Are There Restrictions on Video Downloads?
The answer is two. You can only download the same show or movie on two devices at once. If you want to download the same content on another phone, you’ll need to delete your previous downloads on one of the other two devices. Finally, you also only have 30 days to start watching the video you downloaded on your mobile device. Upon beginning the show or movie, you only have two days to finish the title.
What Are the Consequences of Exceeding Allowed Devices?
1. Stream Different Titles
Make sure you are all streaming different things if you all watch during similar hours within the day. You can start a group chat and talk to your fellow users about what you’re watching to avoid clashing. This way, you can ensure that three people can use the account simultaneously.
2. Watch the Same Title with Other Users
If you have family or friends that insist on watching the same title, we recommend watching the title together. This way, you can watch the show you want without limiting the number of devices using the account.
3. Share Your Account with Users in Varying Time Zones
How do you do this? By simply sharing your account with people who live in different time zones. It doesn’t have to be someone who lives halfway across the world. You can also easily share it with someone in a different state. The important part is coordinating the hours of the day you and the other users are most likely to watch. This can help you avoid clashing with those you’re splitting the bill with. By using this method, you might not even reach the maximum number of devices if your hours are flipped.
4. Use Other Accounts to Subscribe to Free Trials
Moreover, you can even watch the same title simultaneously on four devices and have 12 different profiles. You can allot one of those profiles to general viewing for whenever guests come over. It may be a costly way to work around the limit, but it will certainly be worth it.
6. Use a Different Account to View Free Content
Of course, this is only applicable if one of the videos you want to watch is available for free. Moreover, it’s only a good option if you’re not planning to view the video offline. That’s because you cannot download free content. The good news is that people can also use the same account on three devices simultaneously to watch free videos. Hence, you don’t need to create multiple accounts to let three users watch these free titles. However, do note that you cannot view the same video concurrently on multiple devices. Therefore, each person must be watching different videos if they want to share the same account.
1. Netflix
Moreover, the videos you find on Netflix are diverse. In addition to the average American show or movie, it also has everything from anime to Kdramas to documentaries. Of course, the platform has been facing setbacks because some titles have been pulled out of the platform. That’s because production studios have been taking their content to put on their streaming services. Nonetheless, Netflix still has a plethora of great content from various studios. Moreover, it even has games and famous Netflix Originals like Squid Game. It’s sure to be entertaining to use and watch.
2. Hulu
Hulu may not be the first alternative you think about if you want multiple concurrent users. After all, the platform only allows for two concurrent viewers on different devices. This is true even though you can log your account into an unlimited number of devices. However, there is a silver lining to this, and that is the Hulu + Live TV bundle. If you’ve subscribed to this bundle, you can opt-in for the Unlimited Screens Add-on. This allows you to access one account on an unlimited number of devices. As a result, you don’t have to concern yourself with device limitations or coordinate viewing schedules with your family. It’s perfect for large households. However, it will cost you an extra $10 monthly — and that’s on top of your regular bundle costs. Moreover, the add-on has a few irksome restrictions. For example, the add-on is limited to one home network. Hence, if you’re watching outside your house, you can only have three streams simultaneously. In addition, certain premium channels like HBO still have device limitations.
3. Disney+
This makes it a strong contender, considering the wealth of content Disney provides. You can even access the latest popular Marvel movie once it stops streaming in theaters. Disney is the king of original content and you certainly will not exhaust its library quickly. That’s especially true since the platform has even varied its content to include non-Disney titles.
4. Apple TV Plus
That’s because you can have 6 devices stream from the service simultaneously. Of course, this only applies if you purchase the standard plan. If you got it for free in a bundle, then you’re limited to only one device. However, Apple TV Plus does feel kind of lackluster compared to other streaming services. That’s because its library of content isn’t competitive enough. Nonetheless, it is a good alternative if you and your family want to watch its available shows simultaneously.