Netflix
Our age is 4, with a Kids profile. Fine with settings because of per-profile rating caps, profile PINs and no chat or strangers.
Checked October 2026.
- Our rating
- Generally Safe
- Chat
- None. There is no messaging or contact with other viewers.
- Spending
- None in the app. The subscription covers everything, including games
- Parent controls
- Kids profiles, a maturity rating per profile and Profile Lock PINs
- Plays on
- iOS, Android, Web, Smart TVs, Gaming Consoles, Streaming Devices
- Users
- 325M+ paid memberships
- Setup
- 8 stops, about 10 minutes
Do these three first
- Create a Kids profileManage ProfilesAdd ProfileSet up a profile that only shows titles selected for kids.
- Set a maturity ratingAccountProfilesAdjust parental controlsChoose the highest rating each child's profile can watch.
- Lock your profile with a PINAccountProfilesYour profileProfile LockAdd a Profile Lock so kids can't switch into grown-up profiles.
Why we say fine with settings
Netflix is a subscription streaming service offering movies, TV shows, documentaries, and original content. It features content ratings and robust parental controls, making it one of the easier platforms to manage for families.
- Mature Content AvailableNetflix hosts content from G-rated kids shows to adult dramas with violence, sexual content, and mature themes.
- Profile SwitchingChildren may switch to adult profiles if not PIN-protected.
- Algorithm RecommendationsThe recommendation system may suggest increasingly mature content as users age up.
- Binge WatchingAutoplay encourages extended viewing sessions.
Talk about it
- What shows are you watching on Netflix?Stay engaged with their viewing.
- Is there anything you've seen that you have questions about?Opens dialogue about content.
- Want to watch something together?Family viewing time.
The full route: 8 stops, about 10 minutes
- Open your account settings
- Create a Kids profile
- Set a maturity rating
- Block specific titlesoptional
- Lock your profile with a PIN
- Turn off autoplayoptional
- Look at viewing activity
- Test your setup
Start the setupFree to follow. With Family, your progress is saved for each child.
The complete Netflix parent guide, with age-by-age settings, is part of the Family plan.
The full guide
Netflix has solid parental controls that let you shape what each person in the family can watch. With each profile set up properly, children only see titles that fit their age.
Understanding Netflix Profiles
Profile Types
- Standard profile: Sees everything up to the maturity rating you set for it
- Kids profile: Shows, movies and games selected for kids, in a simpler design
Why Profiles Matter
Each profile can have:
- Its own maturity rating
- A Profile Lock PIN
- Its own viewing activity
- Its own recommendations
Setting Up Kids Profiles
Create a Kids Profile
Enter a name and select the Kids option. Depending on your device it's labeled "For Kids," "Kids Profile," or "Kid?". On a computer, Manage Profiles is at netflix.com/profiles/manage. The main (first) profile on an account can't be a Kids profile.
Kids Profile Features
- Only shows, movies and games selected for kids
- A simpler design, with a Kids logo on the profile icon
- No access to account settings
- No email address on the profile, so a child can't sign in with it directly
If you later set a Kids profile's maturity rating above the level Netflix allows for Kids profiles, it becomes a standard profile. Changing a Kids profile's rating, or blocking titles on it, has to be done in a web browser.
Maturity Ratings
Netflix Ratings (US)
Netflix groups the US ratings like this:
| Group | Ratings |
|---|---|
| Recommended for kids | TV-Y, TV-Y7, G, TV-G, PG, TV-PG |
| Recommended for teens | PG-13, TV-14 |
| Recommended for adults | R, TV-MA, NC-17 |
Games on Netflix follow the same maturity setting as the profile's shows and movies.
Setting Maturity Restrictions
Netflix asks you to confirm it's you with your password or a code sent to your email or phone. Then choose the highest rating you're comfortable with — everything at that rating and below stays available:
- Young children: a Kids profile
- Older children: up to TV-PG / PG
- Teens: up to TV-14 / PG-13
- Adults: all ratings, including TV-MA / R
In the phone or tablet app, the same setting is at My Netflix > your profile name > Manage Profiles > the profile > Viewing Restrictions > Maturity Rating.
