Adding a profile takes less than a minute and requires only a name

To add a profile on Netflix, open the app or website, select your account icon in the top right corner, choose "Manage profiles," click "Add profile," type a name, and select "Continue." Netflix will ask if the profile is for a child — answer yes or no depending on who will use it — then confirm. The new profile appears immediately on your home screen.

Each profile keeps its own watch history, recommendations, and settings. This means you can have separate viewing spaces for different people in your household without their choices affecting yours. Netflix allows up to five profiles per account, though the exact number depends on your subscription plan.

Key Takeaways

  • You can create up to five profiles on a single Netflix account, each with its own watch history and recommendations.
  • Child profiles restrict content to age-appropriate titles and prevent access to mature material without a PIN.
  • Switching between profiles takes one click from the home screen — no password needed unless you set one.
  • You can change a profile's name, picture, language, and maturity settings at any time from the "Manage profiles" menu.

Steps to create a new profile on Netflix

Start by opening Netflix on any device where you are signed in — phone, tablet, computer, or smart TV. Look for your account icon, which usually appears as a circle with your profile picture or initials in the top right corner of the screen. On some devices like smart TVs, you may need to navigate using the remote.

Click or select "Manage profiles" from the dropdown menu. You will see all existing profiles on your account. At the bottom of the profile list, you will find an "Add profile" button or a plus sign. Select it. Netflix will open a form asking for a profile name — type whatever you want: a person's name, a nickname, or anything else. Then choose whether this profile is for a child. If you select yes, Netflix restricts the profile to content rated TV-Y, TV-Y7, TV-G, TV-PG, and PG only. Select "Continue" and the profile is created.

The difference between adult and child profiles

Adult profiles can watch anything your subscription plan allows, including R-rated films and TV-MA content. Child profiles automatically filter out mature material. If someone tries to play a restricted title on a child profile, Netflix asks for a PIN before allowing it to play.

You set the PIN when you first create a child profile, or you can add one later from the profile settings. This PIN is separate from your Netflix password — it only controls access to mature content on that specific profile. If you forget the PIN, you can reset it from the account settings page under "Parental controls."

Customizing a profile after creation

After you create a profile, you can change its name, picture, language, and content restrictions. To do this, go to "Manage profiles," hover over or select the profile you want to edit, and click the pencil icon that appears. From there, you can upload a new profile picture, change the name, set the language Netflix displays in, and adjust maturity ratings.

If you created an adult profile but later want to restrict it, you can change it to a child profile from this same menu. The reverse is also true — you can convert a child profile to an adult profile, though Netflix will ask you to confirm because this removes content restrictions.

Switching between profiles on your devices

Once you have multiple profiles, switching between them is simple. On the Netflix home screen, look for the profile selector — usually in the top left or top right corner depending on your device. Click or tap it and select the profile you want to use. Netflix loads that profile's home screen, watch history, and recommendations within seconds.

If you set a PIN on a profile, Netflix will ask for it before letting someone switch to that profile. This prevents others from accessing a profile without permission. You can set a PIN on any profile, not just child profiles, though most people only use this feature for children's accounts.

What to do if you have reached the profile limit

Netflix allows up to five profiles per account. If you have reached this limit and want to add another, you must delete an existing profile first. Go to "Manage profiles," select the profile you want to remove, and choose "Delete profile." Netflix will ask you to confirm — once you do, that profile and all its watch history are permanently deleted.

If you are not sure which profile to delete, remember that you can always create a new one later. The watch history is gone, but you can rebuild it by watching shows again. Some people rotate profiles seasonally or delete ones that are no longer in use to make room for new household members.

Troubleshooting common profile problems

If the "Add profile" button is not appearing, you may have reached your account's profile limit. Check how many profiles you currently have and delete one if needed. If you are on a mobile device, try opening Netflix on a computer or web browser instead — the profile management menu sometimes works better there.

If a profile is not showing up after you create it, try signing out of Netflix completely and signing back in. This refreshes your account and usually makes new profiles appear. If a profile picture is not loading, clear your app's cache or try a different device. These are usually temporary glitches that resolve on their own or with a quick restart.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have different subscription plans for different profiles?

No. All profiles on a single Netflix account share the same subscription plan and video quality limits. If your plan allows 4K streaming, all profiles can stream in 4K. If your plan allows two simultaneous streams, that limit applies across all profiles combined, not per profile.

Does deleting a profile delete the account?

No. Deleting a profile only removes that one profile and its watch history. Your Netflix account and subscription remain active. All other profiles stay intact. You can create a new profile with a different name anytime.

Can someone watch on my profile if they know my password?

Yes, unless you set a PIN on that profile. If you want to prevent others from accessing your profile, go to "Manage profiles," edit your profile, and add a PIN. They will need this PIN to switch to your profile, even if they know your Netflix password.

What happens to watch history when I delete a profile?

All watch history for that profile is permanently deleted. Netflix does not keep a backup. If you think you might want that history later, consider renaming the profile instead of deleting it, or take screenshots of your watch list before you delete.

Can I rename a profile without losing its watch history?

Yes. Renaming a profile does not affect its watch history, recommendations, or any other data. Go to "Manage profiles," select the profile, click the pencil icon, and type a new name. Everything else stays the same.