How to set up parental controls and change the PIN on a Samsung TV
Samsung TVs let you lock channels, apps and age-rated programmes with a PIN. This helps keep children away from unsuitable content.
Where to find it
Samsung's guide says to go to Settings > All Settings > General & Privacy > Parental Settings. On older models it may be under Broadcasting or General. Check the e-Manual if your menu looks different.
What you can lock
- Programme Rating Lock blocks programmes above an age you choose
- Channel Lock blocks channels you pick
- App Lock lets you lock individual apps
Samsung notes that locks work on TV services only, and will not block content from other sources such as Blu-ray players, DVD players or USB files.
Your PIN
Samsung says the default PIN is 0000 unless you changed it. Change it straight away. Samsung says to go to Settings > All Settings > General & Privacy > System Manager > Change PIN, enter the current PIN, then choose and confirm a new one. Pick a number children cannot guess, and write it somewhere safe.
Lock a channel
- Open Parental Settings and enter your PIN.
- Choose Channel Lock and select the channels to lock.
- Test it by changing to that channel. It should ask for the PIN.
Lock apps
In Parental Settings, look for App Lock and select the apps you want locked. Your options depend on your model. Also use the parental controls inside apps such as Netflix and Disney+, which are separate.
Forgotten PIN
Try the default, 0000. If it does not work, contact Samsung support. A factory reset may clear the PIN but it also erases your settings, so do not do this unless you must. See our reset guide.
Other devices
The TV's controls do not cover a games console or a streaming stick. Use the parental controls on those too.
When to get more help
If the lock will not work or you cannot find the menus, Vision Tech can guide you through them.