Spotify is tightening its rules on plan sharing, which could leave some users temporarily banned.
Spotify is introducing stricter verification measures for its Premium Family plan, and subscribers who fail to comply could face a 12-month restriction on joining another shared subscription.
The music streaming giant is rolling out a new QR code verification system designed to ensure that everyone using a Family plan actually lives under the same roof.
According to TechRadar, the changes have already sparked frustration among subscribers, particularly those sharing accounts with family members living elsewhere.
Spotify Introduces New QR Code Verification
Under the new system, Spotify reportedly may ask Premium Family members to verify their household status by scanning a QR code displayed on the plan manager's phone.
Spotify Family Plan crackdown?
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Both individuals must be physically present to complete the process, and the QR code refreshes every few seconds to prevent users from simply sharing screenshots. Subscribers who receive a verification notification have seven days to complete the scan.
According to Spotify's official support page, anyone who misses the deadline or fails verification will lose access to their shared subscription and "can't join a different Family or Duo plan for 12 months." However, affected users can still subscribe to an Individual Premium plan or continue using Spotify's free, ad-supported service.
Spotify Users Aren't Happy With the Changes
The crackdown has sparked criticism among users who believe Spotify's definition of family is unnecessarily restrictive. While Premium Family has always required members to share the same residential address, many subscribers have used the service to share music subscriptions with relatives living elsewhere.
The financial implications are another concern. In the United States, Premium Family costs $21.99 monthly for up to six accounts, while an Individual subscription costs $12.99.
Spotify has not confirmed how extensive the new verification process will be or whether affected subscribers will face recurring checks.