Create a Netflix profile: guide for multiple users

Netflix lets you create multiple profiles within one account. This is ideal for families or households where several people use the service. Each profile gets its own recommendations, its own watchlist, and its own settings. In this detailed guide, we explain how to create, manage, and optimize Netflix profiles.

Why use separate profiles?

Using separate profiles on Netflix offers plenty of benefits for everyone in your household.

Personal recommendations

Netflix learns from what you watch and makes suggestions based on that. When several people use the same profile, the recommendations become a jumble of everyone's preferences. With separate profiles, everyone gets suggestions that really match their taste.

Your own watchlist

Each profile has its own "My List" where movies and shows can be added. That way you do not have to scroll through each other's picks to find your own selection.

Viewing history per person

The "Continue Watching" feature only shows what you started yourself. You do not have to search for where you left off among other people's shows.

Child protection

For children, you can create special Kids profiles that only give access to kid-friendly content.

Creating a new Netflix profile

Creating a profile is easy and works on any device.

On the Netflix website

Go to www.netflix.com and sign in to your account. Click your profile icon in the top right and select "Manage Profiles". Click "Add Profile" or the plus sign. Enter a name for the new profile. Optionally, choose whether this should be a Kids profile. Click "Continue" to create the profile.

In the Netflix app on a smart TV

Open the Netflix app on your TV. Navigate to "Add Profile" on the profile selection screen. If you are already in a profile, go to the menu, select "Switch Profiles", and then "Add Profile". Enter a name using the remote or the on-screen keyboard. Confirm whether this should be a Kids profile and save.

In the Netflix app on a phone or tablet

Open the Netflix app and tap your profile icon in the top right. Select "Manage Profiles". Tap "Add Profile". Enter a name and choose whether it is a Kids profile. Tap "Save" to finish the profile.

Adjusting profile settings

Each profile can be personalized with a variety of settings.

Changing the profile name

Go to "Manage Profiles" and select the profile you want to edit. Click the pencil icon or the profile name. Enter the new name and save the change.

Choosing a profile picture

Netflix offers a large collection of profile pictures based on popular shows and movies. Go to the profile settings and click the profile image. Browse the available icons and select your favorite. The image is updated immediately.

Setting language and subtitles

In the profile settings, you can set the preferred language for audio and subtitles. This is handy if family members have different language preferences. The language of the Netflix interface can also be set per profile.

Adjusting playback settings

For each profile, you can set the default playback quality and specify whether the next episode should start automatically. You can also set whether previews should play automatically while you browse.

Setting up Kids profiles

Netflix offers special Kids profiles with extra protection.

Creating a Kids profile

When you create a new profile, check the "Kid?" option. A Kids profile has a colorful interface and only shows content that is suitable for children. From this profile, kids cannot accidentally reach adult content.

What does a Kids profile show?

Kids profiles only show shows and movies with a children's rating. The search function only finds kid-friendly content. The interface is adapted with larger images and simpler navigation.

Parental controls per profile

For regular profiles, you can also set age restrictions.

Setting a maturity rating

Go to the account settings at www.netflix.com. Select the profile you want to set restrictions for under "Profile & Parental Controls". Click "Viewing Restrictions" and select the maximum maturity rating. Content above this rating is not shown on this profile.

Blocking specific titles

You can also block specific movies or shows for a profile, regardless of the maturity rating. Enter the title in the block list under the viewing restrictions. The blocked title no longer appears in search results or suggestions.

Setting a profile PIN

For extra security, you can set a four-digit PIN on a profile. This PIN is requested when the profile is selected. Ideal for preventing kids from secretly switching to adult profiles.

Managing and organizing profiles

Keep your Netflix account tidy with good profile management.

Maximum number of profiles

Netflix supports a maximum of five profiles per account. This includes any Kids profiles. If you already have five profiles, you must delete one before you can create a new profile.

Deleting a profile

Go to "Manage Profiles" and select the profile you want to delete. Click "Delete Profile" and confirm your choice. Note: deleting a profile is permanent. All viewing history, recommendations, and the watchlist of that profile are lost.

Primary profile

The first profile created on the account is the primary profile. This profile cannot be deleted, only renamed. The account holder usually uses this profile.

Profiles and Netflix rules

Netflix has rules about sharing accounts and profiles.

Password sharing restriction

Netflix requires all profile users to live in the same household. The service can check whether this is the case and may ask for verification. Users outside the household may need to create their own account.

Adding an extra member

For people outside your household, Netflix offers the option in some regions to add an "extra member" for an additional fee. This extra member gets their own login and profile.

Transferring a profile when things change

If someone leaves the household, their profile can be transferred.

Moving a profile to a new account

Netflix lets you transfer a profile to a new account. The viewing history, recommendations, and watchlist are kept. The person who is leaving must sign up for their own Netflix subscription and can then import the profile.

How profile transfer works

Go to the account settings and select "Transfer Profile" for the profile in question. Follow the instructions to start the transfer. The new account holder receives a link to complete the transfer.

Tips for getting the most out of profiles

Get the most out of your Netflix profiles with these tips.

Cleaning up your viewing history

If your recommendations no longer fit, you can remove specific titles from your viewing history. Go to "Viewing activity" in the profile settings and remove titles that are skewing your recommendations.

Ordering profiles

The order of profiles on the selection screen can be changed by deleting profiles and creating them again. The primary profile always comes first.

Communicating about profile use

Make clear agreements in your household about profile use. Make sure everyone uses their own profile for the best experience.

Frequently asked questions about Netflix profiles

How many profiles can I create on Netflix?

You can create a maximum of five profiles per Netflix account. That is enough for most households. If you need more profiles, you should consider creating a second account. Each profile has its own settings, watchlist, and recommendations.

Can I hide a profile from others?

Netflix does not offer a direct way to hide profiles. However, you can set a PIN on your profile so others cannot simply get into it. Go to the account settings and set up a profile lock with a four-digit code.

What happens to my watchlist if I delete my profile?

When you delete a profile, all data for that profile is permanently deleted. This includes the viewing history, watchlist, recommendations, and settings. Netflix cannot recover this data. Consider a profile transfer if you want to keep the data.

Can I take my profile to another Netflix account?

Yes, Netflix offers profile transfer. You can export a profile to a new or existing Netflix account. Your viewing history, recommendations, and watchlist come along. The transfer must be started from the original account and confirmed by the receiving account.

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