Does this block the YouTube app AND the website on Samsung Smart TV?

Yes — the method in this guide blocks both the YouTube app and youtube.com in the browser. If only the app is removed, kids can still watch YouTube in a browser, so it's important to cover both.

Is it free to block YouTube on Samsung Smart TV?

Yes — blocking YouTube on Samsung Smart TV is completely free. No extra apps or subscriptions required.

Can my child bypass this YouTube block?

Bypass risk is low. Once set up with a strong password your child doesn't know, Samsung Smart TV is difficult to work around. The most common bypass attempt is switching to mobile data instead of Wi-Fi — pair it with device-level controls if that's a concern.

Will the YouTube block survive a factory reset of the TV?

A factory reset will wipe the PIN lock on most smart TVs. For a more persistent block, combine the PIN lock with a router-level block — that way, even if the TV is reset, YouTube won't load because it's blocked at the network level.

How to Block YouTube on Samsung Smart TV (2026)

Block YouTube on a Samsung Smart TV using the built-in PIN lock. Free, no extra hardware needed. Works on Tizen OS (2016 and later). Updated for 2026.

Last updated 11 April 2026·

Difficulty🔨🔨🔨

Free

Bypass risk🐹🐹🐹🐹🐹

What You'll Need

Your Samsung Smart TV remote
About 10 minutes

Samsung Smart TVs running Tizen OS (2016 and newer) have a built-in application lock that lets you PIN-protect or hide any app — including YouTube. This is free and requires no additional hardware or apps.

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Check your Samsung TV model year

These instructions apply to Samsung TVs from 2016 onwards running Tizen OS. Older Samsung TVs (2015 and earlier) ran different software — if the menus below don't match, use the router DNS blocking method instead.

Part 1: Lock the YouTube App with a PIN

Press the Home button on your Samsung remote

This opens the Smart Hub home screen.

Navigate to Settings

Press the Settings (gear) icon in the top-right corner of the home screen, or press the Settings button directly on your remote if it has one.

Go to General → System Manager → Change PIN

Before locking YouTube, set a PIN that only you know. Go to Settings → General → System Manager → Change PIN. The default PIN is 0000 — change it now. Store it somewhere safe.

Navigate to Broadcasting → Programme Rating Lock (older models) OR General → Parental Settings

Samsung moved these settings across firmware versions:

2020 and later: Settings → General → Parental Settings → Application Locks
2016–2019: Settings → Broadcasting → Programme Rating Lock → enter your PIN

Lock the YouTube app

In Application Locks (or Channel Lock on older models), find YouTube in the app list and toggle it locked. You'll be prompted for your PIN.

Once locked, opening YouTube will require the PIN every time.

Part 2: Remove YouTube from the Home Screen

Even with the app locked, it's visible on the home screen. Hide it.

Go to the Home screen → Apps

Press Home → scroll down to the Apps row → open the Apps section.

Select YouTube → Remove

In the Apps section, navigate to YouTube. On most Samsung remotes, hold the Select (Enter) button to get options. Choose Remove from Home or Remove.

Note: This removes it from the home screen shortcut — the app itself remains installed and locked.

Part 3: Prevent YouTube Reinstallation

Go to Settings → General → System Manager → Smart Security

On newer TVs: Settings → General → Smart Security. On older TVs: Settings → System → Smart Security.

Enable permission for app installation

Look for a setting that requires the PIN to install new apps. Enable it. On some models this is called App Lock or Purchase Restriction.

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No app installation restriction on older TVs

Samsung TVs from 2016–2018 may not have an app installation PIN requirement. For these models, use the web browser block in Part 4 and combine with router-level DNS blocking as your primary method.

Part 4: Block YouTube in the Samsung TV Web Browser

Samsung TVs include a web browser that can access youtube.com directly. Block it.

Lock the Internet Browser app

Using the same Application Locks setting from Part 1, also lock the Internet app (Samsung's built-in browser). This prevents accessing youtube.com via browser.

Remove the browser from the home screen

Same as Part 2 — remove the Internet app from the home screen shortcut list.

Part 5: Use DNS Filtering as a Network Backup

For complete protection — including against any apps or browsers you might miss — set your router's DNS to a filtering service.

This blocks youtube.com at the network level. Even if your child somehow accesses the YouTube app or browser, the video content won't load.

See the full DNS Filtering Guide for router setup instructions.

Quick reference:

CleanBrowsing Family DNS: 185.228.168.168 / 185.228.169.168
OpenDNS FamilyShield: 208.67.222.123 / 208.67.220.123

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How Kids Bypass This

PIN reset via service menu: Samsung TVs have a service/factory menu accessible with certain remote button combinations. A determined teenager who looks this up can reset the TV to factory defaults, clearing your PIN. To defend against this, combine TV-level controls with router DNS filtering — even if the TV is reset, DNS blocking still works.

Casting: YouTube can be cast to the TV from a phone, tablet, or laptop using Google Cast or AirPlay — bypassing the TV's parental controls entirely. The YouTube source is the phone, not the TV. Block YouTube on their casting devices using Screen Time or Family Link.

Samsung account with a different region: Changing the TV's country region in Samsung account settings can sometimes access a different app store with fewer restrictions. Block region changes: Settings → General → System Manager → restrict account changes.

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Counter-Measures

Router DNS is your strongest tool for TVs: Smart TV parental controls are inconsistent across models and firmware versions. Your most reliable defence is blocking youtube.com at the router level — it works regardless of which app, browser, or firmware the TV uses.

Monthly firmware check: Samsung TVs update automatically. After a major firmware update, check that your locks are still in place — settings occasionally reset.

Physical remote control: Simply keeping the TV remote inaccessible (locked away or in your room) is an underrated strategy for younger children.

Related Guides

By Device

How to Block YouTube on LG Smart TV (webOS, 2026)

Block YouTube on an LG Smart TV using the built-in Safety Lock. Free, works on webOS 4 through webOS 24. Step-by-step guide. Updated for 2026.

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How to Block YouTube on Sony Smart TV (Google TV & Android TV, 2026)

Block YouTube on a Sony Smart TV running Google TV or Android TV. Use a PIN lock, restricted profile, or Google Family Link. Free. Updated for 2026.

By Method

Block YouTube with DNS Filtering (All Devices, Home Network, 2026)

Use DNS filtering to block YouTube on every device connected to your home Wi-Fi — including smart TVs, game consoles, and anything else. Free options available. Updated for 2026.

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Block YouTube on Any Router — Generic Guide (2026)

How to block YouTube on any home router. Find your router admin panel, navigate parental controls, and block YouTube domains. Works as a fallback for any router brand. Updated for 2026.

You Might Also Need

Device-level blocking works best when paired with a network-level block.

Block YouTube with DNS Filtering (All Devices, Home Network, 2026)

Use DNS filtering to block YouTube on every device connected to your home Wi-Fi — including smart TVs, game consoles, and anything else. Free options available. Updated for 2026.

Block YouTube on Any Router — Generic Guide (2026)

How to block YouTube on any home router. Find your router admin panel, navigate parental controls, and block YouTube domains. Works as a fallback for any router brand. Updated for 2026.

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