Since tvOS 26, and more specifically with the release of tvOS 26.2, profiles on the Apple TV have finally gotten the attention they deserve. Apple has overhauled the way users personalize their Apple TV experience. The introduction of a selection screen at startup, the ability to create profiles without an Apple Account, and the option for parents to create a kids profile are some of the most important changes.
In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the updated profile system, including detailed instructions on how to set up profiles and the unique benefits of profiles without an Apple Account.
Profiles for Apple TV
It was already possible to use profiles on an Apple TV. For example, you can previously add multiple users and these were linked to the Apple Account of family members. With tvOS 26.2, Apple has expanded this further, to provide a better, more personalized experience. tvOS brings Apple profiles to the center of the user experience, with profile selection now prominently displayed every time you start up Apple TV.
What makes a profile useful? When switching to another profile, various things adapt to the preference of that user. The Apple TV app shows different recommendations, your viewing history and your personal library based on the chosen profile. In the Music app you will automatically get access to your own music library, and in the Games app you will see your personal Apple Arcade progress.
Practical matters also change: synced AirPods automatically link to your profile, the system language can be set per user, and if you have an iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch that uses the same account, certain settings and preferences will sync.
Create profiles on an Apple TV
From tvOS 26.2 onwards, as a user you can easily create an extra profile on your Apple TV. You have the choice to link this to your Apple account, or you can create a ‘regular’ profile without a link. This can be useful if you have people in your household who do not own Apple devices.
- Open the Institutionsapp on your Apple TV
- Go to ‘Profiles and accounts‘
- Select ‘Add new profile‘
- Choose ‘Create profile‘
Of course you can also immediately choose ‘Log in with Apple Account‘ to link your personal account to the profile.
You can then link a name to the profile and set a profile photo so that it is easily recognizable. You can choose from a wide range of emojis with colored backgrounds. Uploading your own photo is not possible, but this provides plenty of flexibility.
Create child profile
By following the steps above you can also create a child profile. While setting up the profile you can answer the question ‘Is this a child profile‘reply with’Yes‘.
You will then see an age proposal (default: AL rating). You have two options:
- Accept the standard: The profile is set to AL rating, which means that only content suitable for all ages is shown and parental controls are activated.
- To adjust: You can choose specific age ratings for films and series.
When you choose one of these settings, Apple’s TV app automatically filters all content in the Apple TV app based on this rating. This includes content from integrated partners such as Disney+, HBO Max and other services that have linked their content catalogs to the TV app.
Kids mode does not work in all apps
If you have set up a child profile, this mode is specifically aimed at the Apple TV app. Other apps (YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video, etc.) still show their full content by default. This means that you have to set parental controls for each individual app separately or take additional protection measures. Apple therefore advises parents to enable standard parental controls in addition to Kids Mode, which allows you to hide specific apps or place restrictions on purchases.
However, games in the Games app and music in the application of the same name are filtered based on age. Children with this profile cannot view ‘adult’ apps in the App Store either. As for the Apple TV app itself, the system completely hides all adult content. You won’t see any Store or Library sections with content above the set age rating, so kids can browse apps independently without the risk of inappropriate content.
In addition, it is important to mention that Apple has released an API that allows app developers since tvOS 15 to link their apps to profiles and customize the content accordingly. It remains to be seen when this integration will actually be implemented in apps.
Adjust or delete profiles
- Open ‘Institutions‘ on the Apple TV
- Go to ‘Profiles and accounts‘
- Select a desired profile
- Adjust or delete the profile
Choose profile at startup
It was already possible to switch between profiles on Apple TV via the control panel. With a profile you can automatically log in to apps and set your own preferences in, for example, the Apple TV app and activate your personal music library in the Music app.
Since tvOS 26 you can set that you automatically sees all profiles when Apple TV wakes from sleep. You can immediately switch on the desired profile and the Apple TV will be adjusted accordingly.
Automatically with Apple devices
When you turn on your Apple TV with the remote, a screen will appear showing all your available profiles, each shown as a profile icon with a name below it. Each profile shows a unique emoji or avatar that you chose during setup. You simply navigate to the profile you want to use and select it. The Apple TV then switches to that profile and loads all content, preferences, and app logins associated with that profile.
This feature also works smartly in combination with other Apple devices. When you turn on the Apple TV via your iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch, the Apple TV automatically recognizes which Apple Account you are using on that device and selects the corresponding Apple TV profile—without you having to do anything.
Disable profile selection at startup
Don’t want to use the profile selection when starting up the Apple TV? Then you can easily disable this using the steps below:
- Open ‘Institutions‘ on the Apple TV
- Go to ‘Profiles and accounts‘
- Set the option ‘Choose profile when switching off sleep mode‘ out
When you enable this option, the profile selection screen will always appear when you turn on Apple TV with the remote (not when you turn it on with your iPhone). If you disable the option, you will have to switch profiles via the Apple TV control panel.