How to Enable Parental Controls on Smart TVs

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Smart TVs have revolutionized entertainment from Netflix and YouTube to live sports and on-demand movies. But with that freedom comes a concern for parents: what are children watching?

The good news is that nearly every modern Smart TV includes parental control features that let you restrict mature content, lock certain apps, and monitor what’s being viewed.

In this article, we’ll explain how to enable parental controls on Smart TVs step-by-step for popular brands, so you can keep your family’s viewing safe and worry-free.

Table of Contents

Why Parental Controls Matter?

Parental controls aren’t just for blocking adult content; they give you control over what, when, and how your kids watch TV.

Here’s why they’re important:

Prevents access to age-inappropriate content (violence, explicit shows).
Limits screen time for younger viewers.
Stops kids from changing settings or purchases.
Gives parents peace of mind without constant supervision.

How Parental Controls Work on Smart TVs?

Most Smart TVs use PIN-based systems or profile-based restrictions.
When enabled:

You create a PIN code (usually 4 digits).
You decide what ratings or apps require that PIN.
Kids can’t access restricted content without entering it.

You can also apply restrictions inside streaming apps (like Netflix, Prime Video, or Disney+), which we’ll cover later.

How to Enable Parental Controls on Smart TVs (Step by Step)

1. Samsung Smart TV

Press the Home button on your remote.
Go to Settings → General → System Manager → Parental Controls.
Enter the default PIN (0000 or 1234, if not changed).
Select Program Rating Lock Settings.
Choose content ratings (e.g., PG, 13+, 18+) to restrict.
You can also lock specific apps or input sources (like HDMI or USB).

💡 Tip: Turn on “App Lock” for YouTube or browser access to keep things safe.

2. LG Smart TV

Press the Settings (gear) icon on your remote.
Select All Settings → Safety → On.
Create or enter a PIN.
Enable Program Locks for certain ratings.
Under Application Locks, select which apps to block.
You can also lock external inputs like HDMI or USB devices.

💡 Bonus: LG’s “Channel Block” lets you block specific channels altogether.

3. Android / Google TV

Go to Settings → Device Preferences → Parental Controls.
Toggle On and create a PIN.
Choose restrictions by rating, app, or time limit.
You can also set Google Play Store filters for age-appropriate apps.
In YouTube, go to Settings → Restricted Mode → ON to block adult videos.

💡 Pro Tip: Android TV also supports Google Family Link, which syncs parental rules across devices.

4. Amazon Fire TV / Fire Stick

Go to Settings → Preferences → Parental Controls.
Turn Parental Controls ON.
Set a 5-digit PIN.
Choose what to restrict:
- Purchases
- App launches
- Videos above certain ratings
- Specific apps (like YouTube, Prime Video)

💡 Pro Tip: You can lock “Settings” itself, preventing kids from disabling restrictions.

5. Roku TV

Press Home → Settings → Parental Controls.
Enable TV Tuner Lock (for over-the-air channels).
Choose the movie and TV Ratings you want to block.
Create a PIN for account-level control via my.roku.com.
You can also restrict channel additions or app installs via PIN.

💡 Tip: Roku’s controls mainly work for live and on-demand content; you’ll need to set restrictions in individual apps, too.

6. Sony Smart TV (Bravia)

Go to Settings → Channel Setup → Parental Lock.
Enter a 4-digit PIN.
Choose Country & Rating System.
Block shows or apps above a certain rating.
You can also lock external inputs and adjust Restricted Profiles.

💡 Pro Tip: Use Restricted Profiles to create a kid-friendly viewing environment with pre-selected apps only.

How to Set Parental Controls in Streaming Apps

Even if you enable system-wide controls, you should also set restrictions within each streaming app your kids use.

Netflix

Go to Manage Profiles → Create/Select a Child Profile.
Set Maturity Level (e.g., “Kids” or “Teens”).
Turn Profile Lock ON with a PIN.
Turn off Auto-play for better control.

YouTube / YouTube Kids

In YouTube, enable Restricted Mode (scroll to the bottom → toggle ON).
For small children, install YouTube Kids, where you can control:
- Screen time limits
- Blocked channels or videos
- Approved content only

Amazon Prime Video

Go to Settings → Parental Controls.
Set a PIN and select Viewing Restrictions.
Lock by age group (U, PG, 12, 15, 18) or app/device.

Disney+

Go to Profile → Edit → Parental Controls.
Set Content Rating and Profile PIN.
Toggle Kids Profile ON for a child-safe interface.

Tips for Parents to Manage Screen Time

Beyond blocking content, managing how long kids watch TV matters just as much.

Here are some smart ways:

Use Screen Time Limiters (available on LG, Samsung, and Android TVs).
Schedule TV off-hours for study or sleep.
Enable Auto Power Off or Sleep Timer.
Encourage shared watching — watch shows together and discuss them.
Review the Watch History weekly.

FAQs: Parental Controls on Smart TVs

What happens if I forget my Smart TV PIN?

You can reset it from Settings → System → Reset PIN, or use the default (often 0000 or 1234). Some brands require you to verify via your account.

2. Can I control what my kids watch on YouTube?

Yes. Turn on Restricted Mode or use YouTube Kids, which offers full parental control and curated content.

3. Do parental controls work across all apps automatically?

No. You’ll need to set restrictions both on the TV and inside each app.

4. Can I schedule TV viewing time?

Yes. Many Smart TVs (like LG, Samsung, Android) offer Screen Time Management or Timer functions.

5. Can I manage Smart TV settings remotely?

Some brands, like Sony and Android TV, allow parental controls via mobile apps or Google Family Link.

Conclusion

Enabling parental controls on your Smart TV is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to ensure your family’s viewing stays safe and age-appropriate.

By setting up a PIN, blocking mature content, and managing app access, you create a child-friendly entertainment zone without constant supervision.

Take a few minutes today to explore your TV’s settings. Once configured, you can relax knowing your kids are streaming responsibly and securely.

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