Spotify Launches QR Code Verification for Family Plans

Spotify is implementing a strict verification system for its Premium Family plan to prevent users from sharing discounted subscriptions with people outside their household. The new measure requires secondary account holders to scan a QR code generated on the primary plan manager's mobile device.

To complete the process, the plan manager generates a code in the Premium management section that refreshes every few seconds. This design is intended to ensure that all members are physically present in the same location. Users who receive a verification request must complete the scan within seven days.

Failure to verify residency results in the account being immediately downgraded to the free, ad-supported tier. Additionally, these users face a mandatory 12-month ban from joining any other Family or Duo plans. While the company states it relies on manual address entry and does not track live user locations, some subscribers have already attempted to bypass the system by using live video calls to share the rotating QR codes in real time across separate devices.