Since bursting onto the streaming device scene in 2008, Roku has grown tremendously to become one of the most popular ways for viewers to access their favorite streaming content. As of 2022, Roku boasts over 70 million active accounts globally across their wide range of compact set-top boxes, built-in smart TV operating systems, and more.
With this huge installed base, many Roku owners take advantage of the option to set a personal identification number (PIN) on their devices. According to Statista survey data, over 58% of adult Roku users enable the PIN functionality. The ability to assign a 4-digit passcode provides two main benefits:
Parental Controls – Roku allows device owners to restrict access to content above a selected age-appropriateness level without entering the PIN. This lets parents prevent kids from accessing inappropriate videos or channels.
Purchase Protection – Requiring input of a PIN prior to renting/buying entertainment or apps helps prevent unwanted charges from accumulating, either due to errors or unauthorized users. Up to 18% of polled users cite this as their motivation for employing a Roku PIN.
Given these great reasons to utilize a unique PIN, let‘s explore the steps to properly configure and manage your personal passcode on a Roku device. We‘ll also cover how to reset a forgotten PIN, configure parental controls based on age, and compare Roku PINs to account passwords.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your Roku PIN
Unfortunately Roku does not currently allow creating or managing your PIN directly on Roku devices themselves. The PIN functionality is handled through the Roku web portal instead. Here is the process:
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On your computer, tablet, phone, or other device, access the Roku account login page at www.roku.com. Sign into your account if not already:
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Click on the profile icon in the top navigation bar, then select My Account from the dropdown:
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On the Account Details page, find the PIN Preference section and choose Update:
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On the PIN management screen, select Create PIN:
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Choose your desired 4-digit PIN and enter it to confirm.
💡Pro Tip: Avoid obvious number combinations for your PIN like birthdays or patterns. The more random, the better!
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Configure whether you want to require the PIN for purchases only or also to add new channels/apps. Also select parental control restrictions by age group. See the next section for age setting advice.
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Click Save Changes at the bottom so your PIN goes into effect across associated Roku devices.
Once enabled, your Roku will prompt for the PIN when attempting to access restricted content or authorize purchases per your chosen parental/purchase control settings.
Choosing Ideal Age Restrictions
As seen above, Roku allows configuring multiple tiers of age-appropriate parental control filters. But deciding the proper level to match your child‘s maturity can be difficult. Here is a breakdown of the ratings for each setting:
| Maturity Level | Includes Content Rated | Typical Age Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Kids | G, TV-Y, TV-G | Under 5 years |
| Kids & Family | PG, TV-PG | 6-10 years |
| Teens | PG-13, TV-14 | 13-17 years |
| Adults | R, TV-MA, Unrated | 18+ years |
For example, enabling the "Teens" PIN level allows unrestricted access to content rated PG-13 or TV-14 and below. So your younger kids would be blocked from more mature titles rated R or TV-MA without entering the PIN first.
Keep in mind ages are just general guidance. You know your child best in terms of appropriate content. For maximum protection, consider selecting ratings one level below your child‘s age, in addition to the built-in PIN parental controls.
Step-By-Step Guide to Resetting a Forgotten Roku PIN
Don‘t panic if you forget the PIN previously set on your Roku device. Resetting your passcode is straightforward through the Roku web account dashboard:
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Visit www.roku.com and sign-in to your account
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Click your profile picture > My Account
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Under PIN Preference, select Update
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On the PIN management page, choose Change PIN:
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Enter your new desired 4-digit PIN to confirm
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Click Save Changes at the bottom to apply the PIN update
That‘s all it takes to reset your forgotten PIN with a newly configured one. The previous passcode will no longer be recognized.
💡 Pro Tip: Still having login issues? You can factory reset your Roku device as a last resort to fully wipe its data and settings, at the cost of removing all your configured channels, preferences, and saved login credentials.
Key Differences Between Roku PINs vs. Account Passwords
When managing your Roku security settings, it helps to understand the unique purposes of the Roku PIN compared to your main Roku online account password:
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The Roku PIN is a 4-digit passcode used specifically on the Roku box for controlling access to content filters and purchases. It is configured and reset through the Roku website but entered directly on your TV.
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Your Roku account password is an alphanumeric credential used to sign in to your Roku account at roku.com for settings management. Resetting it requires an email verification process.
So in summary, think of the Roku PIN as for device-level access and security, while your account password enables online management capabilities.
Expert Tips for Securing Your Roku
Utilizing a personal passcode on your Roku box provides excellent parental supervision and shopping protections. Here are some final professional recommendations:
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Never share your PIN beyond authorized users like family. Treat it as securely as an ATM PIN!
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Consider updating your PIN every few months in case it is observed and memorized by others.
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If accessing your Roku on multiple household devices, remember to configure matching PIN restrictions on each for consistency.
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Jot down your PIN offline in a safe, encrypted password manager rather than relying on memory alone. Just ensure kids can‘t find your written record!
We hope this detailed walkthrough gives you confidence for enabling and managing PIN access controls on your Roku streaming box. Let us know if any questions come up!