Forum Discussion

errantbehavior's avatar
errantbehavior
Reel Rookie
3 months ago

Feature Request: Option to Require PIN to Open Specific Apps on Roku

I’m writing to request the addition of a much-needed feature to the Roku platform: the ability to require a PIN to open individual apps (channels), such as Amazon Prime Video.

Currently, Roku allows for a PIN to be set for purchases and channel additions, which is appreciated. However, many parents and users like myself would greatly benefit from an option to restrict access to specific apps with a PIN, regardless of content ratings or purchase capability.

While some streaming services offer parental controls internally, these are not consistent across all platforms, and switching profiles within an app is often not PIN-protected. This leaves a significant gap in access control for families and shared devices.

I strongly urge Roku to implement this feature:

  • Allow users to set a PIN requirement to launch individual apps

  • Enable this setting on a per-app basis

  • Make it easy to manage through the Roku account or directly on the device

This would provide much better control over access and content, especially for households with children or shared living spaces.

Thank you for considering this request. Roku has always been a leader in user experience and accessibility, and I believe this would be a valuable and highly appreciated enhancement to the platform.

Sincerely,
Kelly - a loyal customer for many years

1 Reply

  • krkaufman's avatar
    krkaufman
    Binge Watcher
    2 months ago

    Yep, Roku needs user-awareness capability, with associated access control and personalization; and the authentication could be via PIN or even voice control (enter user-specific access PIN or use voice remote to speak a phrase displayed on the TV screen).

    Clearly a useful access control feature with kids in the home. But even for a home w/ adults, why do I need to have 30 thumbnails displayed if I, personally, only ever use 5 of them? The Roku should be able to auto-access my specific profile within each streaming app, where applicable, rather than having the continual extra step of selecting an app's user/profile. ... etc.