What is parental control and how to set a password on TV, IPTV, Xbox One and other devices

Installing parental controls is a way to protect a child from the negative influence of the media. The launch of the program is easy to install and is available on a variety of devices (TVs, set-top boxes, computers, etc.).

Why do I need parental controls on my TV?

The function of controlling television viewing by children plays an important role in their psychological and physiological education. Parental control is the use of devices that transmit information that is safe for the moral development of children.
Reasons for using this feature:

• the desire of parents to set a specific amount of time during which the child can watch TV shows or use the device (he cannot independently increase the time interval);
• to protect children from accidentally switching to a channel that is inappropriate for their age.

The control function is indispensable for parents who are responsible for the upbringing of their child.

Parental Control Features

Modern technologies make it possible to track the history of the use of equipment by minors with access to the World Wide Web, and set certain restrictions. The parental control function has some differences on different types of equipment.

Parental control on Smart-TV

Today’s markets are brimming with TVs with built-in apps for streaming movies and shows online. A kid may accidentally stumble upon an age-appropriate movie. Smart TV manufacturers have provided the ability to set a PIN code:

• to any application in the online network (cinemas, YouTube, network games, browsers, social networks);
• per specific TV show/movie or content category/entire channel.

https://youtu.be/VNXOfOLCu9w

Parental Controls on Xbox One Family Consoles

Consoles, which are used not only for games, but also for the widespread use of the Internet, have their own system for monitoring the actions of children. The function helps:

• limit the time the child spends playing games so that entertainment does not turn into an addiction;
• regulate purchases in online stores (including prohibiting the purchase of goods by children);
• protect minors from viewing and using inappropriate material (websites, applications, adult games, etc.).

You can also set the privacy mode, which allows you to:

• control in which multiplayer games the child participates;
• give permission to display the amount of personal information that is considered acceptable in the opinion of the parent;
• view with whom the minor communicates and plays in online games (if necessary, you can block the child’s contact with an unwanted subscriber).

Parental control on this type of device is provided by the manufacturer. Access to the settings is obtained after the creation of a family group.

https://youtu.be/cDbWy8HIzB8

Parental control on TV-Box

For owners of simple TVs, where there are no various modern built-in functions (including parental control), multimedia set-top boxes have been invented that expand the capabilities of the TV. They are called TV-Box. The uniqueness of the equipment lies in the fact that access to the Internet appears on a regular TV. You can set control over watching TV shows, videos and websites in the “Parental settings” section.
The use of TV capabilities is regulated by setting a password for access to certain content.

IPTV – what control functions are there on devices?

The service is provided free of charge within the tariff plan by the following providers:

• MTS;
• Rostelecom ;
• Beeline ;
• Tricolor;
• Dom.ru and others.

The parental control function is available for connection in the settings of the set-top box of the corresponding Internet TV provider. Takes effect after setting the password.

Internet operator MTS went further. To play channels +18 (for example, Shalun TV) you need to enter an individual code. And at Rostelecom, in the parental control section, you can set passwords for any channels yourself. One of the leading providers in Belarus, Beltelecom, which broadcasts Zala TV, has one PIN code for all adult channels. By default, this is pressing the button with the number 1 on the control panel.

Control in the router

On the router, parents can set the restricted access to inappropriate content. The advantage of the procedure is as follows:

• no purchase of a special program is required (routers are equipped with firmware for blocking);
• the control action applies to all digital devices that use this Wi-Fi connection;
• the child will not be able to lift the ban;
• on more recent models, you can set when parental controls are turned on or set other conditions under which the device is restricted from accessing the Internet.

The only downside is that setting up filtering of incoming traffic is difficult for the average user.

How to set parental controls depending on the TV model?

Each TV with Parental Controls has a different process for setting up access to content. Let’s take a closer look at how parental controls are installed on TVs of popular brands.

Features of Parental Controls on LG Smart TVs

The following control options are available:

1. “Age Lock” . TV operators divide programs into age categories. If a restriction is set, for example, 18+, then all TV shows that are intended for this age can only be watched after entering the password.
2. “Channel blocking” . Complete restriction of viewing channels with unwanted content (there is no picture and sound).
3. “App Lock” . Ban on visiting websites, social networks, online casinos, etc. when using Smart TV. Access becomes possible after entering the password.

Here are the instructions for setting a password on LG TVs:

1. Press the house button on the remote control to enter the main menu.
2. On different models, the menu interface is slightly different, but the functionality is clear for any user. You need to enter the settings by clicking on the gear icon. Then select “Security”.
3. A window for blocking settings will open. Set the security conditions. Set the desired function to standby (“On”).
4. Replace the factory password (default is 0000 or 1234) with your own.

And how to reset: https://youtu.be/s0X-yyfG6ZQ

What Samsung offers in terms of parental controls

Step-by-step instructions for setting up parental controls on Samsung TVs:

1. Press the menu button on the remote control. Use the keys to select the “Numeric Menu” item, and then press “Enter”.
2. Select “Install” and then press “Enter”.
3. Find the item “Give birth. lock”, and confirm the selection with the “Enter” key.
4. In the next window, enter a valid PIN code (your own, if it is set, or the factory one – 0000). Confirm the action with the “Enter” button.
5. Use the up or down keys to set the age limit, and then press “Enter”.

You can change the password to a new one on Samsung TVs like this:

1. Go to the main menu, then “Digital Menu” and then “Installation”.
2. Select “Change PIN” and press “Enter”.
3. Enter the current password, and after the message “Enter a new PIN”, come up with another 4-digit code. To confirm the new password, enter it again. After notification that the code has been successfully changed, click “OK” and “Exit”.

Philips

Setting up parental controls on Philips TVs:

1. Press the “Menu” (Home) button on the remote control.
2. Switch to Settings mode.
3. Using the remote control keys, go to the “Child Lock” item, and then enter the “View Restriction”, where you can block access to unwanted applications.

App lock allows you to control purchases in the Google Pay store. To do this, an age limit is set, and the corresponding categories of applications cease to be active.

The default password is 8888. You can always change it to a new one in the settings.

Can a parent’s password be hacked?

Presumably, a child may turn off parental controls by accident. Purposeful unlocking is a complex process for children. But information about which numbers to dial on the remote control is easy to find on the Internet. Therefore, it is better to periodically change the password to a new one.

What should I do if I forgot my TV password?

For LG TVs

If you have forgotten your previously set password, you can reset it:

1. Follow the steps above to enter security mode. You do not need to go to “Reset / Change PIN-code”. Right here, with the channel switching keys on the remote control, press 2 times up, then 1 time down and again 1 time up.
2. The panel will update. The message “Enter Master PIN” will appear. Dial the numbers 0313 and press OK.
3. Now you can set a new password by repeating the steps described at the beginning.

For Samsung TVs

If you have forgotten your password, you can reset it to the factory default. To do this, press the following combination of buttons in sequence:

For Philips TVs

If you forget your password, you can reset your TV to reset all previously set settings. To do this, go to the menu, then “Settings” – “General settings” – “Reinstall TV”.

When using set-top boxes of Rostelecom, there is often a problem with the appearance of a window with the inscription “Incorrect PIN code”. This is a glitch in the hardware program. Disconnect the set-top box from the mains and plug it back into the socket after 2-3 minutes. The console will reboot and the problem will disappear.

Television equipment manufacturers and content providers also take care of the moral development of the child. Parents just need to set up parental controls and remember the PIN.