How to set up Amazon Kids profiles, the Parental Controls PIN, app-purchase confirmations and sideload protections on the Fire TV Stick.
The Amazon Fire TV Stick plugs into a TV's HDMI port and runs Fire OS, a fork of Android. It can install thousands of apps from the Amazon Appstore and, because Fire OS is Android-based, it can also sideload apps from outside the official store — which is a common way unofficial streaming apps reach children. Amazon Kids profiles, a five-digit Parental Controls PIN and a separate PIN for purchases together give parents reasonable control if they are configured before the device is handed over.
Parental Controls PIN
Settings > Preferences > Parental Controls
Required to switch profiles, open the Appstore, change settings and play content above a chosen rating.
Amazon Kids Profile
Profile selector on home screen > Add Profile > Amazon Kids
Limits the home screen to age-rated apps, films and books and hides the regular Appstore. A profile must be unlocked with the PIN to leave the Kids area.
PIN on Purchases
Settings > Preferences > Parental Controls > PIN Protect Purchases
Requires the PIN before any Prime Video rental, channel subscription or Appstore purchase completes.
Apps from Unknown Sources
Settings > My Fire TV > Developer Options > Apps from Unknown Sources
Blocks sideloading of unofficial streaming apps. Many illegal IPTV apps installed for children to watch sport or films also expose them to malware and explicit pop-ups.