Apple TV Has a Dedicated Kids Section with Age-Appropriate Content
Yes, Apple TV includes a Kids section built into the app. It is a separate area within Apple TV+ (the subscription service) and the Apple TV app itself, designed to show only content rated for children. You do not need a separate account or subscription—if you have Apple TV+, the Kids section is already available to you.
The Kids section organizes shows and movies by age group, making it easier to find content suitable for your child without scrolling through adult programming. Apple TV also offers parental controls that let you restrict what appears in the Kids section based on content ratings and set viewing time limits.
Key Takeaways
- The Kids section is built into Apple TV+ and the Apple TV app, showing only children's content organized by age group.
- You can access Kids by opening the Apple TV app and selecting the Kids tab from the main menu.
- Parental controls let you set content restrictions by rating and create a separate profile for each child with its own PIN.
- The Kids section includes both Apple TV+ originals and licensed content from other studios.
- You can set daily time limits and receive notifications when viewing time is about to end.
How to Access the Kids Section on Your Device
Open the Apple TV app on your device—iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, or any supported streaming device. On the home screen, look for the Kids tab in the menu bar at the top or bottom of the screen, depending on your device. Tap or click it to enter the Kids section.
On Apple TV (the hardware box), the Kids tab appears alongside other main categories like Home, TV, Movies, and Search. On iPhone or iPad, swipe left or right to find the Kids tab if it is not when ready visible. Once you enter the Kids section, all content shown is filtered to children's programming.
What Content You Will Find in the Kids Section
The Kids section includes Apple TV+ original series and films made for children, such as animated shows, educational programs, and family movies. It also features licensed content from studios like Disney, Pixar, and others, depending on your region and subscription. The exact titles available vary by country and change as Apple adds and removes content.
Content is organized into age groups: toddlers (ages 2–4), preschool (ages 4–5), kids (ages 6–8), and older kids (ages 9–12). You can browse by age group or search by title. Each show or movie displays its rating and a brief description so you know what your child will watch before they start.
Setting Up Parental Controls and Profiles
Apple TV lets you create a separate profile for each child with its own PIN protection. To set this up, go to Settings on your Apple TV device or in the app, then select Users and Accounts. Choose Add User and select Child. You will be asked to set a four-digit PIN that your child cannot guess.
Once a child profile is created, that user sees only age-appropriate content when they log in. You can also restrict the entire Kids section by content rating. Go to Settings, then Parental Controls, and choose the highest rating you want to allow (such as TV-Y, TV-Y7, or TV-G). Any content above that rating will not appear, even in the Kids section.
If you want to prevent purchases or in-app transactions, you can disable those in Parental Controls as well. This stops a child from accidentally buying content or subscribing to add-ons.
Using Screen Time Limits and Viewing Notifications
Apple TV allows you to set daily time limits for how long a child can watch. On an Apple TV device, go to Settings, then Parental Controls, then Screen Time. Set a daily limit in hours and minutes. When the child reaches that limit, the app will lock and require the parent PIN to continue.
You can also receive notifications when viewing time is about to end. Before the limit is reached, a message appears on screen warning the child that time is running out. This gives them a chance to finish what they are watching before access stops.
Screen time limits explore per device, so if your child watches on multiple devices, you will need to set limits on each one separately. The limits reset each day at midnight.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with the Kids Section
If the Kids tab does not appear in your Apple TV app, make sure you are signed in with an account that has an active Apple TV+ subscription. The Kids section is only visible to subscribers. If you recently subscribed, try closing and reopening the app or restarting your device.
If a child profile is not working or the PIN is not being recognized, restart the Apple TV device or sign out and back in. If parental controls are preventing you from watching content you own, check your settings—sometimes a restriction is set higher than intended. You can lower the rating threshold in Parental Controls at any time using your parent PIN.
If content you expect to see is missing, it may have been removed from Apple TV+ in your region, or your subscription may have expired. Check your subscription status in Settings under Account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a separate subscription for the Kids section?
No. The Kids section is included with your Apple TV+ subscription at no extra cost. If you have Apple TV+, you already have access to it.
Can I hide the Kids section so my child does not see it?
You cannot hide the Kids tab itself, but you can restrict what appears inside it using parental controls. Set the content rating to a level appropriate for your child, and only shows and movies at that rating or below will display.
What happens if my child forgets the PIN for their profile?
You will need to use your parent PIN to unlock the device or profile. If you forget your parent PIN, you will need to reset it through your Apple account settings or contact Apple Support for help.
Can I set different time limits for different children?
Time limits are set per device, not per profile. If you want different limits for different children, you would need to set them on separate devices. On a single device, all child profiles share the same time limit.
Is all content in the Kids section actually appropriate for all ages?
No. The Kids section is organized by age group, and content is rated accordingly. Always check the rating and description before letting your child watch, especially if they are at the younger end of an age group.