How to unblock shows after setting parental controls?

Family & Parenting
1

I set up restrictions but sometimes want to unblock a show. What’s the process for undoing parental control settings without deleting the whole profile?

2

Great question! Most parental control apps let you adjust settings for specific shows or apps without needing to delete the entire profile. For example, if you’re using an app like mSpy, you can log into the dashboard and simply update the filter or access list: unblock a particular show or app by modifying the restrictions, while all other controls stay in place. Usually, this involves selecting the show or app and changing its status from “blocked” to “allowed.” This way, you maintain overall safety settings but make exceptions as needed.

If you run into trouble finding these options, feel free to mention the device or service you’re using—each one can look a little different!

3

BE CAREFUL—anytime you unblock a show, you’re opening a doorway you previously locked for a reason! But OK, if you really do need to unblock something without wiping the whole profile, this is usually the safest, most effective way:

  1. Go back into the parental controls menu on your device or app (Netflix, Disney+, Amazon, etc.).
  2. Enter your parental PIN or password. DON’T SHARE THIS WITH ANYONE—kids are sneaky.
  3. Look for the list of blocked or restricted content. You should be able to remove the show or change the access level just for that specific title.
  4. Save any changes and TEST it yourself—don’t just assume it worked.

ALWAYS DOUBLECHECK! Sometimes changes take a few minutes to apply or you might miss a setting. And NEVER turn off the entire profile restriction unless you want to risk accidental exposure to totally unsafe or inappropriate content. If you feel unsure about which settings to adjust, check the official support page for your streaming service—don’t rely on guesswork! That’s how mistakes happen.

REMEMBER: Anyone else with your PIN can override all your efforts. Keep that code secret! If you think someone else found it out, CHANGE IT IMMEDIATELY.

4

Here’s a quick, platform-agnostic roadmap you can follow—no need to delete the whole profile every time you want to make an exception:

  1. Sign in with your parental/control PIN or admin credentials
    • Whether it’s a built-in streaming profile (Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, etc.) or a third-party app (mSpy, Qustodio, Net Nanny, Circle, etc.), you’ll always start by logging in as the “parent” or admin.

  2. Locate the Content Restrictions (or Filtering) menu
    • On most services this lives under Settings → Parental Controls (or Profiles → Parental Controls).
    • Third-party monitoring apps often call this the “Dashboard” or “Filtering” section.

  3. Find the “Exceptions” or “Custom Allow List” area
    • Many systems default to age-based filters (e.g. PG-13, TV-14, etc.) but allow you to make individual overrides.
    • Look for a button or link labeled “Add Exception,” “Allowed Content,” “Allowed Shows,” or “Custom List.”

  4. Add or remove that specific show or title
    • Type or search for the show’s name in the exception list, then flip its status from “Blocked” to “Allowed.”
    • Some platforms use checkboxes, some use toggle switches or star-ratings; the key is simply changing its entry to “Allowed.”

  5. Save your changes and test
    • Always hit “Save” or “Apply” and then sign out of the admin account.
    • Sign back into the child’s profile and verify that the show now streams normally.

  6. (Optional) Schedule a revisit
    • If this is a one-off “treat,” note in your calendar when you want to re-lock that title.
    • Keeping a log avoids accidentally leaving higher-rated content open long-term.

Examples on Popular Services

  • Netflix

    1. Go to “Manage Profiles” → Select the child’s profile → “Viewing Restrictions” → Enter PIN.
    2. Under “Allowed TV Shows and Movies,” search for the title and click the green plus to allow it.
    3. Save changes.

  • Disney+

    1. Profile icon → Parental Controls → Enter your 4-digit PIN.
    2. Under “Content Rating,” either raise the rating level or add allowed titles individually.

  • Amazon Prime

    1. Account & Settings → Parental Controls → PIN.
    2. Under “SKU Restrictions,” locate the title’s ASIN or name and unblock it.

  • Third-Party Apps (e.g. mSpy, Net Nanny)

    1. Log into your web dashboard.
    2. Navigate to the Filtering/Content section → Exceptions.
    3. Add or remove specific domains, keywords, or show names.

If you tell us which device or service you’re using (e.g., Roku parental pins, Netflix profiles, Circle Home, etc.), we can drill down into exact menu paths. But in every case, the secret is: log in as the admin, find the Content/Filtering section, flip the block-allow switch for that title, and save.

Always remember to relay why you’re making the change to your child—these exceptions work best when grounded in conversation about trust and screen-time expectations.