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Create a separate profile in the Apple TV app for each household member to keep watchlists, viewing history, and recommendations separate. For a child, create a managed profile and choose the Kid setting to configure viewing and purchase restrictions. You do not need Family Sharing just to add a profile.
Choose the profile type that fits your family
The Apple TV app supports two practical ways to add someone. A managed profile is created under a managing Apple Account profile and does not require the person using it to have their own Apple Account. A profile signed in with an individual Apple Account is for someone who should use their own account in the app.
| Profile route | Apple Account sign-in for the person | Useful when |
|---|---|---|
| Managed profile | Not required | You want a household profile, including a child profile with manager-configured restrictions. One Apple Account profile can create up to five managed profiles, according to Apple’s profile guide. |
| Apple Account profile | Yes | The family member should sign in to the Apple TV app using their own Apple Account. Available settings and prompts can differ from those for managed profiles. |
Profiles are app-level identities. They do not automatically control every other app installed on the television. Feature availability and menu labels vary by device and region.
Create a managed profile for a child
- Open the Apple TV app on a supported smart TV, streaming device, gaming console, or Apple TV 4K.
- Open the sidebar, select the profile at the top, then choose Add Profile. If that route is not shown, try Settings > Profiles > Add New Profile.
- Choose Create Profile, enter the child’s name, and select an image.
- On the setup screen, choose Kid (some Apple documentation or interfaces may say Child). Accept the suggested restrictions or customize the permitted movie and TV categories. Choose whether purchases and rentals are allowed.
- If prompted to choose which account manages the profile, select the appropriate managing Apple Account profile.
- Select Done.
The child profile filters Apple TV app content and search results according to the restrictions its manager selects. The Kid setting does not apply a blanket restriction to other apps on the device.
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Add a profile for a family member with an Apple Account
- In the Apple TV app, open the sidebar, select the profile at the top, and choose Add Profile. Depending on the device, you may instead find profile creation under Settings > Profiles.
- Follow the prompts to sign in with the family member’s Apple Account. Supported devices may offer QR-assisted sign-in; a manual sign-in option is also documented by Apple.
- Complete the on-screen setup. On Apple TV 4K, you can also add a profile through Settings or Control Center, depending on the interface.
Change restrictions or require a profile code later
Adjust a profile’s content and purchase settings
In the Apple TV app, open Settings > Profiles, select the profile, then choose Restrictions. Where available, adjust movie and TV ratings and whether purchases or rentals are allowed. The exact options depend on the profile and device.
Require a four-digit code to switch profiles
In Settings > Profiles, choose Require 4-Digit Code and follow the account confirmation steps. This code helps protect access to a profile’s watch history, recommendations, and watchlist. It controls profile access; it is separate from content restrictions.
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Set broader restrictions on Apple TV 4K
For restrictions that apply at the Apple TV 4K device level, open Settings > General > Restrictions. Apple says these controls can affect watching, downloads, playback from search results, and purchases. Apple also cautions that restrictions may not apply to downloaded apps, so check parental controls inside individual apps as needed.
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A managed profile separates one person’s Apple TV app experience. Family Sharing is an Apple family group for sharing eligible services and purchases and for managing child accounts and parental controls. Apple explicitly distinguishes Family Sharing from having multiple profiles on Apple TV 4K; you do not need to create a Family Sharing group just to add a managed child profile.
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Do you need Apple TV 4K?
No. Apple documents profile support in the Apple TV app on compatible smart TVs, streaming devices, gaming consoles, and Apple TV 4K. Apple TV 4K is an option if your existing device does not support the app, not a requirement for creating profiles. Check Apple’s device and profile guidance for the interface available on your device. Apple notes that features and content are not available on every device or in every country.
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