Spotify is increasing its oversight of Family and Duo subscription plans, now requiring the plan manager to scan a QR code in person on their device to keep the plan active, according to Music Business Worldwide. Users who do not complete the address‑verification QR scan within seven days will have their accounts switched to the free tier and will be prohibited from joining any other Duo or Family plan for a year.
The company’s support documentation confirms the new requirement after Reddit users began sharing screenshots of the QR prompt. The rule is based on Spotify’s policy that all members of a family plan must share the same residential address. While the guideline seems straightforward, it raises questions for households with members who are temporarily away, such as college students, traveling spouses, or other legitimate situations that separate families geographically.
Goldman Sachs analysts noted in their October 15 “Music in the Air: 10 Years On” report, released through HITS Daily Double, that “a meaningful share of family plan users are not actual household members, but rather friends sharing a plan to reduce costs.” The analysts added, “We see additional monetization upside from tightening household verification on multi‑user plans. Most family plans require members to reside at the same address, but enforcement has been minimal in practice.”