iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
To block purchases on an Apple TV 4K, open Settings > General > Restrictions, turn on Restrictions, create a four-digit passcode, then restrict purchasing or renting. A password prompt is a separate safeguard: it checks an allowed transaction but does not itself block purchases.
Block purchases on Apple TV 4K
- On Apple TV 4K, either hold the TV button to open Control Center and select Restrictions, or go to Settings > General > Restrictions. Apple’s Apple TV 4K guide documents both routes.
- Turn on Restrictions and create a four-digit passcode. You need this passcode to set or override restrictions.
- Choose the purchasing or renting activities to restrict. Apple lists TV shows, movies, and apps, including in-app purchases; access to restricted activities requires the passcode.
Keep the passcode private and store it somewhere secure for the responsible adult.
Add a password prompt for allowed purchases
On Apple TV, go to Settings > Users and Accounts > [account]’s Account > Require Password. Set the preference for purchases and free downloads. Apple documents options to require a password for every purchase or every 15 minutes; password protection can also be turned off for free and paid items. See Apple’s guidance on requiring a password for purchases.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteRestrictions can disallow a purchase category. A password prompt instead authenticates a transaction that is still allowed. If the goal is to stop spending, set Restrictions first and use a password prompt as an additional check.
#1 Best Overall
- The Siri Remote (3rd generation) brings precise control to your Apple TV 4K.
- Its touch-enabled clickpad lets you select titles, swipe through playlists, and use a circular gesture on the outer ring to find just the scene you’re looking for.
- With Siri, you can find what you want to watch using your voice.
- Includes a USB-C port to quickly recharge.
- Compatible with Apple TV 4K (3rd generation), Apple TV 4K (2nd generation), Apple TV 4K (1st generation), and Apple TV HD
If you use the Apple TV app on a smart TV or other device
The Apple TV app has separate profile controls on supported televisions and living-room devices. These are not the Apple TV 4K’s tvOS Settings menus.
Require a password for purchases
- Open the Apple TV app and its sidebar.
- Choose Settings > Profiles, then select a profile linked to an Apple Account.
- Choose Purchases and select Always, After 15 Minutes, or Never for requiring the account password. See Apple’s Apple TV app profile guide.
Restrict purchases and rentals
On a supported living-room device, open the Apple TV app and go to Settings > Profiles > [profile] > Restrictions, then choose Purchases and Rentals. Apple’s guide also describes content and rating restrictions: Restrict access to content and purchases in the Apple TV app. Options can vary by device, region, and whether a profile is managed.
Rank #2
- 【Note】NOT Siri Remote, NO Voice Function! The power/volume/mute buttons could only works for samsung/LG/Vizio/Hisense/Sony/Amz Firre/Toshiba/Insignia Firre TVs. Please "UNLOCK" your old device with remote before using our remote, or our remote will not connect to your device!!!
- 【Compatible Models】 Replacement for Apple TV Remote: For Apple TV A1218(1st Gen), for Apple TV A1378(2nd Gen), for Apple TV A1427/A1469(3rd Gen). For Apple TV HD A1625(4th gen), for Apple TV HD MHY93LL/A(5th gen). For Apple TV 4K A1842(1st Gen), for Apple TV 4K A2169(2nd Gen), for Apple TV 4K A2737/A2843(3rd Gen)
- 【Remote Compatibility】Replacement IR remote compatible with Apple TV Remote (white) A1156 MA128LL/A, for Apple TV Remote (aluminum) MM4T2AM/A. For Siri Remote (1st Gen)/Apple TV Remote (1st Gen) MQGD2LL/A, for Siri Remote (2nd Gen)/Apple TV Remote (2nd Gen) MJFM3LL/A, for Siri Remote(3rd Gen) /Apple TV Remote (3rd Gen) MNC73AM/A
- 【Packing Included】Comes with user manual. NO more worry on pairing. Just need to insert 2*AAA remote and it's ready for use. (Package includes 1*Replacement and 1*User Manual. Batteries are NOT included)
- 【Note】If you TV brand is not what we listed in our detail page, please do not take this remote home, or it will not be compatible! Please "UNLOCK" your old device with remote before using our remote, or our remote will not connect to your device!!!
Know what these controls do—and may not cover
- Apple TV 4K Restrictions: Target purchases and rentals on the device, including listed categories such as apps and in-app purchases.
- Password requirement: Adds an authentication prompt for purchases that remain allowed; it is not a purchase-category block.
- Apple TV app profile controls: Apply within the app on supported living-room devices, with availability and options varying.
- Third-party apps: Apple warns that Apple TV 4K Restrictions may not apply to apps downloaded from the App Store. For content outside the Apple TV app, check settings in the individual app or the Apple TV Settings app’s Apps section. If an unexpected charge came from a streaming app, check that app’s account and billing controls too. Apple explains this limitation in its device guide.
Screen Time instructions for iPhone and iPad are a different procedure and should not be substituted for the Apple TV 4K path. Apple’s iOS and iPadOS guide explains blocking in-app purchases through Screen Time: Use Screen Time to prevent purchases on an Apple device.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Consider Ask to Buy for a child in Family Sharing
Ask to Buy lets a family organizer approve or decline eligible purchase and free-download requests from a child. It is an approval workflow, not the name of the Apple TV’s Restrictions setting. Apple locates setup in the child’s family settings on iPhone or iPad; availability depends on the account and region. See Apple’s guide to Ask to Buy.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Newest Universal Remote Control for All Apple TV Remote, Replacement Compatible with Apple TV/Apple TV HD/4K A1218 A1378 A1427 A1469 A1625 A1842 A2169 A2737 A2843 with TV Control Function, App Swich Function(not an original Apple remote control)
- This is an IR remote (NOT Bluetooth/RF), line-of-sight required. NOT Siri remote, NO Voice control, NO Touchpad function. Not for A-Pod/H-Pod. [For those you will need to use the original remote with Bluetooth, not IR remote!
- [Easy to Pair]- Just Press the Back and Left buttons at the same time for 6s,until the LED light flashes,If you still have problem, please read the user manual!(Battery not included)
- Power key works for TV Brand:for Samsung,for LG,for Sony,for Westinghouse,for Insignia,for Vizio,for Toshiba,not for any ROKU TV
- Compatible with Apple TV 4K (3rd generation), Apple TV 4K (2nd generation), Apple TV 4K (1st generation), and Apple TV HD
Rank #4
- 【Compatible Apple TV models】 Compatible with All Apple TV Remote, Replacement for Apple TV 4K/ Gen 1 2 3 4/ HD A2169 A1842 A1625 A1427 A1469 A1378 A1218 with TV Control Function, App Swich Function
- 【Easy Pairing】Press and hold the Back and Left button for 6 seconds,until the LED light flashes,Then it works!(Note: Battery not included)
- [IR remote (NOT BT/RF)]-line-of-sight required. NO Siri,NO Voice control,NO Touchpad function. Not for A-Pod/H-Pod. [For those you will need to use the original remote with BT]
- [with TV Control Function Buttons]- Power/Volume+/Volume-/Mute keys design for TV Brand:for Samsung,for LG,for Sony,for Westinghouse,for Insignia,for Vizio,for Toshiba,not for any ROKU TV
- [Slim Design]- Slim body design,for an elegant feel
Rank #3
- Replacement Remote Control for All Apple TV Remote - 2 Year Warranty
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
