With video ratings controls in Family Settings, choose 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 control the level of DVD and downloaded 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:
Start from the System area of the Xbox Dashboard or—if you're using the Xbox 360 system for the first time—from the Initial Setup Complete screen. Select Family Settings, Console Controls.
Select Video Ratings, Movie Ratings.
Select the rating level you deem appropriate:
Allow All Rated Movies: Select this option to permit the console to play all rated movies without restriction. Unrated shows are still subject to the Unrated Video control.
(R) Restricted: Select this option to permit the console to play movies with this rating and lower. To view these movies in the theater, children nder 17 require accompanying parent or adult guardian.
(PG-13) Parents Strongly Cautioned: Select this option to permit the console to play movies with this rating and lower. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
(PG) Parental Guidance Suggested: Select this option to permit the console to play movies with this rating and lower. Some material may not be suitable for children.
(G) General Audiences: Select this option to permit the console to play only movies with this rating. These movies are appropriate for all ages.
These ratings are from the Movie Picture Association of America (MPAA). Rating systems may vary by region.
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:
Start from the System area of the Xbox Dashboard or—if you're using the Xbox 360 system for the first time—from the Initial Setup Complete screen. Select Family Settings, Console Controls.
Select Video Ratings, TV Ratings.
Select the rating level you deem appropriate:
Allow All Rated TV Shows: Select this option to permit the console to play all rated TV shows without restriction. Unrated shows are still subject to the Unrated Video setting.
(TV-MA) Mature Audience Only: Select this option to permit the console to play TV shows with this rating and lower. Shows with this rating are meant for adults and therefore may be unsuitable for children under 17.
(TV-14) Parents Strongly Cautioned: Select this option to permit the console to play TV shows with this rating and lower. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 14.
(TV-PG) Parental Guidance Suggested: Select this option to permit the console to play TV shows with this rating and lower. Some material may not be suitable for younger children.
(TV-G) General Audiences: Select this option to permit the console to play only TV shows with this rating. Material should be suitable for all ages.
These ratings are from the TV Parental Guidelines Monitoring Board. Rating systems may vary by region.
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:
Start from the System area of the Xbox Dashboard or—if you're using the Xbox 360 system for the first time—from the Initial Setup Complete screen. Select Family Settings, Console Controls.
Select Video Ratings, Explicit Video.
Select Blocked to block explicit video. Select Allow to allow it.
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:
Start from the System area of the Xbox Dashboard or—if you're using the Xbox 360 system for the first time—from the Initial Setup Complete screen. Select Family Settings, Console Controls.
Select Video Ratings, Unrated Video.
Select Blocked to block unrated video. Select Allow to allow it.
After you've set video ratings controls, you will need to set a pass code to protect your settings. This pass code prevents unauthorized changes to Family Settings, and can be used to bypass the controls when you want to watch video that is not allowed by Family Settings.
To set a pass code:
Select Set Pass Code from the Console Controls screen and follow the on-screen instructions. For more info, see Pass Codes for Xbox 360.
After you've set your code, select Done from the Console Controls screen. When prompted, select Yes, save changes to put your new settings into effect.
Tip
If your settings need only apply to select members of the household, provide all other users with your pass code to permit their unrestricted use of the console.
