How to Set Rules on Roku | Updated 2025
Reading time: 7 min
Last Updated: Feb 20, 2025
Roku comes with basic features based on a show’s age rating. There is also the option to set a 4-digit PIN code to prevent the kids from changing the rules, but the child safety features are limited.
These features will only block shows on the Roku Channel, and not other apps. For these, you will need to set s on Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, Disney Plus, and any other streaming you installed.
There is also a Roku app for phones that can stream the Roku Channel. Once my child installed the app on his phone, I used a app to set screen time limits or block Roku completely, when necessary. I tested over 30 services and Qustodio proved to be the best app, with comprehensive screen time limits and app blocking features.
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Quick Guide: How to Set s on Roku
- Open the Roku settings. Press the Home button on your Roku remote, open the Settings and then select s.
- Enable s. Toggle the to “On”, and choose the rating limits you want to block.
- Set PIN. You can set a 4-digit PIN code that will prevent your child from changing the limits or accidentally accessing adult content.
Warning! Kids often extend their streaming activities from TV-based services like Roku to their phones and tablets. As well as streaming apps, they may also access potentially risky video platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and more. For comprehensive protection, you should install a app such as Qustodio on all of your child’s devices.
Step By Step: Enabling s on Roku
Roku offers 2 types of s: PIN protection and content ratings restrictions.
- PIN protection can be used to prevent unauthorized purchases, channel additions, and changes to settings. To set up PIN protection, you will need to create a 4-digit PIN and enter it when prompted.
- Content ratings restrictions can be used to block access to certain types of shows and movies based on age ratings. For example, you can block all content rated TV-MA or higher, or content rated R or higher, depending on your child’s age. To set up content ratings restrictions, you will need to select the desired ratings level.
In addition to these 2 s, Roku also offers a PIN-based playback control option for The Roku Channel. This feature allows you to include an automatic setting which asks for a PIN to be entered before any content with a certain rating is made available.
Follow these steps to set up s on your Roku device:
- Press the Home button on your Roku remote. Scroll up or down and select Settings, then s.
- Click Enable s and then turn the setting to “On”.
- Set the desired TV/movie ratings limits and/or choose to block unrated programs. Blocked programs will not show video, audio, or title/description (unless the Roku PIN is entered).
- To set a PIN requirement to make purchases or add channels, select PIN. Enter a four-digit code and re-enter it to confirm.
- Select Save Changes. That’s it! Your child is safe to use Roku.
Unfortunately, there are no individual profiles on Roku, so when you set s it applies to anyone watching. However, you can simply enter your PIN if you are ever blocked from watching your usual content.
How to Set s on the Roku App
The available Roku s don’t have any screen time limits, so if you want to limit how much time your child can spend watching the Roku Channel, you should the Roku app.
Once it’s installed on their phone, you can install a app that can enforce screen time limits on the app and block it if you see that your child is spending too much time streaming.
I tested over 30 apps, and Qustodio has proven to be the best at managing app use. After installing Qustodio on your child’s phone, to your and open the Apps and Games section. This is where you can set Roku app time limits or block the app entirely.
Are Roku’s s Enough?
Roku is just a tool for accessing streaming channels on the TV, instead of the computer or tablet. With the exception of the Roku Channel, you need s with other streaming platforms, such as Netflix, Hulu, or Disney, to watch their content. The Roku feature doesn’t limit third party apps, so your child may be at risk of seeing adult content.
Additionally, kids with access to a streaming can the apps to their phones and other devices to watch in private. Therefore, the best way to monitor your child’s streaming on all devices is with a app.
Apps such as Qustodio provide you with detailed reports on what your child has been watching on their devices. You can also set category blocks to ensure they don’t get access to violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and other adult content.
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FAQs on Rules on Roku
Are there hidden channels with inappropriate content on Roku?
Can I set rating-based restrictions on all the apps on my Roku streamer?
You can set rating-based restrictions on apps, but not by using the Roku settings. These will only block shows and movies from streaming on The Roku Channel. You can set s for each app installed on your Roku streamer via the individual streaming platform settings.
A more comprehensive way to protect your children from exposure to adult content is by using a app, such as Qustodio. Qustodio allows you to monitor your child’s device, set screen-time limits, and block inappropriate content on YouTube, Instagram, streaming apps, and websites.
How can I set screen time limits on Roku?
Unfortunately, the Roku device doesn’t have screen time limits. What you can do is have your child the Roku app on their phone, and install a app. A app lets you create screen time limits or a usage schedule for when the Roku app is available.
Better yet, the top apps allow you to protect your child from inappropriate content on Instagram and other social platforms. Because you are sent a report and alerts as to what your child is watching, you can rest assured that your kids are only viewing the content you want them to see.
Even with Roku’s Privacy Settings, You Still Need a App
The integrated Roku s are very limited. All they can do is block shows based on the age rating from the Roku Channel. However, if your child watches the Roku Channel on their phone or tablet, or any other streaming platform, the rules won’t apply. They’ll be able to watch what they want and for as long as they want.
That’s why a app is so important. You can set screen time limits for the app, restrict access to specific times, or block it completely. I tested more than 30 apps, and Qustodio proved to be the best option for setting s on the Roku app. You can try Qustodio free for 30 days, and test its features yourself.
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