Creating a profile takes two minutes and keeps your watch history separate from others on your account

Netflix profiles let multiple people use the same account without mixing up recommendations, watch history, or saved shows. Each profile has its own password-protected space if you want one, its own viewing preferences, and its own list of what you've watched. If you share your Netflix password with family or roommates, creating separate profiles is the clearest way to keep your viewing private and your recommendations accurate.

The process is identical whether you're on a phone, tablet, computer, or smart TV. You'll need to be signed into the account — the person who pays for Netflix, or someone with access to the main account — and it takes about ninety seconds.

Key Takeaways

  • Each Netflix profile keeps its own watch history, recommendations, and saved shows separate from other profiles on the same account.
  • You can create up to five profiles per account, and each one can have its own PIN if you want to restrict access.
  • Profiles are created from the account menu, which appears differently depending on whether you're using the app or a web browser.
  • Once created, a profile can be switched to when ready without signing out of the main account.

How to create a profile on a phone or tablet

Open the Netflix app and look at the bottom right corner of the screen. You'll see a profile icon — it looks like a circle with a person's silhouette inside. Tap it. A menu will appear showing all existing profiles on the account, and at the bottom you'll see an option that says "Add profile" or a plus sign. Tap that.

Netflix will ask you to name the profile. Type a name — it can be a person's name, a nickname, or anything else you want to call it. Then tap "Continue" or the checkmark. Netflix will show you a selection of profile pictures (cartoon characters, abstract shapes, or photos). Choose one by tapping it, then tap "Continue" again. Your new profile is now created and ready to use.

How to create a profile on a computer or smart TV

On a computer, go to netflix.com and sign in if you're not already. In the top right corner, you'll see your current profile icon. Click it. A dropdown menu appears. At the bottom of that menu, click "Add profile" or "Manage profiles." You'll be taken to a page showing all current profiles with an option to add a new one — usually a plus sign or a button that says "Add profile."

On a smart TV, use your remote to navigate to the profile icon in the top left or top right corner of the home screen. Press the button to open the profile menu. Look for "Add profile" or a plus icon and select it with your remote. The steps that follow are the same: name the profile, choose a picture, and confirm.

Setting a PIN to protect a profile

If you want to prevent others from accessing a specific profile — for example, a child's profile or a private profile — you can add a PIN. This is optional, but it's useful if you share your Netflix password and want to keep certain profiles restricted.

On a phone or tablet, tap the profile icon at the bottom right, then tap "Manage profiles" or the settings icon next to the profile you want to protect. Look for an option called "Parental controls" or "PIN" and turn it on. Netflix will ask you to create a four-digit PIN. Write it down somewhere safe — if you forget it, you'll need to contact Netflix support to reset it.

On a computer, click your profile icon in the top right, then click "Account" or "Manage profiles." Find the profile you want to protect and click the edit icon (usually a pencil). Scroll down to find "Parental controls" or "Profile PIN" and toggle it on. Create a four-digit PIN and save your changes.

Switching between profiles

Once you've created multiple profiles, switching between them is when ready. On a phone or tablet, tap the profile icon at the bottom right and select the profile you want to use. On a computer, click your profile icon in the top right and select a different profile from the dropdown. On a smart TV, navigate to the profile menu and select the one you want.

You don't need to sign out of Netflix to switch profiles. Each profile remembers where you left off in shows and movies, so when you switch back to your profile later, Netflix will show you exactly what you were watching.

What happens when you delete a profile

If you create a profile by mistake or no longer need it, you can delete it. Deleting a profile removes all its watch history and saved shows permanently — Netflix does not keep a backup. The main account holder can delete any profile by going to "Manage profiles" and selecting the delete option next to the profile name.

Deleting a profile does not affect the Netflix account itself or any other profiles. The account will continue to work normally, and you can create a new profile to replace it if you want.

Troubleshooting common profile problems

If you can't find the "Add profile" option, make sure you're signed into the main Netflix account — the one that pays for the subscription. Profiles can only be created by the account owner or someone with full account access. If you're a guest user or a secondary account holder without permissions, you won't see the option to add profiles.

If you've created five profiles already, Netflix won't let you add more. Five is the maximum per account. If you need another profile, you'll have to delete one first. If the app isn't showing your new profile when ready after creating it, try closing the app completely and reopening it — sometimes the app needs a moment to refresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have different passwords for different profiles?

No. All profiles on a Netflix account share the same login password. You can add a four-digit PIN to individual profiles to restrict access, but that's different from a full password. If you want completely separate Netflix accounts with different passwords, you'll need separate subscriptions.

Will creating a profile cost extra?

No. Netflix includes multiple profiles as part of every subscription plan at no additional cost. You can create up to five profiles on a single account.

Can I transfer my watch history from one profile to another?

No. Watch history is tied to each profile and cannot be moved or merged. If you want to combine viewing records, you would need to watch the shows again on the new profile, which will update that profile's history.

What happens to a profile if I cancel my Netflix subscription?

All profiles disappear when the subscription ends. If you reactivate the account later, your profiles and watch history will be restored as long as Netflix still has the data on file.

Can someone else create a profile on my Netflix account?

Only if they have access to your account login. Once they're signed in, they can create a profile. If you share your password with family or roommates, any of them can create profiles. If you want to prevent someone from creating profiles, you'll need to change your password.