify warns users to scan it in person because it changes every few seconds.
However, the rotation may not be enough to stop determined subscribers. A live video call or screen share could allow someone to scan the code before it updates, even if the plan manager is elsewhere. One Reddit user says he’s already tried this method and it works, but Spotify may introduce additional measures like IP/VPN checks.
Other streaming services already use behind-the-scenes controls to enforce budget restrictions. Netflix examines IP addresses, device IDs and account activity, while Disney+ checks whether devices are regularly connected over the same home internet connection. Both say they don’t use precise location tracking to create a household. These methods look for patterns over time, which could make them harder to satisfy with a one-time verification trick.
