What you get with a Netflix subscription

A Netflix subscription gives you access to Netflix's library of films, series, documentaries, and stand-up comedy on any device with an internet connection. You pay a monthly fee and can watch as much as you want during that month. Netflix offers several subscription tiers, each with different features — the main differences are the video quality, the number of screens you can watch on at the same time, and whether ads appear during playback.

When you sign up, Netflix asks for a payment method (credit card, debit card, or PayPal) and bills you on the same date each month. You can pause or cancel your subscription at any time, and there is no contract or cancellation fee. If you cancel, your access ends at the end of your current billing cycle.

Key Takeaways

  • Netflix offers four subscription tiers: Basic with ads, Basic, Standard, and Premium, each with different video quality and simultaneous viewing limits.
  • The Basic with ads plan is the lowest cost but includes advertisements; the other three plans are ad-free.
  • Standard and Premium plans allow you to watch on multiple screens at once, while Basic plans limit you to one screen.
  • You can change your plan, pause your subscription, or cancel at any time without penalty.
  • Netflix bills monthly and you need a valid payment method on file to maintain your subscription.

Netflix's four subscription plans and their features

Netflix's Basic with ads plan is the lowest-priced option and includes ads during your viewing. You can watch on one screen at a time, and video plays in standard definition (SD). This plan is useful if you want to try Netflix at the lowest cost or don't mind advertisements.

The Basic plan removes ads but keeps you to one screen at a time and standard definition video. The Standard plan costs more and lets you watch on two screens simultaneously and upgrades video to high definition (HD). The Premium plan is the most expensive and allows four screens at once with ultra high definition (4K) video on supported devices.

Prices vary by region and Netflix changes them periodically. You can see the current price for each plan on Netflix's website or in the app when you sign up. The plan you choose determines what you pay each month, and you can switch to a different plan anytime by going to your account settings.

How to sign up for Netflix

Go to Netflix.com and click the sign-up button. Netflix will ask you to enter an email address and create a password. You'll then choose which plan you want and enter your payment information. Netflix accepts credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal.

After you complete sign-up, you can start watching when ready on any device. If you want to watch on a TV, you can read the Netflix app on smart TVs, streaming devices like Roku or Apple TV, gaming consoles like PlayStation or Xbox, or cast from your phone or computer to a compatible TV. Netflix remembers your login across all devices, so you only sign in once per device.

Changing your plan or payment method

To change your subscription plan, open the Netflix app or website, go to your account settings, and select "Membership." You'll see your current plan and the option to change it. If you upgrade to a higher tier, the change takes effect when ready and Netflix adjusts your next bill. If you downgrade, the change takes effect at the start of your next billing cycle.

To update your payment method, go to account settings and select "Billing details." You can add a new card, remove an old one, or switch to PayPal. If your payment method fails, Netflix will send you an email and give you a few days to update it before your subscription pauses.

Pausing and canceling your subscription

Netflix lets you pause your subscription for up to 10 months without losing your profile, settings, or watch history. When you pause, you stop being charged, but you also can't watch anything. To pause, go to account settings, select "Membership," and choose "Pause membership." You can resume anytime by signing back in.

To cancel, go to account settings, select "Membership," and choose "Cancel membership." Netflix will ask why you're leaving but won't require a reason. Your access ends at the end of your current billing cycle — you can still watch until that date. If you cancel and later want to rejoin, your profile and watch history will still be there.

Sharing your Netflix account and household rules

Netflix allows multiple people to use one account, but the number of screens that can watch at the same time depends on your plan. Basic plans allow one screen, Standard allows two, and Premium allows four. Each person can have their own profile with separate watch history and recommendations.

Netflix has rules about account sharing outside your household. If you share your password with people who don't live with you, Netflix may ask you to verify that you're the account owner or charge an extra fee for additional members. The exact rules vary by region. If you want to share with someone outside your home, you can add them as an extra member through your account settings, and Netflix will charge an additional monthly fee.

Troubleshooting common issues

If Netflix says your payment method is invalid, check that the card hasn't expired and that the billing address matches your card issuer's records. If the problem persists, try a different payment method or contact your bank to confirm the card works.

If you can't watch on a device, make sure the device has the Netflix app installed and you're signed in. Some older devices or browsers may not support Netflix — Netflix's website lists compatible devices. If you're having trouble with video quality, check your internet speed; Netflix recommends at least 3 Mbps for HD and 25 Mbps for 4K. Restarting the app or device often fixes playback problems.

If you're charged after canceling, contact Netflix support through the app or website. Netflix will review your cancellation date and refund any charges made after your subscription ended.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Netflix on multiple devices at the same time?

Yes, but the number of screens depends on your plan. Basic plans allow one screen, Standard allows two screens simultaneously, and Premium allows four. If you exceed your plan's limit, Netflix will ask you to stop watching on one device before you can start on another.

What happens if I don't pay my bill?

Netflix will send you an email when your payment fails. You have a few days to update your payment method before your subscription pauses. Once paused, you can't watch anything, but your profile and history stay saved. When you add a working payment method, your subscription resumes.

Can I get a refund if I cancel mid-month?

No. Netflix doesn't refund unused portions of your subscription. When you cancel, your access continues until the end of your current billing cycle, and you're not charged again after that date.

Do I need a Netflix account for each person in my household?

No. One account can have multiple profiles, and each person can have their own watch history and recommendations. However, the number of people who can watch at the same time is limited by your plan — Basic allows one screen, Standard allows two, and Premium allows four.

What's the difference between pausing and canceling?

Pausing stops your charges and access temporarily but keeps your profile and watch history. You can resume anytime. Canceling ends your subscription permanently, though your profile will be saved if you rejoin later. Pausing is useful if you want a break; canceling is for when you're done with Netflix.