Is your child eager to watch their favorite shows on Netflix, but you're a bit hesitant about the content they might stumble upon? You're not alone! Many parents want to give their kids access to entertainment while ensuring they're only seeing age-appropriate material. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step to set up Netflix on your child's iPad with robust parental controls, making their viewing experience safe and enjoyable.
Step 1: Let's Get Started Together – The First Login
Alright, before we dive into the nitty-gritty of settings, let's get Netflix up and running on the iPad. First things first, does your child's iPad already have the Netflix app installed?
- If yes, great! We can skip the download.
- If no, no worries at all! We'll quickly download it. Make sure the iPad is connected to Wi-Fi.
Sub-heading: Downloading the Netflix App (If Needed)
- Open the App Store: On your child's iPad home screen, find and tap the blue icon with a white 'A' in a circle – that's the App Store.
- Search for Netflix: In the App Store, tap the Search tab at the bottom right. Then, in the search bar at the top, type "Netflix" and tap Search.
- Download the App: Locate the Netflix app in the search results (it usually has a red logo with a white 'N'). Tap the 'Get' button, or the cloud icon with a downward arrow if you've downloaded it before. You might need to authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your Apple ID password.
- Wait for Installation: The app will download and install. Once it's done, you'll see the Netflix icon on the iPad's home screen.
Step 2: Setting Up the Netflix Account & Profiles
Now that the app is on the iPad, let's get your Netflix account logged in and, more importantly, create a dedicated Kids Profile. This is crucial for managing content.
Sub-heading: Logging into Netflix
- Open the Netflix App: Tap the Netflix icon on the iPad's home screen.
- Sign In: Enter your Netflix account's email address and password. Tap "Sign In."
Sub-heading: Creating a Dedicated Kids Profile
Netflix allows you to have up to 5 profiles on a single account. Creating a separate profile for your child is the most effective way to manage what they watch.
- Access Profile Selection: Once logged in, you'll usually see the profile selection screen. If not, tap the "My Netflix" icon in the bottom right, then the Menu icon (three horizontal lines or a profile icon) in the top right, and then select "Manage Profiles."
- Add Profile: Tap on "Add Profile" (it often has a large plus sign).
- Name the Profile: Give the profile a name, something like "[Child's Name]'s Shows" or "Kids Zone."
- Select "Kids" Option: This is the most important step for initial filtering. Make sure to check the box or toggle that says "Kids" or indicates a child's profile. This automatically restricts content to TV shows and movies rated for ages 12 and under.
- Confirm and Save: Tap "Continue" or "Done." The new Kids profile should now appear on your profile selection screen.
Step 3: Fine-Tuning Netflix Parental Controls (Web Browser Recommended)
While you can do some basic profile management in the app, for comprehensive parental controls, it's highly recommended to use a web browser on a computer or your own phone. This gives you access to more granular settings.
- Go to Netflix.com: Open a web browser (Safari, Chrome, etc.) and go to Netflix.com.
- Log In: Sign in with your Netflix account email and password.
- Access Account Settings: Hover over your profile icon in the top right corner, then select "Account."
- Navigate to Profile & Parental Controls: Scroll down the "Account" page until you find the "Profile & Parental Controls" section.
- Select Your Child's Profile: Click the downward arrow next to your child's newly created profile.
Sub-heading: Setting Profile Maturity Ratings
Within the "Profile & Parental Controls" section for your child's profile, you'll find "Viewing Restrictions."
- Click "Change" next to "Viewing Restrictions." You'll be asked to enter your Netflix account password for security.
- Choose Maturity Rating: Here, you can set a specific maturity rating for the profile. Options usually include:
- Little Kids (suitable for all ages)
- Older Kids (suitable for older kids)
- Teens (suitable for teens)
- All Maturity Ratings (which you definitely don't want for a child's profile). Choosing "Little Kids" or "Older Kids" will further refine what's available beyond the initial "Kids" profile setting.
- Save Changes: Don't forget to click "Save" after making your selection.
Sub-heading: Blocking Specific Titles (If Desired)
Even within a "Kids" profile, there might be a show or movie you'd prefer your child not to watch.
- Under "Viewing Restrictions," you'll see "Title Restrictions."
- Click "Change." Enter your Netflix account password again.
- Type in Titles: In the text box, start typing the name of the show or movie you want to block. Select it from the suggestions.
- Save Changes: Click "Save." These titles will now be hidden from your child's profile.
Sub-heading: Setting a Profile Lock (Highly Recommended!)
This prevents your child from switching to an adult profile or changing their own profile settings.
- Under "Profile & Parental Controls," find "Profile Lock."
- Click "Change." Enter your Netflix account password.
- Create a PIN: Check the box that says "Require a PIN to access [your child's profile name] profile."
- Enter a 4-digit PIN that only you know.
- Save Changes: Click "Save." Now, every time you or your child tries to enter that specific profile, the PIN will be required.
Step 4: Leveraging iPad's Screen Time Controls
While Netflix has its own robust parental controls, combining them with Apple's built-in Screen Time on the iPad provides an extra layer of security and allows you to manage overall device usage.
- On your child's iPad, open the "Settings" app. (The grey gears icon).