Profile Lock (PIN)
Lock Adult Profiles
Choose Create a Profile Lock and enter a 4-digit PIN. This keeps children out of your profile.
Lock Individual Profiles
Lock each profile separately. Consider locking:
- Adult profiles (your content)
- Teen profiles (so younger siblings can't get in)
When you lock the main profile, you can also check "Require PIN to add new profiles" so a child can't simply make a new, unrestricted profile.
Lock your adult profile so children can't watch mature titles or change account settings from it.
Blocking Specific Titles
Block Individual Shows and Movies
Type a title and select it to block it on that profile, even if it falls within the maturity rating. Select Save when you're done.
When to Use This
- A specific show bothers your child
- A title you find inappropriate despite its rating
- Shows that model behavior you'd rather not have repeated at home
Viewing Activity
Check Watch History
See what has been watched on that profile. Use Show More if the list is short.
What to Look For
- Shows outside your expectations
- Mature titles (a sign someone used a different profile)
- A lot of time on one show that worries you
Autoplay Settings
Turn Off Autoplay
Uncheck "Autoplay next episode in a series on all devices" so episodes don't roll on by themselves.
You can also uncheck "Autoplay previews while browsing on all devices" for a calmer home screen.
Managing Access
Remove Profiles
If a profile is no longer needed:
Sign Out of Devices
Use this if you think someone is using the account without your permission.
Downloads
Downloaded titles stay tied to the profile that downloaded them. If that profile has a Profile Lock, the PIN is needed to play its downloads too.
Netflix Kids Section
What It Is
Even on standard profiles, Netflix has a Kids area with children's titles.
Not the Same as a Kids Profile
The Kids area is a place to browse, not a restriction. Only a Kids profile or a maturity rating actually limits what can be watched.
Multiple Children
Create Separate Profiles
Each child should have their own profile with:
- An age-appropriate maturity rating
- Their own recommendations
- Their own viewing activity
Different Ages
- 4-year-old: Kids profile
- 10-year-old: Standard profile capped at TV-PG / PG
- 15-year-old: Standard profile capped at TV-14 / PG-13
Lock each profile to prevent switching.
Screen Time
No Built-in Limits
Netflix doesn't have viewing time limits. Use:
- iPhone and iPad Screen Time
- Google Family Link on Android
- Router schedules
- Smart TV parental controls
Set Expectations
- A set number of episodes per day
- No watching during meals
- Homework before Netflix
- A bedtime cutoff
Common Issues
Child Watched Something Inappropriate
- Check viewing activity to confirm
- Make sure Profile Lock is on for other profiles
- Adjust the maturity rating
- Talk about what they saw
- Review the profile setup
Can't Find Kids Content
- Make sure you're on the Kids profile or in the Kids area
- Check the maturity rating isn't stricter than you meant
- Some titles aren't available in every region
Changes Not Showing Up
Netflix says a device may need a refresh after you change settings:
- Switch to another profile, then switch back
- Or sign out of Netflix and sign back in
- Still stuck? Check the settings again in a web browser, or contact Netflix support
Device-Specific Notes
Smart TVs
- The same settings apply through your account
- Kids profiles have the kid-friendly design on TV too
- Profile Lock works on TV
Phones and Tablets
- Downloads stay with the profile that saved them
- Device parental controls add another layer
Game Consoles
- Use the same profiles and settings
- Use console parental controls alongside
Age-Based Recommendations
We suggest Netflix from 4, on a Kids profile you've set up. As they grow, these are the settings for each age.
Ages 4-7
- Kids profile only
- Other profiles locked
- Autoplay off
- Watch together when you can
Ages 8-12
- Standard profile capped at TV-PG / PG
- Profile locked with a PIN
- Block specific titles if needed
- Look at viewing activity now and then
Ages 13-17
- Standard profile capped at TV-14 / PG-13
- Profile locked
- Talk about what they choose to watch
- Loosen settings as they show good judgment
Quick Setup Checklist
Additional Resources
Netflix is now set up with age-appropriate profiles and protections. Profile locks are what keep children from simply switching to a grown-up profile.