Apple TV parental controls: the website, the app, and each device

The Apple TV website, the Apple TV app, and an Apple TV streaming box are not one universal parental-control switch. Begin with the places you actually watch.

Recommended setup

1. On the website: Sign in at tv.apple.com, open the account menu, and choose Settings. In parental controls, enable content restrictions, create a four-digit passcode, provide a recovery email, and select movie and television rating limits. ¹
2. In the television app: On supported smart TVs and streaming devices, open the Apple TV app's Settings, select the relevant profile, and open Restrictions. Complete account verification and choose the viewing limits. Review purchases and rentals separately. ²
3. In the Android app: Open the account menu and Content Restrictions. Set its passcode and the movie and television limits. ²
4. On Apple devices: Configure the applicable device restrictions too. Apple directs iPhone, iPad, and Mac users to Screen Time, and Apple TV box users to that device's restrictions. ¹

Good to know

Apple says website restrictions follow the signed-in account across web browsers but apply to Apple TV viewing on the web. Separate device setup is still required. ¹

Do not assume an Apple TV restriction also controls Netflix, a separate browser, or every other app on the same television. This guide also does not claim that a purchase restriction blocks already-accessible content.

For an adult using a trusted PIN holder, agree on the recovery-email arrangement without surrendering control of your entire Apple Account or other personal accounts.

Check your setup

Test a harmless above-limit title in the browser and again in each app or streaming box. Confirm that the expected restriction appears in both places. Check that an alternate profile or another app does not offer a route you forgot to review.

Sources

1. Apple: parental controls for Apple TV on the web
2. Apple TV app user guide: restrict access to content

Steps were checked against these official help pages on September 18, 2026. Menus change; when a step does not match your screen, follow the linked page.