Google TV Parental Controls & Safety Guide
How to set up parental controls and supervised profiles on Google TV to keep children safe when streaming.
Google TV is Google's smart TV platform, found on Chromecast with Google TV devices and televisions from Sony, TCL, and other manufacturers. It offers child profiles with age-appropriate content restrictions, supervised viewing, restricted mode for YouTube, and purchase controls — all manageable through the Google TV app on your phone.
Main risks
- • Access to age-inappropriate content on streaming apps and YouTube
- • In-app purchases and subscription sign-ups through the TV interface
- • Unrestricted access to YouTube via the built-in YouTube app
- • Unsuitable search results when using Google TV's content search
Initial setup steps
Create a supervised Google account for your child
Install the Google Family Link app on your phone. Follow the prompts to create a supervised Google account for your child, or add supervision to their existing Google account if they have one.
Add your child's account to Google TV
On the Google TV device, go to Settings > Accounts & Sign-in > Add account. Sign in with your child's supervised Google account. Confirm the Family Link supervision link when prompted on your phone.
Enable Restricted Mode and content ratings
Switch to your child's profile on the TV. Go to Settings and enable Restricted Mode. Then go to Content restrictions and set the maximum age rating to the appropriate level for your child.
Enable purchase controls
In Google Play Store settings on the TV, enable parental controls and create a PIN for purchases. This PIN is required for any app installation or paid content.
Parental control settings
Supervised Google Account Profile
Location: Google TV > Settings > Accounts & Sign-in > Add account > Create supervised account
Recommended: Create a supervised child profile linked to your Google account
A supervised profile restricts the apps and content your child can access and links to Google Family Link, allowing you to approve or block content remotely.
Restricted Mode
Location: Google TV > Profile > Settings > Restricted Mode
Recommended: Enabled on your child's profile
Restricted Mode filters out content that may be inappropriate for children across YouTube and other Google services. It is not 100% effective but significantly reduces exposure to harmful content.
Purchase Controls
Location: Google TV > Settings > Apps > Google Play Store > Parental controls
Recommended: Enable parental controls and set a PIN for purchases
Requires a PIN to authorise any purchase or app installation through the Google Play Store on the TV, preventing children from making accidental or deliberate purchases.
Content Rating Restrictions
Location: Google TV > Settings > Channel & inputs > Content restrictions
Recommended: Set the maximum allowed content rating appropriate for your child's age
Restricts access to content above a certain age rating across films, TV shows, and apps available through Google TV.
Age recommendations
Use a supervised profile with Restricted Mode on. Set content ratings to U only. Supervise viewing sessions and consider using the TV only in a shared family room.
Supervised profile with PG content rating maximum. Enable purchase PIN. Review the child's watch history periodically through the Family Link app.
12 or PG content rating ceiling. Maintain Restricted Mode on YouTube. Begin having conversations about why certain content is restricted.