How to block YouTube on Samsung TV

By
Sandra Walter
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Samsung Smart TVs are renowned for their diverse range of functions and features, one of which is the ability to stream YouTube videos. While YouTube can be a source of entertainment and learning, it can also be a concern for some who might wish to control the content being accessed, particularly when children are involved. If you’re wondering if you can block YouTube on your Samsung Smart TV, the answer is a resounding yes!

This guide will provide a detailed walkthrough on blocking access to YouTube through the YouTube app or the Smart Hub, leveraging YouTube’s “Restricted Mode,” and even disabling YouTube network-wide via your router settings.

Using YouTube’s restricted mode

You can limit content access on YouTube without blocking it completely is to use YouTube’s “Restricted Mode.” This feature hides potentially inappropriate content, making it useful for parents or those who prefer to avoid explicit material. Here’s how to enable it:

  1. Open YouTube and sign in to your account.
  2. Click on the three lines in the top left corner of the main screen.
  3. Select “Settings.”
  4. Scroll down and select “Restricted Mode.”

To turn Restricted Mode on, check the box next to “Restricted Mode: On.” To turn Restricted Mode off, uncheck the box next to “Restricted Mode: Off.”

YouTube will remember your preference, so you don’t have to enable or disable it every time you visit the site.

Blocking YouTube using parental controls

Blocking YouTube using parental controls is an effective way to restrict access to the platform on television. Modern smart TVs have built-in parental control features that allow users to set restrictions on content and applications. By following a few simple steps, you can block access to YouTube and ensure that only authorized users can watch videos on the platform.

  1. Take your TV remote and locate the “Menu” button. Press it to access the TV’s settings menu.
  2. Navigate through the settings menu until you find the “Broadcasting” or “Channels” section. This is where you can manage various settings related to channels and applications.
  3. Within the broadcasting settings, look for an option called “Parental Controls” and select it. This will take you to the parental control settings.
  4. You will likely be prompted to enter a PIN or password to enable parental controls. Enter the desired PIN or password and make sure to remember it, as it will be required to modify the settings in the future.
  5. Once you have enabled parental controls, search for an option such as “Block Applications” or “App Blocking” within the parental control settings.
  6. A list of available applications should appear on the screen. Scroll through the list until you find the YouTube app.
  7. Select the YouTube app from the list and set the blocking option to “Blocked.” This action ensures that the YouTube app becomes inaccessible without entering the PIN or password.
  8. Confirm your selection and exit the settings menu. The parental control settings are now in effect, and the YouTube app is blocked on your TV.

How to use Restricting Applications


Another method to restrict access to specific applications, such as YouTube, on your Samsung Smart TV is by using the application settings. This provides an additional layer of control over individual apps, allowing you to lock them with a PIN to prevent unauthorized access.

  • Press the “Menu” button on your Samsung TV remote to access the TV’s settings menu.
  • Navigate through the settings menu options until you find “Smart Features.” This section typically contains various settings related to the smart capabilities of the TV.
  • Select “App Management” or “Application Lock” within the Smart Features menu. This option allows you to manage and restrict access to specific applications.
  • If you have already set up a PIN or password for the parental controls on your TV, you will be prompted to enter it. This is to ensure that only authorized users can modify the application settings.
  • After entering the PIN or password, you should see a list of installed applications on your TV. Scroll through the list until you find the YouTube app.
  • Highlight the YouTube app and select the “Lock” or “Block” option. This action will prevent anyone from opening the YouTube app without entering the PIN or password you set up earlier.
  • Once you have locked the YouTube app, anyone attempting to open it will be prompted to enter the PIN. This adds an extra layer of security and control, ensuring that only authorized users can access the YouTube app on your Samsung Smart TV.

It’s important to note that the exact steps and terminology may vary slightly depending on the model and software version of your Samsung Smart TV. If you encounter any difficulties, refer to the user manual or online support resources provided by Samsung for detailed instructions specific to your TV model.

Using the application settings to restrict access to YouTube and other apps gives you more control over what content is accessible on your Samsung Smart TV. This is particularly useful for managing viewing options for children or limiting access to certain applications for specific reasons.

How to set up a PIN code for YouTube

Setting up a PIN code specifically for YouTube on your Samsung Smart TV is a great way to restrict access to the YouTube app and ensure that only authorized users can view its content. Follow these steps to set up a PIN code for YouTube:

  • Grab your Samsung TV remote and press the “Menu” button to access the TV’s settings menu.
  • Navigate through the settings menu options until you find the “Smart Features” or “Smart Hub” section. This section typically contains settings related to the smart capabilities of the TV.
  • Within the Smart Features or Smart Hub menu, look for an option called “App Lock” or “Application Lock.” This option allows you to set up PIN codes for individual apps.
  • Select “App Lock” or “Application Lock” to proceed to the app-specific PIN code settings.
  • If you haven’t set it up, you will be prompted to create a PIN code. Follow the on-screen instructions to enter your four-digit numerical PIN code. Make sure to choose a PIN code that is easy for you to remember but not easily guessable by others.
  • Once you have set up the PIN code, you should see a list of installed applications on your Samsung Smart TV.
  • Scroll through the list until you find the YouTube app. Highlight the YouTube app and select the option to set a PIN code for it.
  • Enter the PIN code you created earlier when prompted. This associates the PIN code with the YouTube app, restricting access to it.
  • Confirm your selection, exit the settings menu, and you’re done. The YouTube app on your Samsung Smart TV is now protected with a PIN code.

From now on, whenever someone tries to open the YouTube app on your Samsung Smart TV, they will be prompted to enter the PIN code you set up. This ensures that only authorized users who know the PIN code can access the YouTube app.

By setting up a PIN code for YouTube on your Samsung Smart TV, you can have better control over who can access and watch YouTube content, making it a safer and more controlled viewing experience.

Blocking YouTube through the Router

If you’re seeking a network-wide solution to block YouTube on all devices, including your Samsung TV, you can do so by adjusting the settings on your router. By blocking YouTube at the router level, you ensure that any device connected to your network, including your Samsung TV, will be unable to access the YouTube website or app. Here’s how you can achieve this:

  • Open a web browser on a device connected to your home network.
  • In the address bar, enter the IP address of your router. Common IP addresses for routers include 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1. If you’re unsure of your router’s IP address, consult the router’s manual or contact your Internet Service Provider (ISP) for assistance.
  • Enter the login credentials for your router. This typically involves providing a username and password. If you haven’t changed these credentials before, you can often find the default login information on a sticker attached to the router or in the router’s manual.
  • Once logged into your router’s settings interface, look for a section titled “Parental Controls,” “Security Settings,” or similar. These settings’ precise naming and location may vary depending on your router’s make and model.
  • Search for an option to block websites or services within the parental controls or security settings. This feature is usually designed to allow you to specify certain websites or services to be inaccessible.
  • Add “www.youtube.com” to the list of blocked websites. This ensures that any device on your network will be unable to access YouTube.
  • Save your changes or apply the settings to activate the block. This may involve clicking a “Save” or “Apply” button within the router’s settings interface.

Once the changes are saved, your router will implement the blocking rules, effectively preventing any device on your network from accessing YouTube. This includes your Samsung TV, as it relies on the network to connect to the internet and access online services.

Keep in mind that different routers may have varying interfaces and terminologies for these settings. If you’re having trouble locating the appropriate options, refer to your router’s manual or contact your ISP for specific instructions.

Blocking YouTube at the router level provides a comprehensive solution to restrict access across all devices on your network, ensuring a consistent block on YouTube usage.