Amazon Prime users in India are set to experience a significant change in their subscription policy. From January 2025, Amazon is implementing new rules that will limit the number of devices allowed under a single Prime membership. This move comes as part of the company's efforts to tackle password sharing, following the successful implementation of a similar policy by Netflix.
Amazon Prime members will now be limited to a maximum of five devices per account, including up to two televisions. According to an official statement from Amazon,
“As part of your Prime membership, you and your household are entitled to enjoy Prime Video on up to five devices. Starting January 2025, we are updating our usage terms in India to include up to two TVs as part of your five devices entitlement. You can manage your devices on your Settings page or buy another Prime membership to watch Prime Video on more devices.”
Currently, Prime subscribers in India can log in to up to 10 devices, which include phones, laptops, tablets, and televisions. However, with the new restrictions, this number will be halved, affecting households that rely on multiple devices.
To ease the transition, Amazon has introduced a 30-day period for current Prime members to adjust their device settings.
Subscribers can deregister up to two devices during this window.
Users can also replace these devices if needed, ensuring compliance with the new rules.
This change may inconvenience users who pay ₹1,499 annually for a Prime subscription. Amazon Prime membership includes not only Prime Video but also services such as free deliveries, Amazon Music, and more. The new device limit reduces flexibility for users who share their accounts across multiple family members and devices.
The policy mirrors Netflix's recent efforts to curb password sharing. Netflix reported a boost in subscriber growth following the implementation of its password-sharing restrictions. By introducing similar measures, Amazon aims to encourage individual memberships and reduce unauthorized account usage.
For those affected by the new policy, Amazon offers a range of membership plans:
₹299 per month
₹599 for a quarterly subscription
₹1,499 annually
Other options include:
Prime Lite for ₹799 annually, with fewer benefits.
Prime Shopping Edition for ₹399 annually, focused on shopping benefits.
Despite the changes, Amazon Prime continues to offer a robust suite of benefits, including:
Unlimited ad-free streaming on up to five devices.
Support for two televisions as part of the entitlement.
Amazon’s decision to limit password sharing and reduce the number of devices allowed under a single Prime membership marks a significant shift in its subscription policy in India. While the move aims to curb unauthorized usage and align with industry trends, it poses challenges for users accustomed to sharing their accounts across multiple devices.
By introducing a 30-day adjustment period and offering a range of membership plans, Amazon seeks to make the transition smoother for its subscribers. As the new policy takes effect in January 2025, users will need to evaluate their subscription needs and adjust accordingly to continue enjoying Prime’s extensive benefits, including ad-free streaming, free deliveries, and access to Amazon Music.