Creating a new profile takes about one minute
A profile on Netflix is a separate account within your Netflix subscription that holds its own watch history, recommendations, and saved shows. You can add up to five profiles on a single Netflix account (or more on some plans), and each one remembers what that person has watched. When you open Netflix, you choose which profile to use, and the app shows only that person's recommendations and viewing history.
Adding a profile is straightforward: open Netflix on any device, select your account icon in the top right corner, choose "Add profile," type a name, and confirm. The new profile appears when ready on your home screen the next time you open the app.
Key Takeaways
- Each profile on Netflix keeps its own watch history and recommendations separate from other profiles on the same account.
- You can add a new profile by tapping your account icon, selecting "Add profile," entering a name, and confirming the choice.
- Netflix allows up to five profiles on most plans, though some subscription levels may support more.
- Profiles are useful when multiple people in a household watch Netflix, since the app won't mix their viewing histories together.
How to add a profile on a TV or computer
On a television or computer, start by opening the Netflix app or website and signing in. Look for your account icon—usually a circle with your initial or a picture in the top right corner of the screen. Click or tap it to open a menu.
From that menu, select "Add profile." Netflix will ask you to enter a name for the new profile. Type the name of the person who will use it (for example, "Sarah" or "Kids"). You can also choose an avatar (a small picture that represents the profile) from a set of options Netflix provides. Once you've entered the name and chosen an avatar, select "Create" or "Continue" to finish. The new profile will appear on your home screen when ready.
How to add a profile on a phone or tablet
On a mobile device, open the Netflix app and tap the profile icon at the bottom right of the screen (it looks like a person's head and shoulders). This takes you to your profile menu. Tap "Add profile" at the bottom of the list.
Enter the name for the new profile and choose an avatar from the options shown. Tap "Create" when you're done. The profile is now active and will show up whenever anyone opens Netflix on that device or any other device using the same account.
Why profiles are useful for households with multiple viewers
Without separate profiles, everyone watching on the same Netflix account would see the same recommendations and watch history. If you watch action movies and your partner watches documentaries, Netflix would mix both types into one recommendation list, making it harder to find what you actually want to watch.
Profiles solve this by keeping each person's viewing separate. When your child uses their own profile, Netflix won't show them content from your watch history, and you won't see their cartoons in your recommendations. Each profile also remembers where you stopped watching a show, so you can pick up exactly where you left off.
Choosing avatars and profile names
When you create a profile, Netflix offers a selection of avatar images to choose from. These are small pictures that appear next to the profile name on your home screen. You can pick any avatar you like—they don't have to match the person's real appearance. Some people choose avatars based on their favorite shows or characters, while others just pick something they like.
The profile name is what appears on screen, so use something clear and straightforward to recognize. Common choices are first names ("James," "Maria"), nicknames, or descriptive names like "Kids" or "Guest." You can change both the name and avatar later if you want.
Managing and deleting profiles
If you no longer need a profile, you can remove it. Go to your account settings, find the profile you want to delete, and select the delete or remove option. Netflix will ask you to confirm before removing it. Deleting a profile erases its watch history and recommendations, but it doesn't affect your Netflix subscription or other profiles.
You can also edit a profile's name or avatar at any time by going to account settings and selecting the profile you want to change. This is useful if someone's preferences change or if you want to rename a profile for clarity.
Profile limits and subscription plans
Most Netflix subscription plans allow up to five profiles per account. Some higher-tier plans may support additional profiles beyond five. If you've reached your profile limit and want to add another, you'll need to delete an existing profile first or upgrade to a plan that supports more profiles.
Check your current plan details in your account settings to see how many profiles you're allowed. Netflix displays this information clearly, and you can see how many profiles you've already created.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I password-protect a profile?
Yes. In your account settings, you can add a PIN (personal identification number) to any profile. Once you set a PIN, that profile requires the PIN to access, which prevents others from using it without permission. This is especially useful for protecting a child's profile or keeping your personal watch history private.
What happens to a profile's watch history if I delete it?
The watch history and all recommendations associated with that profile are permanently deleted when you remove the profile. The deletion cannot be undone, so make sure you don't need that information before you delete a profile.
Can I use the same profile on multiple devices?
Yes. A profile exists within your Netflix account, so you can access it from any device where you're signed into that account. Your watch history and recommendations sync across all devices, so you can start watching on your phone and continue on your TV.
Do I need a separate Netflix subscription for each profile?
No. All profiles share the same Netflix subscription. You only pay for one account, and everyone in your household can use their own profile within that account.