Before you begin, make sure that you have the latest software for your Apple TV.
Turn on Restrictions
- From the main menu, go to Settings > General > Restrictions.
- Select Restrictions to turn it on.
- When asked, make a four-digit passcode.
- Enter the four digits again to confirm, then select OK.
Adjust Restrictions for Apple TVRestrictions on Apple TV 4K or Apple TV (4th generation)
Although the options vary, you can customize Restrictions in Settings > General > Restrictions:
- Allow: Select this option when you don't want to password-protect or restrict an app or feature.
- Restrict: Choose this setting for a four-digit passcode requirement for purchases, rentals, or app usage.
- Block or No: These options let you block content or features.
- Show or Yes: Choose these options when you don't want to restrict an app or feature.
- Hide: Select this option to hide an app or feature.
Restrict specific features or content
Here are examples of what you can restrict and the options for each:
- Purchases, rentals, or in-app purchases from the iTunes Store: Select Allow, Restrict, or Block.
- Music and Podcasts: To filter out Explicit content, select Clean. To filter nothing, select Explicit.
- Movies, TV Shows, and Apps: Select your locale and filter, or block content based on film or age ratings.
- Siri Explicit Language: To filter mature language, select Hide. To filter nothing, select Show.
- Multiplayer Games and Screen Recording: Select Yes or No.
- AirPlay Settings, Conference Room Display, Location Services, Background App Refresh, TV Provider, and Remote App Pairing: Select Allow or Restrict.
You can also customize your iTunes Store and App Store password preferences.
Restrictions on Apple TV (2nd generation or 3rd generation)
Although the options vary, you can customize Restrictions in Settings > General > Restrictions:
- Hide: To hide apps from the main menu, select this option.
- Ask: Choose this restriction for a four-digit passcode requirement for purchases, rentals, or app usage.
- Show or Allow: If you don't want to password-protect or restrict an app or feature, select Show or Allow.
Restrict specific features or content
Here are examples of what you can restrict and your options for each:
- Purchases & Rentals: Select Allow, Hide*, or Ask.
- Movies and shows: Select your locale and filter, or block content based on ratings.
- Explicit music or podcasts: Select Allow or Ask.
- AirPlay Settings: Select Allow, Hide, or Ask.
- Conference Room Display settings: Select Allow, Hide, or Ask.
- Apps: Go to Settings > Main Menu. Pick the app that you want to restrict, then select Hide or Ask.
You can also customize your iTunes Store and App Store password preferences.
*If you select Hide, your Movies and TV Shows don't appear in the Main Menu and aren't available to play.