If you’re a Roku owner and want to block YouTube on your device, there are a few steps you can take. Roku doesn’t have built-in parental control features like Apple TV, but with a little creativity, you can still block YouTube on your Roku.

The first step is to uninstall the YouTube app from your Roku device. To do this, press the Home button on your Roku remote, highlight the YouTube channel, press the Star button, and select “Remove channel.”

By following this method, you can effectively block YouTube and prevent it from being reinstalled without your permission. But that’s not the only way to exercise control over the content your family watches on Roku, so keep reading for additional options.

Key Takeaways:

  • Uninstall the YouTube app by pressing the Home button on the remote, selecting the appropriate channel, and choosing “Remove channel.”
  • Prevent YouTube from being reinstalled by adding a Roku Store PIN.
  • Use parental controls within The Roku Channel to restrict the type of content that can be accessed.
  • The parental control settings for The Roku Channel do not apply to other channels or streaming services.
  • Consider enabling Restricted Mode within the YouTube app to restrict content without removing the app completely.
Quick Links:

Buy YouTube Views ▸ Buy YouTube Comments ▸ Buy YouTube Likes ▸ Buy YouTube Subscribers

Add a Roku Store PIN

After removing the YouTube app, you’ll need to add a Roku Store PIN to prevent it from being reinstalled. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Go to your Roku account page on a web browser.
  2. Click on the PIN preference section.
  3. Select “Update”.
  4. Choose the option to “Require a PIN to make purchases and add channels”.
  5. Create a four-digit PIN.
  6. Save your preferences.

Now, restart your Roku device to apply the changes. With the PIN in place, anyone trying to install YouTube will need to enter the PIN before it can be installed. This effectively blocks YouTube (and other channels) from being added to your Roku device without your permission.

Implementing a Roku Store PIN adds an extra layer of security to ensure that unauthorized channels, like YouTube, cannot be installed on your Roku device. It’s a simple but effective method to restrict access to specific apps and channels. Plus, it gives you peace of mind knowing that you have control over the content available on your Roku device.

Using Parental Controls for The Roku Channel

youtube blocking on roku
Block YouTube on Roku: Quick Parental Guide

In addition to blocking YouTube, you can also use parental controls to control the type of content users can access on The Roku Channel.

The Roku Channel utilizes MPAA and TV ratings to restrict playback of certain content, ensuring a more family-friendly viewing experience. To set your content preferences for The Roku Channel, follow these steps:

  1. Go to the Settings menu on your Roku device.
  2. Select “Viewing Options” or “Content Settings,” depending on your Roku model.
  3. Click on “Save preferences.”

By personalizing your content settings, you can filter out content that may not be suitable for all audiences.

It’s important to note that these parental control settings only apply to The Roku Channel and not to other channels or streaming services you have installed on your device. For other premium services like Disney+ or Paramount+, you’ll need to follow their respective parental control guidelines.

Parental Controls for The Roku Channel – Content Ratings Guide:

RatingDescription
TV-GThis content is suitable for all ages.
TV-PGNo rating information is available.
TV-14Parents strongly cautioned. This content may not be suitable for children under 14.
TV-MAThis content is intended for mature audiences and may not be suitable for children under 17.
NRNo rating information available.

By selecting the appropriate content rating preferences, you can ensure that only content suitable for your desired audience is accessible on The Roku Channel.

By utilizing The Roku Channel’s parental control features, you can create a safer and more tailored streaming experience for you and your family.

Block YouTube and Other Channels on Roku

By following the steps outlined in the previous sections, you can effectively block YouTube on your Roku device. The combination of uninstalling the YouTube app and adding a Roku Store PIN prevents YouTube from being installed without the PIN. This method can also be used to block other channels that you don’t want to show up on your Roku device. Remember to delete YouTube first before adding the PIN to ensure that it is fully blocked.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Uninstall the YouTube app: Press the Home button on your Roku remote, highlight the YouTube channel, press the Star button, and select “Remove channel.”
  2. Add a Roku Store PIN: Go to your Roku account page on a web browser and click on the PIN preference section. Select “Update” and choose the option to “Require a PIN to make purchases and add channels.” Create a four-digit PIN and save your preferences. Restart your Roku device to apply the changes.

With these steps, YouTube and other unwanted channels will be blocked on your Roku device, providing a safer viewing experience for you and your family.

Benefits of Blocking YouTubeAdditional Channels to Block
1. Controls access to potentially inappropriate content1. Adult-oriented channels
2. Enhances parental control over streaming options2. Violent or graphic content channels
3. Reduces distraction and time spent on video streaming3. Gambling or adult-themed channels

“Blocking unwanted channels on your Roku device not only protects your family from accessing inappropriate content but also provides a focused and safe streaming environment.”

Alternative Method – Set Up Restricted Mode on YouTube

If you want to restrict the content on your Roku device’s YouTube app without uninstalling it, you can enable the Restricted Mode feature. This mode filters out potentially mature content based on YouTube’s algorithms, providing a safer viewing experience for you and your family.

To enable Restricted Mode, follow these steps:

  1. Open the YouTube app on your Roku device.
  2. Navigate to the Settings menu.
  3. Select “Restricted Mode” from the options.
  4. Follow the prompts to enable the feature.

Once Restricted Mode is enabled, YouTube will filter out content that may not be suitable for all viewers. Keep in mind that while Restricted Mode can help in limiting inappropriate content, it may not be 100% accurate. Monitoring your children’s viewing habits and discussing internet safety with them is still essential.

By using Restricted Mode, you can strike a balance between keeping the YouTube app accessible on your Roku device and ensuring a more controlled environment for content consumption.

Read More: