What a "connection" actually means
A connection is one active stream playing at the same time under your login — not one device. You can install your credentials on five different devices, but if your plan allows two simultaneous connections, only two of those devices can be actively playing a stream at once; others will need to wait or will be logged out automatically.
The most common misunderstanding
People frequently assume connection count limits how many devices they can install the service on. It doesn't — installation isn't limited at all in most plans. It limits how many can stream at the same exact moment. A household with four devices installed but where family members rarely watch different things simultaneously can comfortably run a 2-connection plan.
Sizing connections correctly for your household
- Count the maximum number of screens realistically playing different content at the exact same time, not the total number of devices owned
- Add one extra connection as buffer if household members frequently disagree on what to watch
- Remember a phone or tablet streaming counts the same as a TV — it's still one active connection
See our multi-device and family setup guide for worked examples across different household sizes.
What happens when you exceed your connection limit
Most providers either block the newest connection attempt or log out the oldest active stream to make room. Neither is a malfunction — it's the plan working as designed. If this happens regularly, it's a sign to upgrade your connection count rather than a service problem.
Does bandwidth also factor in?
Yes — connection count and available bandwidth are separate constraints. Even within your allowed connection limit, running several simultaneous 4K streams needs proportionally more total bandwidth — see our bandwidth guide for multiple streams for the numbers.
Not sure which connection tier fits your household? Message us on WhatsApp and we'll help you size it correctly the first time.