Apple TV Parental Controls & Safety Guide
How to configure tvOS Screen Time, Family Sharing and content restrictions on Apple TV to protect children from inappropriate films, apps and AirPlay requests.
Apple TV is a streaming box that runs tvOS and connects to the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Arcade and a wide range of third-party streaming services. Because it sits in the family living room, it is often used by children unsupervised. Apple's Screen Time and Restrictions controls, combined with Family Sharing, let you cap on-screen time, block adult content by BBFC age rating, require approval for purchases and refuse AirPlay requests from unknown devices in the home.
Main risks
- • Children watching films, programmes or YouTube content rated above their age
- • Accidental in-app purchases and accidental rentals from the iTunes Store
- • AirPlay requests from neighbouring flats or visiting devices sending unexpected content to the TV
- • Access to social streaming features and adult third-party apps installed from the App Store
Initial setup steps
Sign the Apple TV into a Family Sharing account
Open Settings > Users and Accounts and sign in with the family organiser Apple ID, then add each child as a user via Family Sharing. tvOS will track viewing under the active profile.
Turn on Restrictions and set a passcode
Go to Settings > General > Restrictions, switch it on and pick a four-digit code. Do not reuse the Apple ID password or device unlock code.
Set content ratings for films, TV and apps
Under Allowed Content choose UK BBFC ratings appropriate for your youngest viewer, restrict Siri explicit language and set App rating to 9+ or 12+. Block 'Multiplayer Games' and 'Adding Friends' if Game Center is enabled.
Lock down AirPlay and purchases
Go to AirPlay and HomeKit and set Allow Access to 'Only People Sharing This Home' or require a password. Then in the child's Family Sharing profile, switch Ask to Buy on so rentals and app installs need parental approval.
Parental control settings
Restrictions Passcode
Location: Settings > General > Restrictions
Recommended: On with a four-digit passcode different from the device unlock code
Locks all restriction settings behind a code so children cannot lift age limits, allow purchases or remove apps.
Content Restrictions
Location: Settings > General > Restrictions > Allowed Content
Recommended: Films: U or PG; TV: Caution; Apps: 9+ or 12+; Siri Explicit Language: Restrict
Hides films and programmes above the chosen BBFC or content rating across the TV app, iTunes and most streaming apps that respect the system rating.
AirPlay & HomeKit
Location: Settings > AirPlay and HomeKit > Allow Access
Recommended: 'Only People Sharing This Home' or 'Require Password'
Stops unknown devices on nearby networks from casting images or video to your TV. Important in flats, terraces and shared houses.
Ask to Buy
Location: Family Sharing > Add Member > [Child] > Ask to Buy
Recommended: On for every child account
Every app install, rental and subscription from a child's Apple ID sends an approval request to the parent organiser before payment.
Age recommendations
Suitable as a shared family device. Limit films to U/PG, hide the App Store from the home screen and watch with an adult in the room.
Use Restrictions with ratings up to PG or 12 depending on the child. Keep AirPlay locked to home devices and require Ask to Buy on every purchase.
Loosen content ratings cautiously. Keep purchase approval on and review installed streaming apps together — some lifestyle apps include 18-rated content that is not gated by the system rating.