The days of sharing your HBO Max password with friends and family are numbered. Warner Bros. Discovery has announced an “aggressive” crackdown on password sharing for its popular streaming service, with significant changes rolling out as early as next month.
Following in the footsteps of streaming giants Netflix and Disney+, Warner Bros. Discovery is moving to convert shared accounts into paying subscribers. This move is part of a broader industry trend to bolster revenue and invest in new content. For the millions of users who currently share an HBO Max account, this news will bring significant changes to how they access their favorite shows and movies.
The End of an Era: What’s Changing and When?
Starting in September, HBO Max will begin to implement stricter controls on account sharing. The initial phase will involve more direct and unavoidable messaging to users who are detected sharing their accounts. Gone are the days of easily dismissible notifications. Instead, users will be prompted to take action, likely involving upgrading their plan or having the account holder add them as an “extra member” for a fee.
The company has indicated that this is just the beginning, with the crackdown set to become “more aggressive” throughout 2025 and into 2026. Warner Bros. Discovery has been analyzing user data to distinguish between legitimate account holders traveling and those consistently sharing passwords with other households.
The “Extra Member” Option: How Much Will It Cost?
For those who wish to continue sharing their account with someone outside their household, HBO Max has introduced an “extra member” feature. This will allow a subscriber to add one additional person to their account for a monthly fee of $7.99. This new member will have their own profile and login credentials.
While this is an additional cost, it may be a more affordable option for some than a full, separate subscription. The “extra member” will have access to the same plan as the primary account holder, meaning if the main account is the premium 4K tier, the extra member will also enjoy those benefits.
Why is This Happening Now? The Netflix Effect
The success of Netflix’s password-sharing crackdown has undoubtedly paved the way for other streaming services to follow suit. Netflix reported a significant increase in subscriber numbers and revenue after implementing its new policy, demonstrating that many users are willing to pay for their own accounts rather than lose access to content. Disney+ has also implemented a similar strategy. Warner Bros. Discovery is betting on a similar outcome, hoping to boost its subscriber base and overall revenue.
User Reactions: Frustration and Resignation
The announcement has been met with a mix of frustration and resignation from users. Many have taken to social media to express their displeasure, with some threatening to cancel their subscriptions. Common complaints revolve around the rising cost of streaming services and the feeling that they are being “nickeled and dimed.”
However, there is also a sense of inevitability among many subscribers, who have seen this trend unfolding across the industry. The conversation online is buzzing with hashtags like #HBOMax, #PasswordSharing, and #StreamingWars.
What Are Your Options?
With these changes on the horizon, HBO Max users who share their accounts have a few decisions to make:
- Get Your Own Subscription: This is the most straightforward option for those who want to continue watching HBO Max without interruption.
- Become an “Extra Member”: If the primary account holder is willing, this can be a more cost-effective way to maintain access.
- Explore Alternatives: The streaming landscape is vast and competitive. This may be an opportunity for some to explore other services that better fit their budget and viewing habits.
- Do Nothing (For Now): While the “aggressive” enforcement is coming, the initial rollout in September may not impact all users immediately. However, it’s clear that this is a temporary solution at best.
The crackdown on password sharing represents a significant shift in the streaming industry. As companies seek to maximize their profits and invest in high-quality content, the era of freely shared accounts is rapidly coming to a close. For HBO Max subscribers, the time to decide how you’ll watch in the future is now