What a Netflix profile is and why you might want one
A profile in Netflix is a separate viewing space within a single Netflix account. Each profile has its own watch history, recommendations, saved shows, and viewing preferences. If you share your Netflix password with family members or roommates, profiles let everyone keep their own lists without mixing up what they've watched or seeing recommendations based on someone else's taste.
Netflix accounts come with the ability to create multiple profiles at no extra cost. The number of profiles you can create depends on your plan — most plans allow up to four profiles per account. Creating a profile takes about two minutes and requires nothing more than a name and, optionally, a PIN to protect it.
Key Takeaways
- Each Netflix account can have multiple profiles, and you create them directly in the Netflix app or website without paying extra.
- A profile keeps its own watch history and recommendations separate from other profiles on the same account.
- You can add a PIN to a profile so only someone who knows the code can access it.
- The steps are the same whether you use Netflix on a phone, tablet, computer, or TV — you just look for the profile icon or settings menu.
How to add a profile on the Netflix website
Open Netflix in a web browser and sign in with your account email and password. In the top right corner of the screen, you'll see a circle or icon with either your current profile picture or initials. Click on that icon to open a dropdown menu.
Look for the option that says "Manage profiles" or "Add profile" — the exact wording varies slightly depending on your region, but it will be near the bottom of that dropdown menu. Click it. Netflix will show you a screen with your existing profiles and a button or link to add a new one. Click "Add profile." Type in the name you want for the new profile — this can be a person's name, a nickname, or anything else you choose. Netflix will suggest an avatar (a small picture) for the profile, but you can click on it to choose a different one if you want. When you're done, click "Create" or "Continue," and the profile is ready to use.
How to add a profile on the Netflix app (phone or tablet)
Open the Netflix app and sign in if you're not already. At the bottom of the screen, you'll see a menu with several icons. Look for the one that looks like a person or a silhouette — this is usually labeled "More" or shows a profile icon. Tap it.
You'll see your current profile and an option to add a new one. The button might say "Add profile," "Create profile," or show a plus sign (+). Tap it. Enter the name for the new profile and choose an avatar if you want to. Tap "Create" or "Done," and the profile is added to your account. You can now switch between profiles by tapping that same menu icon at the bottom and selecting the profile you want to use.
How to add a profile on a TV or streaming device
On a TV or streaming device like Roku, Fire Stick, Apple TV, or Chromecast, the process is similar but uses your remote instead of a touchscreen. Open Netflix and sign in. Navigate to the profile icon or menu — this is usually in the top left or top right corner of the screen, depending on your device. Use your remote's arrow buttons to highlight it and press Select or OK.
Look for "Manage profiles" or "Add profile" in the menu that appears. Highlight it and press Select. Netflix will show you a screen to create a new profile. Use your remote to type in the name — most devices have an on-screen keyboard you navigate with arrow buttons. Select an avatar if you want, then press Select or OK to confirm. The new profile is now part of your account and will appear in the profile selection screen the next time anyone opens Netflix on that device.
How to add a PIN to protect a profile
If you want to prevent others from accessing a specific profile without permission, you can add a PIN (a four-digit code). On the Netflix website, click the profile icon in the top right, then "Manage profiles." Click on the profile you want to protect. Look for an option called "Parental controls" or "Profile lock" and turn it on. Netflix will ask you to create a four-digit PIN. Enter it twice to confirm, then save your changes.
On the Netflix app or TV, the steps are similar: go to the profile settings, find the parental controls or profile lock option, and create your PIN. Once a PIN is set, anyone trying to access that profile will need to enter the code first. This is useful if you have children using Netflix or if you want to keep your personal profile private from roommates.
Switching between profiles and managing them later
Once you've created multiple profiles, switching between them is straightforward. On any device, click or tap the profile icon and select the profile you want to use. Netflix will load that profile's watch history, recommendations, and settings. You can switch profiles as many times as you want throughout the day — there's no limit.
If you need to delete a profile later, go to "Manage profiles" the same way you added one, find the profile you want to remove, and look for a delete or remove option. Deleting a profile removes its watch history and saved shows, but it doesn't affect the other profiles on your account. You can also edit a profile's name or avatar at any time by going to "Manage profiles" and clicking on the profile you want to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I have more than four profiles on one Netflix account?
No, the maximum number of profiles depends on your Netflix plan. Most plans allow up to four profiles. If you need more, you would need a separate Netflix account, though that would require a separate subscription.
Do I need a separate email address to create a profile?
No. All profiles belong to the same Netflix account and use the same login email. A profile is just a separate viewing space within that one account, not a separate account.
What happens to a profile's watch history if I delete it?
The watch history and all saved shows for that profile are permanently deleted. The other profiles on the account are not affected. If you think you might want that information back later, consider renaming the profile instead of deleting it.
Can someone access my profile if they know my Netflix password?
Yes, unless you've added a PIN to your profile. If you share your Netflix password with others, adding a PIN to your personal profile prevents them from seeing your watch history and recommendations without entering the code first.
Do profiles on Netflix cost extra?
No. Creating profiles is included with every Netflix subscription at no additional cost. You can create as many profiles as your plan allows without paying more.