Smart TV parental controls work in layers. The TV can block ratings, channels, apps, or inputs, but streaming apps also have their own separate controls.
For better coverage, set the TV-level PIN first, then configure restrictions inside Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and any other apps kids use.
Does this affect you?
Use this guide if you want to prevent kids from opening certain apps, watching higher-rated live TV, using a console input, or bypassing restrictions inside streaming apps. It applies to Samsung, LG, Vizio, TCL, Hisense, and Roku smart TVs.
Turn on parental controls and set a PIN
- Press Menu or Settings on the remote.
- Open the parental control area. Samsung often uses General > Parental Controls, LG uses Safety, Vizio/TCL use System > Parental Controls, and Roku uses Settings > Parental controls.
- Turn parental controls on.
- Create a four-digit PIN that children will not guess.
- Choose the ratings you want to block, such as TV-MA, R, or higher.
- Save the settings.
Blocked content should now require the PIN before it plays. Avoid reusing an obvious phone unlock code or birth year.
Block specific apps or inputs
Rating locks are useful, but sometimes you need to block an entire app, browser, or HDMI input.
- Return to the same parental controls menu.
- Look for App Restrictions, Locked Apps, Input Lock, or a similar setting.
- Select the app or HDMI input you want to lock.
- Confirm that the PIN is required.
This is useful for web browsers, mature-content apps, and game consoles where TV ratings do not cover everything.
Set controls inside streaming apps too
TV-level controls do not reach deeply into every app. Netflix maturity settings are managed under Account > Profile & Parental Controls on netflix.com. YouTube has Restricted Mode, and younger children are usually better served by YouTube Kids or a supervised account.
Disney+, Hulu, Prime Video, and other services also have their own profile or PIN settings. Configure each major app separately instead of assuming the TV PIN covers all streaming content.
Know the limits
A factory reset wipes TV parental controls and the PIN. If controls disappear unexpectedly, check whether the TV was reset. Cable boxes, antennas, and streaming apps may each need their own controls.
If you forget the PIN, most TV brands have a recovery process or default/reset code, often documented by model. Check the TV brand support page before using a full factory reset, because that erases everything.
Sources
- Samsung Support – Set up parental controls on your Samsung TV (2025)
- LG Support – Set content ratings and lock (2025)
- Roku Support – Set up a PIN and content restrictions (2025)