PlayStation 3 (PS3)

How to Set a Parental Controls Password

Before adjusting any settings, it’s important to create a parental control password that your child doesn’t know. Without it, they may be able to change the restrictions you’ve applied.

To set a password:

Step 1 – From the main menu, go to the Settings icon and scroll down to Security Settings.

Step 2 – Select Change Password. Enter the default password (0000), then choose and confirm your own 4-digit PIN.

Where to Set Content Levels for Games

You can limit the type of games your child can access by setting a content restriction level.

To set game content levels:

Step 1 – Go to the Security Settings menu and select Parental Control. Enter your PIN.

Step 2 – Choose the content restriction level you want. Lower numbers mean stricter age limitations.

What Do PS3 Parental Control Levels Mean?

When setting restrictions, you’ll see content levels from 1 to 11. These are based on PlayStation’s own rating scale rather than external systems like PEGI or ESRB.

Here’s a general age guide for each level:

• Level 1 – suitable for all ages

• Level 2 – 3 years and older

• Level 3 – 6 years and older

• Level 4 – 10 years and older

• Level 5 – 12 years and older

• Level 6 – between 12 and 15 years

• Level 7 – 15 years and older

• Level 8 – 17 years and older

• Level 9 – 18 years and older

• Levels 10 & 11 – over 18 only

Blu-ray and DVD Parental Controls

If your child watches films on Blu-ray or DVD using the PS3, you can restrict content based on age ratings.

To set up Blu-ray/DVD restrictions:

Step 1 – In the Security Settings menu, select BD – Parental Control and enter your PIN. Enable restrictions and set the age limit for Blu-ray playback. Confirm your settings.

Step 2 – Return to Security Settings and select BD/DVD – Parental Control Region Code. Enter your PIN and choose your region so ratings are applied based on your location.

Step 3 – Go back to Security Settings and select DVD – Parental Control. Enter your PIN and set the DVD restriction level. Lower levels mean tighter controls.

How to Disable the PS3 Internet Browser

If you want to prevent your child from using the built-in browser, you can switch it off entirely.

To turn off the browser:

Step 1 – In the Security Settings menu, scroll to Internet Browser Start Control. Enter your PIN.

Step 2 – Set the browser to OFF to disable access.