- Tap "Screen Time."
- Set Up Screen Time (if not already done):
- Tap "Continue."
- Choose "This is My Child's [Device]."
- Follow the prompts to set a Screen Time Passcode (different from your device passcode, and do not share it with your child). This passcode is essential to prevent your child from bypassing restrictions.
Sub-heading: Restricting App Content & Downloads
This ensures that the Netflix app itself is allowed, and other apps aren't downloaded without your permission.
- In Screen Time, tap "Content & Privacy Restrictions."
- Toggle "Content & Privacy Restrictions" on (if it's not already). You'll need to enter your Screen Time Passcode.
- Under "Store, Web, App & Content," tap "Content Restrictions."
- Apps: Tap "Apps" and select an age rating that allows Netflix (Netflix is generally rated 12+ or 17+, so choose something like "12+" or "Allow All Apps" if you're relying on Netflix's internal controls). If you set this too low (e.g., "4+"), Netflix might not appear.
- iTunes & App Store Purchases:
- Tap "iTunes & App Store Purchases."
- Set "Installing Apps" to "Don't Allow." This prevents your child from downloading new apps without your explicit permission.
- Set "In-app Purchases" to "Don't Allow" to prevent accidental spending.
Sub-heading: Setting App Limits for Netflix
If you want to limit the total time your child spends on Netflix (or any app), this is where you do it.
- In Screen Time, tap "App Limits."
- Tap "Add Limit."
- Select "Entertainment" (or find Netflix specifically under "All Apps & Categories").
- Tap "Next."
- Set the Time Limit: Choose the daily time limit you want to allow for Netflix (e.g., 1 hour, 1 hour 30 minutes).
- Tap "Add." Once the limit is reached, the Netflix app will be "greyed out," and your child won't be able to open it without your Screen Time Passcode.
Sub-heading: Scheduling Downtime
Downtime allows you to completely block apps during specific hours (e.g., bedtime, homework time).
- In Screen Time, tap "Downtime."
- Toggle "Downtime" on.
- Set "Start" and "End" times for when you want the iPad to be restricted.
- You can choose "Every Day" or "Customize Days."
- During Downtime, only apps you've marked as "Always Allowed" will be accessible.
Step 5: Regular Monitoring and Communication
Setting up controls is a great start, but ongoing communication and monitoring are key to a healthy digital experience.
Sub-heading: Reviewing Viewing Activity
Netflix allows you to see what has been watched on each profile.
- Go to Netflix.com in a web browser.
- Log in to your account.
- Go to "Account" and then "Profile & Parental Controls."
- Select your child's profile and click on "Viewing Activity." This will show you a list of everything watched on that profile. Review this periodically to ensure the settings are working as intended and to spark conversations about what they're watching.
Sub-heading: Open Communication with Your Child
- Explain the "Why": Talk to your child about why these limits and restrictions are in place – it's about their safety, healthy habits, and making sure they see appropriate content.
- Set Expectations: Clearly communicate the screen time rules and what they can and cannot watch.
- Encourage Questions: Let them know they can always ask you if they want to watch something new or don't understand why a show is blocked.
10 Related FAQ Questions: Quick Answers
How to create a Kids profile on Netflix?
Go to Netflix.com, log in, select "Manage Profiles," then "Add Profile," name it, and select the "Kids" option.
How to set a maturity rating for a child's Netflix profile?
Log into Netflix.com, go to "Account," then "Profile & Parental Controls," select the child's profile, click "Change" next to "Viewing Restrictions," and choose the desired maturity rating.
How to block specific shows or movies on Netflix for my child?
On Netflix.com, go to "Account," then "Profile & Parental Controls," select the child's profile, click "Change" next to "Viewing Restrictions," and under "Title Restrictions," type the names of the titles you wish to block.
How to prevent my child from switching to an adult Netflix profile?
Set a "Profile Lock" on your child's profile via Netflix.com under "Profile & Parental Controls." Create a 4-digit PIN that will be required to access that profile.
How to limit screen time for Netflix on an iPad?
Use Apple's "Screen Time" feature in iPad Settings. Go to "App Limits," select "Entertainment" or the Netflix app, and set a daily time limit.
How to stop in-app purchases on a child's iPad?
In iPad "Settings," go to "Screen Time" -> "Content & Privacy Restrictions" -> "iTunes & App Store Purchases," and set "In-app Purchases" to "Don't Allow."
How to prevent my child from downloading new apps on their iPad?
In iPad "Settings," go to "Screen Time" -> "Content & Privacy Restrictions" -> "iTunes & App Store Purchases," and set "Installing Apps" to "Don't Allow."
How to check what my child has watched on Netflix?
Log into Netflix.com, go to "Account," then "Profile & Parental Controls," select your child's profile, and click on "Viewing Activity."
How to turn off autoplay for the next episode on a child's Netflix profile?
On Netflix.com, go to "Account," then "Profile & Parental Controls," select the child's profile, and under "Playback settings," uncheck "Autoplay next episode."
How to ensure my child only sees appropriate content when downloading Netflix shows for offline viewing?
Downloaded shows on a Kids profile will automatically adhere to the maturity ratings set for that profile, ensuring only appropriate content is available offline.
