Streaming makes it easy for kids to find great shows — and just as easy to stumble into something meant for adults. Every major service has parental controls, but they're hidden in different menus and work slightly differently. This guide shows you the key settings for each, plus a few device-level tricks that cover everything at once.
Menus change as apps update. If a setting has moved, look under Profiles, Account or Settings → Parental controls.
The three settings that matter everywhere
- A kids' profile — shows only age-appropriate titles and a simpler interface.
- Maturity rating limit — blocks titles above a rating (for example, TV-Y7 or PG).
- A PIN or lock — stops kids from switching to an adult profile or changing the settings.
Set all three and you've covered most risks.
Netflix
- Create a profile and switch on Kids to get the kids' experience.
- In your account on the website, open a profile's Viewing restrictions to choose a maturity rating and block specific titles.
- Use Profile lock to add a PIN to adult profiles.
Disney+
- Add a profile and turn on Kid-Proof Exit and Junior Mode for younger children.
- Set each profile's content rating.
- Add a Profile PIN to adult profiles.
Prime Video
- Create a Kids profile from the profile menu.
- On the Amazon website, open Prime Video settings → Parental controls to set a PIN and viewing restrictions per device.
Max
- Create a Kids profile (choose an age range).
- Turn on parental controls with a PIN to restrict ratings for each profile.
Hulu
- Create a profile and switch on Kids; it will show only kid-friendly content.
- Adult profiles can be protected with a PIN in account settings.
- Note: for Hulu + Live TV, live channels are not filtered in kids' profiles, so supervise live TV.
YouTube and YouTube Kids
- For young children, use the separate YouTube Kids app with an age-based content level, or approve specific channels only.
- For older kids, a supervised account through Google Family Link lets you pick a content setting.
- On shared TVs, turn on Restricted Mode in settings.
Live TV services and antenna channels
Services like YouTube TV and Sling offer fewer controls for live channels. For antenna and cable-style channels, use your TV's built-in V-chip (Settings → Parental controls or Channel lock) to block programs by TV rating.
Device-level controls (cover everything)
- Roku: set a PIN for purchases and hide the movie and TV stores from the home screen.
- Fire TV: turn on Parental Controls with a PIN to lock apps, purchases and content ratings.
- Apple TV: use Restrictions in settings to limit apps and ratings.
- Google TV: set up a Kids profile with approved apps and screen-time limits.
- Smart TVs: most can lock individual apps with a PIN.
Healthy habits beyond settings
- Keep TVs and devices in shared spaces for younger kids.
- Watch the first episode of a new show together.
- Agree on screen-time rules as a family — and use device timers to back them up.
- Review viewing history every so often.
Looking for safe, free options for family movie night? See the best free movie streaming apps — several have dedicated kids' sections.
Frequently asked questions
How do I stop my child from switching to my profile?
Add a PIN or profile lock to your adult profile. Netflix, Disney+, Hulu and Max all support this.
Do kids' profiles block all mature content?
They block titles above the rating you choose, but no filter is perfect. Combine kids' profiles with PINs and occasional check-ins.
Can I set parental controls for live TV?
Live channels on streaming services have limited controls. Use your TV's built-in V-chip to block programs by TV rating on antenna and some live channels.
Is there one setting that controls every app?
Device-level controls on Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV or Google TV can lock apps, purchases and ratings across the whole device.
