Layer 1: locks in the IPTV player
The player is where channels and films live, so it’s the most precise place to lock things.
- Lock channel groups or categories. Many players let you set a PIN on groups such as adult or late-night channels. TiviMate lists parental controls among its features.
- Hide groups you never use. A smaller channel list is easier to manage and faster to load. See how to edit an IPTV playlist.
- Lock the settings. Where a player offers it, put the settings behind the PIN too, so the locks can’t simply be switched off.
Layer 2: controls on the TV device
Fire TV
Amazon’s parental controls are under SettingsPreferencesParental Controls (menu names vary slightly between software versions). Set a PIN, then choose what it protects: viewing in restricted categories, purchases and opening apps. Locking app launches stops children opening the IPTV player without you.
Google TV
Google TV kids profiles let you:
- choose which apps the child can use (Settings > Accounts & Profiles > the child’s profile > Manage apps),
- restrict films and shows by rating in Google’s own recommendations,
- set a daily screen-time limit and a bedtime,
- lock the profile, so leaving it needs the adult’s Google Account PIN or password.
Leave the IPTV player out of a child’s profile, or include it only once its own locks are set.
Layer 3: your broadband filter
Broadband providers’ filters work for every device on your home connection, including phones and tablets. BT’s Web Threat Protect, Virgin Media’s Essential Security and Sky Broadband Shield are examples; see IPTV on UK broadband. These filter websites rather than individual TV channels, so use them alongside the player’s locks, not instead.
A quick family checklist
- Set a PIN in the IPTV player and lock adult channel groups.
- Hide channel groups you don’t use.
- Turn on the device’s parental controls, or give children their own profile.
- Check the broadband filter is on and set to a suitable level.
- Keep the PINs to yourself, and change them if they leak.