Apple TV · Privacy & Security

Set content restrictions and manage app privacy permissions

Screen Time on Apple TV lets you restrict mature content, limit app usage, and require a passcode for purchases, while the Privacy menu controls which apps can access things like your location or Siri data.

What you should know

  • Go to Settings > Screen Time to turn on Content Restrictions, set a Screen Time passcode, and limit ratings for movies, TV shows, apps, and music.
  • Settings > Screen Time > Content Restrictions > Require Password locks purchases and in-app purchases behind a passcode.
  • Manage which apps can access your data under Settings > General > Privacy — this covers permissions like Siri, Search, and Motion.
  • Downtime and App Limits set in Screen Time on a family member's iPhone can sync to their Apple TV profile through Family Sharing.

Set a Screen Time passcode that's different from the device passcode used on family members' iPhones, or a child can simply disable the restriction themselves.

Why it matters

Content restrictions are the main safeguard against kids streaming mature-rated movies or making unapproved purchases on a shared living-room Apple TV, and getting the passcode and profile set up correctly avoids awkward surprises later.

Best practices

  • Set restrictions per user profile under Settings > Users and Accounts rather than device-wide, so adults aren't limited by a child's settings.
  • Require a password for every purchase and free download if kids have their own profile.
  • Review Settings > General > Privacy periodically to see which apps have requested access to Siri or location data.

Common problems and fixes

Forgot the Screen Time passcode
Reset it through the Apple ID account page at appleid.apple.com, or via Screen Time settings on a parent's iPhone if Family Sharing is set up.
Restrictions aren't applying to a child's profile
Confirm the child has their own user profile under Settings > Users and Accounts rather than sharing the primary account.

Tips and tricks

  • Screen Time limits set up once in Family Sharing on iPhone automatically apply across that family member's Apple TV profile — no need to configure it twice.

Frequently asked questions

Does Screen Time on Apple TV sync with iPhone?

Yes, as long as Family Sharing is enabled and the family member has their own Apple TV user profile linked to the same Apple ID.