Fire TV parental controls let you require a PIN for purchases, app launches and mature content. They take a few minutes to set up and are worth doing in any home with children — or just to stop accidental purchases.
- Turn on parental controls at Settings → Preferences → Parental Controls.
- You'll set a five-digit PIN to approve purchases and restricted content.
- Choose content ratings and which actions need the PIN.
- Individual streaming apps have their own profile and PIN settings too.
Step 1: Turn on parental controls
- Go to Settings → Preferences → Parental Controls.
- Select Parental Controls to turn them on.
- Enter a five-digit PIN, then confirm it.
Choose a PIN children won't guess — not a birth year.
Step 2: Choose what needs a PIN
| Setting | What it does |
|---|---|
| PIN-protect purchases | Requires the PIN for buying apps and content |
| Viewing restrictions | Limits content by rating (General, Family, Teen, Mature) |
| PIN-protect app launches | Requires the PIN to open apps |
| PIN-protect Amazon Photos | Hides photo content behind the PIN |
Viewing restrictions mainly apply to Amazon's own content. Use each streaming app's profile and PIN settings for its content.
Step 3: Set up profiles in streaming apps
Most streaming apps offer kids' profiles and their own PIN locks. Set these up inside each app for complete coverage. Amazon also offers Amazon Kids profiles on supported devices, which provide a curated, child-friendly experience.
Other family-friendly settings
- Turn off autoplay previews in Settings → Preferences → Featured Content.
- Review Fire TV privacy settings.
- Follow our smart TV security tips for account protection.
- Only install apps from the Amazon Appstore.
Where a VPN fits in
A VPN protects your family's connection on public Wi-Fi and keeps your internet provider from seeing which services you use. It's not a content filter, so use parental controls for that.
Our app is free on Amazon, and our install guide shows how to set it up. If you set an app-launch PIN, you'll need to enter it to open the VPN app.
Frequently asked questions
How do I turn on parental controls on Fire TV?
Go to Settings → Preferences → Parental Controls, turn them on and set a five-digit PIN.
I forgot my Fire TV PIN. How do I reset it?
You can reset your parental controls PIN through your Amazon account settings online, under Prime Video or parental controls settings.
Do Fire TV parental controls work in Netflix and other apps?
Fire TV ratings controls mainly apply to Amazon content. Use each app's own profile and PIN settings for its content.
Can I block specific apps?
You can require the PIN for app launches, which effectively blocks apps unless the PIN is entered.
Does a VPN filter content for children?
No. A VPN encrypts traffic; it doesn't filter content. Use parental controls and kids' profiles for that.
