Creating a new profile takes less than a minute
A Netflix profile is a separate viewing space within a single Netflix account. Each profile has its own watch history, recommendations, and settings. You can create up to five profiles per account (or ten if you have Netflix with ads). Creating a new profile does not cost extra — it uses one of the slots included with your subscription.
The steps are the same whether you use Netflix on a phone, tablet, computer, or TV. You start from the account menu, select the option to add a profile, give it a name, and choose an avatar image. Netflix then saves the profile immediately and you can start using it right away.
Key Takeaways
- Netflix accounts come with room for multiple profiles at no extra cost, and you can create a new one in under a minute from any device.
- Each profile keeps its own watch history and recommendations separate, so family members or roommates do not see each other's viewing.
- You can set a profile as kids-only to restrict it to child-appropriate content, or leave it unrestricted for adult viewing.
- Profiles can be deleted or renamed at any time, and you can switch between them without logging out of the account.
How to add a profile on a phone or tablet
Open the Netflix app and look at the bottom right corner of the screen — you will see a profile icon (usually a circle with a person or initial inside). Tap that icon to open the profile menu. At the bottom of the menu, you will see an option that says "Add profile" or a plus sign. Tap it.
Netflix will ask you to name the profile. Type a name — this can be a person's name, a nickname, or anything else you want to call it. Then select an avatar image from the options shown. Netflix provides a grid of cartoon faces, animals, and symbols to choose from. Pick one and tap "Continue" or "Create profile." The profile is now active and ready to use.
How to add a profile on a computer or web browser
Go to Netflix.com and sign in if you are not already signed in. In the top right corner, you will see your current profile icon. Click on it to open a dropdown menu. Look for an option that says "Add profile" or "Manage profiles." Click "Add profile."
A window will appear asking for a profile name. Type the name you want, then choose an avatar from the grid of images. You can also check a box labeled "Restrict this profile" if you want to limit the profile to kids-only content — this filters out mature shows and movies. Click "Create" or "Save" and the profile is ready.
How to add a profile on a TV or streaming device
On your TV, navigate to your profile icon in the top left or top right corner of the screen (the exact location depends on your device). Select it to open the profile menu. Scroll down until you see "Add profile" and press it.
Use your remote to type a name for the profile. Select an avatar from the choices shown. If you want to restrict the profile to children's content, look for a "Restrict" or "Kids" option and turn it on. Press "Create" or "Done" and the profile will appear in your profile list.
Setting up a kids profile
When you create a profile, you have the option to mark it as kids-only. If you check this box during setup, Netflix will filter the catalog to show only content rated for children. The profile will not display R-rated movies, TV-MA shows, or other mature content.
You can also change a profile to kids mode after creating it. Go to your account settings, find "Manage profiles," select the profile you want to change, and toggle the kids restriction on or off. This setting does not require a password — any profile can be switched to kids mode at any time.
Switching between profiles and managing them
To switch to a different profile, tap or click your current profile icon and select the profile you want to use. Netflix will reload and show that profile's watch history and recommendations. You stay logged into the same account — you are just viewing a different profile within it.
To rename or delete a profile, go to your account settings and select "Manage profiles." Find the profile you want to change, and you will see options to edit the name, change the avatar, adjust the kids setting, or delete the profile entirely. Deleting a profile removes its watch history but does not affect other profiles on the account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I password-protect a profile so others cannot see it?
Netflix does not offer password protection for individual profiles. However, you can set a profile as kids-only to restrict its content, or you can delete a profile when you are done using it. If you need privacy from other account users, you may want to discuss account sharing settings with the account owner.
What happens to a profile's watch history if I delete it?
When you delete a profile, its entire watch history and recommendations are removed permanently. The profile will no longer appear in your profile list. You cannot recover a deleted profile, so make sure you want to remove it before confirming the deletion.
How many profiles can I have on one Netflix account?
Standard Netflix accounts allow up to five profiles. Netflix with ads plans allow up to ten profiles. If you have reached your limit, you must delete an existing profile before creating a new one.
Do I need a separate email address to create a new profile?
No. All profiles on a Netflix account share the same email address and password. Each profile is just a separate viewing space within the same account, not a separate account.
Can I use the same profile on multiple devices at the same time?
That depends on your Netflix plan. Standard plans allow streaming on one device at a time. Premium plans allow up to four devices at once. These limits apply to the entire account, not to individual profiles, so using the same profile on two devices counts against your device limit.