Video Ratings for Xbox 360
With video ratings controls in Family Settings, you determine the video content that can be played your Xbox 360 console. You can set movie ratings and video ratings, and block explicit and unrated video.
Your console settings apply to everyone on your Xbox 360 console. They are not profile-specific.
Movie Ratings
Movie ratings control the level of DVD, downloaded, and streamed movies that can be played on your console. Only movies with the selected rating level and lower can be played.
Note
Not all movies have their rating encoded on the DVD or with the video file. Movies without encoded ratings are controlled by the Unrated Video setting, which allows all unrated video by default.
To set movie ratings controls:
- Go to My Xbox, open System Settings, and select Family Settings, Console Controls.
- Select Video Ratings, Movie Ratings.
- The screen shows a description for each rating level. Select the rating level you deem appropriate.
These ratings are from the Movie Picture Association of America (MPAA). Rating systems may vary by region.
TV Ratings
TV ratings control the level of TV shows that can be played on your console. Only shows with the selected rating level and lower can be played.
Note
Not all TV shows are rated. Unrated shows are controlled by the Unrated Video setting.
To set TV ratings controls:
- Go to My Xbox, open System Settings, and select Family Settings, Console Controls.
- Select Video Ratings, TV Ratings.
- The screen shows details about each rating level. Select the rating level you deem appropriate.
These ratings are from the TV Parental Guidelines Monitoring Board. Rating systems may vary by region.
Explicit Video
The explicit video setting blocks content marked as explicit. Explicit video may include inappropriate displays of sex, violence, or language.
To set the explicit video control:
- Go to My Xbox, open System Settings, and select Family Settings, Console Controls.
- Select Video Ratings, Explicit Video.
- Select Blocked to block explicit video. Select Allowed to allow it.
Unrated Video
The unrated video setting blocks unrated content. Unrated video includes content marked as unrated as well as content that does not carry any rating.
Note
Some DVDs and videos do not carry a rating on the DVD or with the video file, even though the content may have been reviewed and rated by a ratings board. Because the console cannot read the rating, it is considered unrated by the console.
To set the unrated video control:
- Go to My Xbox, open System Settings, and select Family Settings, Console Controls.
- Select Video Ratings, Unrated Video.
- Select Blocked to block unrated video. Select Allowed to allow it.
Your Pass Code
After you've set video ratings controls, you will need to set a pass code for your settings. Anytime that you want to change your Family Settings, you'll enter the pass code first. You can also use it to bypass the controls when you want to watch video that is not allowed by Family Settings.
To set a pass code:
1 Select Set Pass Code from the Console Controls screen and follow the on-screen instructions. For more info, see Pass Codes for Xbox 360.
2 After you've set your code, select Done. When prompted, select Yes, save changes to put your new settings into effect.
Tip
If your settings only apply to certain members of the household, provide all other users with your pass code to permit their unrestricted use of the console. For example, you could share the pass code with an 18-year-old child, but not share it with an 8-year-old child.
