IPTV Parental Controls: How to Lock Channels (2026)

An IPTV subscription opens up thousands of channels and a huge on-demand library, and not all of it is suitable for children. The good news is that the main player apps and devices all have parental controls. It takes about ten minutes to set them up properly. Here's how.

Start with the device: Firestick parental controls

Fire TV parental controls add a PIN to purchases and app launches, which stops children opening apps you haven't approved:

1. Go to Settings → Preferences → Parental Controls
2. Turn parental controls on and set a 5-digit PIN
3. Choose which content ratings and app launches need the PIN

This protects the device as a whole, but it doesn't control what is inside the IPTV app. For that, use the app's own settings below.

TiviMate: lock or hide channel groups

TiviMate lets you set a parental PIN and then lock or hide whole categories:

1. Open Settings → Parental control and set a PIN
2. Go back to the TV guide, highlight a channel group and long-press the select button
3. Choose to lock the group (it asks for the PIN) or hide it completely

Hiding is the cleaner option for adult categories, because children won't even see them in the list. Some of these options need TiviMate Premium. Our TiviMate setup guide covers the rest of the app.

IPTV Smarters: parental control settings

1. Open Settings → Parental Control
2. Create a password
3. Choose the Live TV, Movies and Series categories you want to lock

Locked categories then need the password every time. See our IPTV Smarters Pro guide if you're setting the app up for the first time.

Build a kids' favourites list

Locking things away is only half the job. The other half is making the good stuff easy to find. Create a favourites list with children's channels so younger viewers can jump straight to them without browsing the full guide. Our guide to kids' channels on IPTV has ideas on what to include.

Give children their own device

If the kids have their own TV or tablet, set it up with only the child-friendly categories visible and a PIN on settings. Keep the main living room setup unrestricted for the adults. With a multi-room plan, both can stream at the same time.

Don't forget the on-demand library

Parents often lock live channels and forget the films and series sections. Make sure the categories you lock include on-demand groups too, not just live TV.

Need a hand?

If you'd rather someone walk you through it, message our support team on WhatsApp. We can talk you through setting up a PIN and hiding categories on your specific app and device. Not a customer yet? Start a 6-hour free trial and set up the controls before the kids get the remote.