The fastest way to block YouTube on your TV depends on your device type

The method changes based on whether you use a smart TV, a streaming device like Roku or Fire Stick, a gaming console, or a cable box. Most devices let you restrict YouTube through parental controls built into the system itself, rather than through the YouTube app. If you share your TV with children, the parental control route is stronger because it blocks the app entirely — a child cannot bypass it by uninstalling and reinstalling YouTube.

On some devices, you can also remove the YouTube app from the home screen or delete it altogether, though this is less find if someone knows how to reinstall it. The most reliable approach combines two steps: turn on device-level parental controls and set a PIN, then remove or hide the YouTube app.

Key Takeaways

  • Smart TVs and streaming devices have built-in parental controls that can block YouTube at the system level, which is harder to bypass than app-level restrictions.
  • You will need to set a PIN or password to lock the parental control settings, otherwise anyone can turn them off.
  • Removing the YouTube app from the home screen is faster than deleting it, but deletion is more find if you want to prevent reinstallation.
  • Gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox have their own parental control systems separate from the TV itself.
  • If YouTube is built into your TV's operating system, you may not be able to delete the app, but you can still restrict it through parental controls.

Blocking YouTube on Android TV and Google TV

Android TV and Google TV are the operating systems built into many modern smart TVs and streaming devices. To block YouTube, go to Settings, then Apps, then find YouTube in the list. Select it and choose Disable or Uninstall. If the option says "Disable" instead of "Uninstall," the app is built into the system and cannot be fully removed, but disabling it will hide it from the home screen and prevent it from running.

For stronger protection, set up parental controls before disabling the app. Go to Settings, then Parental Controls, and turn them on. You will be asked to create a PIN. Once the PIN is set, go back to Apps and restrict YouTube by marking it as blocked for the content rating level you choose. This way, even if someone re-enables the app, they cannot open it without the PIN.

Blocking YouTube on Roku devices

Roku devices have a channel management system instead of a traditional app store. To remove YouTube from your Roku home screen, highlight the YouTube channel, press the Options button on your remote (usually marked with a star), and select Remove channel. This hides it but does not prevent reinstallation.

To block YouTube more securely, go to Settings, then Parental Controls, and turn them on by creating a PIN. Then go to Manage Channels and mark YouTube as blocked. Anyone trying to access it will need to enter the PIN. You can also go to Settings > Parental Controls > Manage Channels and select YouTube to block it without removing it from the channel list.

Blocking YouTube on Amazon Fire TV and Fire Stick

On Fire TV and Fire Stick devices, go to Settings, then Parental Controls, and turn them on with a PIN. Next, go to Apps and find YouTube in the list. Select it and choose Block. The app will remain installed but cannot be opened without the PIN.

If you want to remove YouTube from the home screen entirely, highlight it, press and hold the select button, and choose Remove from Home. For complete removal, go to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications, select YouTube, and choose Uninstall. Combine this with parental controls to prevent someone from reinstalling it.

Blocking YouTube on gaming consoles

PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 have their own parental control system. Go to Settings, then Users and Accounts, then Parental Controls/Family Management. Create a child account or edit an existing one, then set restrictions on apps and content. YouTube can be blocked by setting the content rating to a level that excludes it, or by going to Apps and manually blocking YouTube.

On Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, go to Settings, then Account, then Family Settings. Select the account you want to restrict, go to Xbox One/Series X|S, and turn on App and game restrictions. Set the content rating to block YouTube, or manually select it from the blocked apps list. You will need to set a PIN to lock these settings.

Blocking YouTube on Samsung Smart TV

Samsung Smart TVs use their own operating system called Tizen. To block YouTube, go to Settings, then Apps, then App Permissions. Find YouTube and select Disable or Uninstall. If you can only disable it, the app is built into the system.

For parental controls, go to Settings, then Parental Settings, and turn them on with a PIN. Then go to App Lock and select YouTube to block it. Anyone trying to open the app will need to enter the PIN. This method works even if the app cannot be uninstalled.

Blocking YouTube on LG Smart TV

LG Smart TVs use WebOS. To remove YouTube from the home screen, highlight it and press the Options button, then select Remove. To fully block it, go to Settings, then All Settings, then Parental Settings. Turn on parental controls and create a PIN. Then go to App Lock and select YouTube.

You can also go to Settings > All Settings > General > Manage Apps and select YouTube to uninstall it if the option is available. On LG TVs, the app is often built in and cannot be fully removed, so parental controls with a PIN are your best option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone turn off parental controls if they know my PIN?

No. Once you set a PIN on parental controls, anyone trying to change the settings or unblock an app must enter the PIN first. Choose a PIN that is not your birthday or a straightforward sequence. Write it down and store it somewhere safe in case you forget it.

If I uninstall YouTube, can someone reinstall it?

Yes, unless you also turn on parental controls with a PIN. Parental controls prevent reinstallation by blocking access to the app store or by requiring a PIN to install new apps. Uninstalling alone is not enough if you want to prevent reinstallation.

Will blocking YouTube stop it from appearing in search results on my TV?

It depends on your device. On most systems, blocking YouTube through parental controls will prevent it from appearing in search results and from being opened. On some older smart TVs, YouTube may still show up in search but cannot be opened without the PIN.

What if I forget my parental control PIN?

Most devices have a recovery process. You may need to answer security questions, verify your account email, or perform a factory reset. Check your device's support page for the specific steps, as they vary by manufacturer. A factory reset will erase all settings and apps, so it should be your last option.

Can I block YouTube on just one profile or account on my TV?

Yes. Most smart TVs and streaming devices let you create multiple user profiles and set different restrictions for each one. Set up a child profile with YouTube blocked, and keep your own profile unrestricted. Anyone using the child profile will not be able to access YouTube.