PlayStation 3 (PS3)

How to set a parental controls password

Before setting up PlayStation 3 parental controls, it’s a good idea to set a password/passcode that only you know. Otherwise, your child may change the controls you set up.

To set a password:

Step 1 – From the main menu on your PS3, navigate to the Settings icon and then scroll down to Security Settings.
Step 2 – Select Change Password. Enter your current password, which is 0000 by default. Enter your new 4-digit password and confirm.

Where to set content level for games

To limit what kinds of games your child can play on PlayStation 3, you can set content levels.

To set game content levels:

Step 1 – In the Security Settings menu, scroll down to and select Parental Control. Enter your PIN/password.
Step 2 – Set the overall level of content you would like active on the console. Lower levels mean tighter restrictions.

What do PS3 parental control levels mean?

When setting content restrictions for games, DVDs and Blu-Ray, you will see numbers. However, this can be confusing without explanation for what they mean.

Generally, the lower the level, the tighter the restrictions. Because there are different ratings systems around the world like PEGI, ESRB and GRAC to name a few, the PlayStation console uses it’s own levels.

Approximate age equivalents

Level 1 – 0-years-old
Level 2 – 3-years-old
Level 3 – 6-years-old
Level 4 – 10-years-old
Level 5 – 12-years-old
Level 6 – in between 12- and 15-years-old
Level 7 – 15-years-old
Level 8 – 17-years-old
Level 9 – 18-years-old
Levels 10 & 11 – over 18

Blu-Ray and DVD Parental Controls

If your child or family uses the PlayStation 3 to watch Blu-rays (BD) or DVDs, you can set parental controls to limit which content they view.

To set up BD and DVD controls:

Step 1 – In the Security Settings menu, scroll down to and select BD – Parental Control. When prompted, enter your PIN/password. Restrict Blu-Ray Disc playback by age on supporting Blu-Ray Discs by turning it ON and selecting the age. Confirm your selection.
Step 2 – Return to Security Settings and scroll down to and select BD/DVD – Parental Control Region Code then enter your PIN/password. Set your region to allow the system to use age ratings relevant to your region. Confirm your selection.
Step 3 – Return to Security Settings. Scroll down to and select DVD – Parental Control, then enter your PIN/password. Set the level of restriction on DVD playback. Lower levels mean tighter restrictions.

How to deactivate the PS3 browser

To limit what kind of content your child can access or how they use their PlayStation 3, you can deactivate the system browser.

To deactivate the browser:

Step 1 – In the Security Settings menu, scroll down to and select Internet Browser Start Control. Enter your PIN/password.
Step 2 – Turn the browser OFF.