What's the Difference Between an X1 Purchase PIN and Locks PIN?
This article provides a better understanding of how Parental Controls work, including the difference between a Locks PIN and a Purchase PIN for the Xfinity X1.
Parental Controls
- Parental Controls allow you to limit the content viewable on your TV, including live TV, Xfinity On Demand, recorded programs and applications on X1.
- Parental Controls let you restrict access to content based on TV/Movie Ratings, Channels, Titles and Services. You can also select days and times to "lock" access to your TV.
- Parental Controls are distinct for each TV Box in the home and must be programmed individually.
- For details on enabling or disabling Parental Controls, read about the Locks PIN and Parental Controls for X1.
Locks PIN
- If Parental Controls are enabled, the viewer will be prompted to enter the Locks PIN to watch restricted content as setup by the user in the various 'lock' sections in the Parental Controls section.
- This includes any content that has been recorded or has been recently viewed via Xfinity On Demand.
- The X1 DVR will record a program regardless of Parental Control settings. The DVR and any Non-DVR TV Boxes will also list that program in the Recordings menu. However, you will not be able to see or hear a locked program without first entering the Locks PIN.
- The Locks PIN also controls access to the Xfinity TV apps.
- To hide program titles and images, utilize the Safe Browse feature.
- For details on setting up a Locks PIN, see, Locks PIN and Parental Controls for X1.
Purchase PIN
- If Purchase Protection is enabled, the viewer will be prompted to enter the Purchase PIN in order to make Xfinity On Demand purchases. The Purchase PIN is not required for free Xfinity On Demand content.
Turn Purchase PIN On and Off for Your X1 or Flex Streaming TV Box
If you’ve got Xfinity X1 or Xfinity Flex, you can turn the Purchase PIN on and off by using the on-screen guide. Remember, you don’t need a Purchase PIN for free Xfinity On Demand content.
Note: The Purchase PIN is turned off by default. When you turn the Purchase PIN option on for the first time, you’ll be prompted to choose your PIN. Once it’s set up, you’ll need to enter it any time you want to make Xfinity purchases on that device, and you’ll need to set up a Purchase PIN for each X1 and/or Flex streaming TV Box you have. Your Xfinity Purchase PIN may not apply to third-party apps; they may not require one or you may need to set up an additional purchase pin specific to the app you’re using.
Turn Purchase PIN On and Off (X1)
- Press the xfinity button on your remote control.
- Using the right arrow button, scroll over to highlight Settings. Press OK.

- Use the down arrow button to highlight Purchase PIN. Press OK.

- Turn the Purchase PIN on or off.

- After turning the Purchase PIN option on, enter the new Purchase PIN in the Enter PIN section of the Create a Purchase PIN screen.

- Verify and re-enter your Purchase PIN number.

- Press Exit to go back to standard TV viewing, or press the Last/back arrow button to return to the Settings menu.
Turn Purchase PIN On and Off (Flex)
- Access Settings menu by saying “Settings” into your Voice Remote or from the Home page, scroll down to the bottom and select Settings.
- Scroll down to Purchase PIN and press OK (center of directional pad).
- Turn the Purchase PIN on or off by selecting OK (center of directional pad).
- After turning the Purchase PIN option on, enter the new Purchase PIN in the Enter PIN section of the Create a Purchase PIN screen.
Note: If your remote control does not have a number keypad, use the up and down arrows to select numeric digits, and right and left arrows to navigate.
- Verify and re-enter your Purchase PIN number.
- You will receive a confirmation message “Your Purchase Pin is Set.”
- Press Home or the xfinity button to go back to the Home page, or press the Last/back arrow button to return to the Settings menu.
Set Up Your Locks PIN and Turn Parental Controls On and Off for X1
Additional Resources
https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/x1-parental-controls-understanding-parental-controls-and-pins
https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/x1-parental-controls-turn-puchase-protection-on-off
https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/x1-parental-controls-turn-on-off
https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/x1-manage-tv-settings-online
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