How to set game rating restrictions on your Xbox 360 console

This article describes how to set the game ratings restriction on your Xbox 360 console. Xbox 360 supports game rating restrictions in most countries and regions. If a ratings system is supported for your locale, you can set restrictions. If Game Ratings restriction is not available under Console Controls, the locale that you selected does not support this feature. This feature does not restrict you from playing original Xbox games. These settings apply to Xbox 360 games only.

As a parent, a guardian, or an adult, you can restrict your underage child from playing games based on the ratings. To restrict the ability to play games, follow the steps:

1. Start at the Xbox 360 Dashboard.
2. In the System section, select Family Settings.
3. Select Console Controls.
4. Select Game Ratings.
5. The default setting is Allow All Games. If you want to restrict this activity, select the restriction level that you want.
6. Select Done to exit the Console Controls screen.

Note A parent, guardian, or adult may temporarily override Family Settings on the console so that players can play or view restricted content. Only games that have the selected rating level or lower can be played on the console. When you play a game that has a rating that is higher than the allowed rating on the console, a parent must enter the Family Settings pass code to override the restriction. If Allow All Games is selected, you can play all games. By default, no restrictions are set.

Note Family Settings can prevent users not only from playing certain content but also from seeing certain content in the Xbox LIVE Marketplace and in the "Download Content" area for a specific game.

Additional support

Please visit the following Web site for information about how to contact Xbox Customer Support: