How to set up Netflix parental controls

Netflix has a wealth of content on offer. From the toddler-friendly to shows and movies that will make most adults blush, there’s something for all age-groups on the popular streaming service. This wide range also means that parents have to be particularly careful about what their children are watching. Luckily, Netflix has made is quite easy to set up and control exactly what your kids have access to. Here’s how to set up Netflix parental controls.

How to set up Netflix parental controls:

1. Block content based on maturity ratings using a PIN.
2. Use a PIN to block specific titles.
3. Set up profile-specific restrictions.
4. Keep track of Viewing Activity.

Note: Setting up Netflix parental controls can only be done using a web browser. While account settings are available on the smartphone app, tapping on it also re-directs you to the mobile web page.

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1. Add a PIN to block content based on maturity ratings

Netflix uses a maturity rating to classify its content. In broad strokes, these limits are: suitable for children, suitable for teens, and suitable for adults only. You can specify what content your kids have access to based on these ratings. Keep in mind though that the rating system will differ based on your location. 

How to set up a parental control PIN on Netflix

1. Click on the menu icon (your profile image) at the top right corner of the page.
2. Click on Account.
3. Scroll down to the Settings section and click Parental Controls.
4. You will need to enter the account password to access these settings.
5. Type a four-digit PIN and click Save.
6. You can set up a restriction based on maturity level.
7. You will now have to enter the PIN every time you want to access restricted content.

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2. Add a PIN to block specific titles

Even if the maturity rating deems a TV show or movie okay for children, you may have your own reasons for not allowing your kid to watch something. The good news is Netflix parental controls offer a simple way to block specific content.

How to block specific titles on Netflix

1. Click on the menu icon (your profile image) at the top right corner of the page.
2. Click on Account.
3. Scroll down to the Settings section and click Parental Controls.
4. You will need to enter the account password to access these settings.
5. Type a four-digit PIN and click Save.
6. Scroll down to the section that reads Restrict Specific Titles.
7. Start typing the name of the TV show or movie and a list should appear.
8. Click on the name and it will be added to the restricted list.

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3. Set up profile restrictions

You can create individual profiles for your children and set profile-specific restrictions.

How to set up profile restrictions on Netflix

1. When you first open the Netflix web page, you will be greeted with the available profiles. You can click on Manage Profiles to get started.
2. You can also access the same setting by going to Account, scrolling down to the My Profile section, and clicking on Manage Profiles.
3. Click on Add Profile (the large plus icon) to create a new profile.
4. Add a name, then click “Kid?” to restrict content to what is okay for children under 12.
5. Once the profile is created, you can get even more specific.
6. Back in the Manage Profiles mode, click on the profile name.
7. If it is a kids-only profile, the “Allowed TV shows and movies” dropdown will come with two options — “For Little Kids only” and “For older kids and below.”
8. If it a regular profile, the “Allowed TV shows and movies” dropdown will come with two options —  “For teens and below” and “All maturity levels.”

The Kids profile that is set up automatically by Netflix comes with a 12 years or under restriction. You can follow the steps above to change it to toddler-friendly if necessary.

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4. Keep track of viewing activity

While kids-only profiles can’t access the Account page, nothing is stopping them from opening another profile. Unfortunately, Netflix doesn’t provide a way to block access to entire profiles, so anyone can potentially open and access a profile that isn’t controlled.

Don’t forget to set up proper parental controls for the other profiles as well. But it may not be a bad idea to keep a check on Viewing Activity as well.

How to find viewing activity on Netflix

1. Click on the menu icon (your profile image) on the top right corner of the page.
2. Click on Account.
3. Scroll down to the My Profile section and click on Viewing Activity.

- Hitarth Langaliya