Spotify Could Block Family Plan Users for 12 Months After Verification Failure

Spotify is tightening its rules for Premium Family and Duo plans with a new verification system designed to make sure members actually live with the person managing the subscription.

The company is rolling out a QR code verification process that requires some Family Plan members to prove they are physically in the same location as the plan manager. Users who fail to complete the verification within the required period could face restrictions on joining another Family or Duo plan for 12 months.

How Spotify Family Plan Verification Works

Under the new system, Spotify may ask a Family Plan member to verify that they live with the plan manager.

The verification takes place through the Spotify mobile app. The plan manager displays a QR code on their smartphone, while the member uses another phone to scan it.

Both people need to be in the same location when the verification is performed.

Spotify's instructions require the plan manager to open their Premium settings and display the QR code. The other member then scans the code using their phone's camera.

Users Have Seven Days to Complete the Check

Spotify gives users seven days after receiving the verification notification to complete the QR-code check.

The company says the QR code changes frequently, making it more difficult to simply send a screenshot to another person.

Both devices should also be running the latest version of the Spotify app, and Spotify recommends ensuring that the date and time settings are correct on the phones.

What Happens If You Fail Spotify's Verification?

The consequences can be significant for users who don't complete the verification.

According to Spotify's support information, a member who misses the verification window or cannot complete the required check may be prevented from joining another Family or Duo plan for 12 months.

They can still choose an Individual Premium subscription instead.

In some circumstances, users may also be moved to Spotify's free tier.

This does not necessarily mean that Spotify is permanently banning the user's account. Rather, the restriction is aimed at preventing the affected member from immediately joining another shared Family or Duo subscription.

Why Is Spotify Doing This?

Spotify's Premium Family plans are intended for people living in the same household.

However, some subscribers have historically shared Family subscriptions with friends, relatives or other people who live elsewhere in order to reduce the cost of Premium.

Spotify is now improving its verification methods to make it harder for people outside the same household to use the cheaper group plans.

During its recent earnings call, Spotify described the change as a routine improvement to its existing verification system rather than a new crackdown. The company said verification methods will continue to evolve as people find ways around them.

What About Spotify's Address Verification?

Spotify has previously used address-based verification for Family and Duo plans.

The company says the plan manager's address needs to match the requirements for the subscription and be in the same country as the payment method.

Spotify's newer QR-code method provides another way to establish that members are actually together when verification is requested.

Can You Still Use Spotify If Verification Fails?

Yes, failing the Family Plan verification does not necessarily mean losing access to Spotify completely.

Affected users can choose another subscription option, including an Individual Premium plan. Depending on the situation, a member who does not complete verification may also be moved to Spotify's free service.

The major restriction is that the user may be unable to join another Family or Duo plan for 12 months.

Spotify Is Also Using Age Verification

This Family Plan verification change is separate from Spotify's age-verification system.

Spotify is also testing age-assurance technology in some markets for age-restricted features. Its system can use facial age estimation through Yoti, with ID verification available if the automated estimate is incorrect.

Users who are old enough to use Spotify but do not qualify for an age-restricted feature can continue using the service, although they may not be able to access that particular content.

What Spotify Users Should Know

If you are part of a Spotify Premium Family plan, the safest approach is to make sure your account information and household details comply with Spotify's subscription requirements.

If a verification request appears, don't ignore it. Spotify says users have a limited period to complete the QR-code verification, and missing that window can result in a 12-month restriction from joining another Family or Duo plan.

For users who genuinely live together, the new process should mainly mean completing an additional verification step when Spotify requests it.

Final Thoughts

Spotify's latest Family Plan verification system is another example of streaming services becoming stricter about subscription sharing.

The company isn't simply shutting down accounts because someone fails the QR-code check. Instead, affected users can lose access to shared Family or Duo plans for up to 12 months and may need to switch to an Individual or Free plan.

For Spotify subscribers, the key point is simple: if you receive a Family Plan verification request, complete it within the seven-day window to avoid the potential restriction.