How to Set Parental Control Rules on Roku | Updated 2024
Reading time: 7 min
Updated on March 11, 2024
Roku comes with basic parental control features based on a show’s age rating. There is also the option to set a 4-digit PIN code to prevent the kids from changing the rules, but the child safety features are limited.
These parental control features will only block shows on the Roku Channel, and not other apps. For these, you will need to set parental controls on Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Disney Plus, and any other streaming you installed.
There is also a Roku app for phones that can stream the Roku Channel. Once my child installed the app on his phone, I used a premium parental control app to set screen time limits or block Roku completely, when necessary. I tested over 30 services and Qustodio proved to be the best parental control app, with comprehensive screen time limits and app blocking features.
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Quick Guide: How to Set Parental Controls on Roku
- Open the Roku settings. Press the Home button on your Roku remote, open the Settings and then select Parental Controls.
- Enable Parental Controls. Toggle the parental control to “On”, and choose the rating limits you want to block.
- Set PIN. You can set a 4-digit PIN code that will prevent your child from changing the parental control limits or accidentally accessing adult content.
Warning! Kids often extend their streaming activities from TV-based services like Roku to their phones and tablets. As well as streaming apps, they may also access potentially risky video platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and more. For comprehensive protection, you should install a parental control app such as Qustodio on all of your child’s devices.
Step By Step: Enabling Parental Controls on Roku
Roku offers 2 types of parental controls: PIN protection and content ratings restrictions.
- PIN protection can be used to prevent unauthorized purchases, channel additions, and changes to parental control settings. To set up PIN protection, you will need to create a 4-digit PIN and enter it when prompted.
- Content ratings restrictions can be used to block access to certain types of shows and movies based on age ratings. For example, you can block all content rated TV-MA or higher, or content rated R or higher, depending on your child’s age. To set up content ratings restrictions, you will need to select the desired ratings level.
In addition to these 2 parental controls, Roku also offers a PIN-based playback control option for The Roku Channel. This feature allows you to include an automatic setting which asks for a PIN to be entered before any content with a certain rating is made available.
Follow these steps to set up parental controls on your Roku device:
- Press the Home button on your Roku remote. Scroll up or down and select Settings, then Parental Controls.
- Click Enable Parental Controls and then turn the setting to “On”.
- Set the desired TV/movie ratings limits and/or choose to block unrated programs. Blocked programs will not show video, audio, or title/description (unless the Roku PIN is entered).
- To set a PIN requirement to make purchases or add channels, select PIN. Enter a four-digit code and re-enter it to confirm.
- Select Save Changes. That’s it! Your child is safe to use Roku.
Unfortunately, there are no individual profiles on Roku, so when you set parental controls it applies to anyone watching. However, you can simply enter your PIN if you are ever blocked from watching your usual content.
How to Set Parental Controls on the Roku App
The available Roku parental controls don’t have any screen time limits, so if you want to limit how much time your child can spend watching the Roku Channel, you should download the Roku app.
Once it’s installed on their phone, you can install a premium parental control app that can enforce screen time limits on the app and block it if you see that your child is spending too much time streaming.
I tested over 30 parental control apps, and Qustodio has proven to be the best at managing app use. After installing Qustodio on your child’s phone, login to your account and open the Apps and Games section. This is where you can set Roku app time limits or block the app entirely.
Are Roku’s Parental Controls Enough?
Roku is just a tool for accessing streaming channels on the TV, instead of the computer or tablet. With the exception of the Roku Channel, you need accounts with other streaming platforms, such as Netflix, Hulu, or Disney, to watch their content. The Roku parental control feature doesn’t limit third party apps, so your child may be at risk of seeing adult content.
Additionally, kids with access to a streaming account can download the apps to their phones and other devices to watch in private. Therefore, the best way to monitor your child’s streaming on all devices is with a premium parental control app.
Apps such as Qustodio provide you with detailed reports on what your child has been watching on their devices. You can also set category blocks to ensure they don’t get access to violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and other adult content.
Best Parental Control Apps for 2024
FAQs on Parental Control Rules on Roku
Are there hidden channels with inappropriate content on Roku?
Can I set rating-based restrictions on all the apps on my Roku streamer?
You can set rating-based restrictions on apps, but not by using the Roku parental control settings. These will only block shows and movies from streaming on The Roku Channel. You can set parental controls for each app installed on your Roku streamer via the individual streaming platform settings.
A more comprehensive way to protect your children from exposure to adult content is by using a parental control app, such as Qustodio. Qustodio allows you to monitor your child’s device, set screen-time limits, and block inappropriate content on YouTube, Instagram, streaming apps, and websites.
How can I set screen time limits on Roku?
Unfortunately, the Roku device doesn’t have screen time limits. What you can do is have your child download the Roku app on their phone, and install a premium parental control app. A premium parental control app lets you create screen time limits or a usage schedule for when the Roku app is available.
Better yet, the top parental control apps allow you to protect your child from inappropriate content on Instagram and other social platforms. Because you are sent a report and alerts as to what your child is watching, you can rest assured that your kids are only viewing the content you want them to see.
Even with Roku’s Privacy Settings, You Still Need a Parental Control App
The integrated Roku parental controls are very limited. All they can do is block shows based on the age rating from the Roku Channel. However, if your child watches the Roku Channel on their phone or tablet, or any other streaming platform, the rules won’t apply. They’ll be able to watch what they want and for as long as they want.
That’s why a premium parental control app is so important. You can set screen time limits for the app, restrict access to specific times, or block it completely. I tested more than 30 parental control apps, and Qustodio proved to be the best option for setting parental controls on the Roku app. You can try Qustodio free for 30 days, and test its features yourself.
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