A Step By Step Guide To Adjusting Netflix Maturity Settings For Every Profile

Netflix offers a personalized viewing experience through individual user profiles, making it easy for family members of different ages to enjoy content suited to their maturity level. However, without proper configuration, younger viewers may be exposed to inappropriate themes, language, or violence. Adjusting Netflix maturity settings ensures that each profile aligns with the viewer’s age and parental expectations. This guide walks you through the entire process—from accessing account settings to setting PIN protection—with actionable steps, real-world examples, and expert-backed advice.

Understanding Netflix Maturity Ratings

a step by step guide to adjusting netflix maturity settings for every profile

Before adjusting settings, it's important to understand how Netflix categorizes content by maturity. The platform uses a tiered rating system similar to TV and film classifications:

  • All (TV-Y, TV-G): Suitable for all ages, including preschoolers.
  • 7+: May contain mild themes unsuitable for children under 7.
  • 13+: Content appropriate for teens and older; may include mild violence, suggestive themes, or infrequent coarse language.
  • 16+ / 18+: Explicit material such as strong language, sexual content, or intense violence.

These ratings are based on regional standards (e.g., MPAA in the U.S., BBFC in the UK), so they may vary slightly depending on your country. Netflix allows parents and account owners to restrict access to higher-rated content on a per-profile basis.

“Setting appropriate maturity levels isn’t just about filtering content—it’s about fostering trust and digital responsibility within families.” — Dr. Lisa Nguyen, Child Development & Media Specialist

Step-by-Step: How to Adjust Maturity Settings on Netflix

Follow this detailed sequence to customize maturity controls for each profile on your Netflix account. These steps work across web browsers, mobile apps, and smart TVs.

  1. Sign in to Your Netflix Account
    Open a web browser and go to netflix.com. Log in using your primary account credentials. Only the account owner or someone with access to the main login can change maturity settings.
  2. Navigate to ‘Manage Profiles’
    Hover over your profile icon in the top-right corner, then click Account from the dropdown menu. Under the “Profile & Parental Controls” section, select Manage Profiles.
  3. Select the Profile You Want to Edit
    Click on the name of the profile you wish to modify. For example, if you have a profile named “Child,” select it to adjust its restrictions.
  4. Adjust the Maturity Level
    Look for the option labeled Maturity Rating. Click the dropdown menu to choose the highest allowed rating for that profile:
    • Little Kids (up to TV-Y7)
    • Older Kids (up to TV-14)
    • Teens (up to TV-MA)
    • Adults (unrestricted)
    Choosing “Little Kids” hides all titles rated above TV-Y7, while “Teens” allows access up to TV-14 but blocks explicit adult content.
  5. Set a PIN for Protection
    Scroll down to the Viewing Restrictions section. Enter a four-digit PIN (different from your Wi-Fi password or banking PIN). This prevents users from changing the settings without authorization. Confirm the PIN when prompted.
  6. Save Changes
    Once the maturity level and PIN are set, click Save. The changes apply immediately—no restart or app refresh required.
Tip: Use a memorable but non-obvious PIN (like 2468 instead of 1234) and store it securely. Avoid sharing it with children who might bypass restrictions.

Real Example: Managing a Family Household

The Thompson family has four members: two parents, a 10-year-old daughter, and a 16-year-old son. They use one Netflix account with four distinct profiles. Initially, all profiles were set to default, allowing unrestricted access. After discovering their daughter had watched a show with mild romantic tension inappropriate for her age, they decided to reconfigure the settings.

They followed these actions:

  • Changed the daughter’s profile (“Lily”) to “Little Kids” with a maturity cap at TV-Y7.
  • Set the son’s profile (“Jake”) to “Teens,” permitting TV-PG through TV-14 content but blocking TV-MA shows like *Ozark* or *Money Heist* unless he asks permission.
  • Enabled a PIN (5589) to prevent unauthorized changes.

Within days, Lily began exploring age-appropriate animated series, while Jake learned to request access to mature content responsibly. The parents reported increased peace of mind and fewer conflicts over screen time choices.

Do’s and Don’ts When Setting Up Maturity Controls

Do’s Don’ts
Review content ratings regularly as children grow. Use the same PIN across multiple accounts or devices.
Involve older kids in discussions about why certain content is restricted. Assume the default settings are sufficient for young viewers.
Test the profile after setup by browsing available titles. Forget to log out of shared devices after managing settings.
Update maturity levels annually or after major life changes (e.g., entering middle school). Store the PIN in an easily accessible note on your phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I restrict specific titles instead of using maturity levels?

No, Netflix does not allow title-by-title blocking. Restrictions are applied via maturity tiers. However, you can remove specific titles from “Continue Watching” or avoid adding them to a child’s profile.

Why can’t I see the maturity rating option on my device?

The maturity settings are only accessible via a web browser or official Netflix app on iOS/Android. Smart TV and streaming box interfaces often lack full account management features. Always use a computer or mobile device to make changes.

What happens if someone enters the wrong PIN too many times?

Netflix does not lock accounts after failed PIN attempts. However, repeated incorrect entries may trigger a brief delay before another attempt. To enhance security, consider changing the PIN periodically.

Best Practices for Long-Term Management

Maintaining healthy digital boundaries requires ongoing attention. As children mature, their media consumption should evolve accordingly. Here’s a checklist to keep your Netflix environment safe and adaptive:

Checklist: Maintaining Healthy Viewing Habits
  • ✅ Audit all profiles every 6 months.
  • ✅ Update maturity settings when a child reaches a new developmental stage.
  • ✅ Watch one show together per month to discuss themes and values.
  • ✅ Use the “Recently Watched” list to monitor activity discreetly.
  • ✅ Educate teens on self-regulation and digital literacy.

Additionally, consider enabling Screen Time Reports through your device’s parental controls (iOS, Android, or Fire OS) to gain insights into usage patterns. Pairing Netflix’s built-in tools with external monitoring creates a layered safety net.

Final Thoughts: Empowerment Through Control

Adjusting Netflix maturity settings is more than a technical task—it’s an act of care. By taking control of what each family member sees, you create a viewing environment that supports growth, learning, and emotional well-being. Whether protecting a young child from premature exposure or guiding a teenager toward responsible media habits, these settings give you the tools to lead by example.

💬 Ready to take charge of your household’s viewing experience? Log in to Netflix today, review your profiles, and set maturity levels that reflect your family’s values. Share this guide with other parents to help build safer digital homes together.

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Dylan Hayes

Dylan Hayes

Sports and entertainment unite people through passion. I cover fitness technology, event culture, and media trends that redefine how we move, play, and connect. My work bridges lifestyle and industry insight to inspire performance, community, and fun.