It’s not actually a Netflix passcode you’re running into — it’s the Apple TV Restrictions (Parental Controls) passcode being applied to all third-party apps, including Netflix. When Restrictions are turned on, Apple TV treats certain apps as restricted content sources, so it will always ask for the same 4-digit Restrictions passcode before launching them.
To stop Netflix from asking for the passcode, you need to adjust the Apple TV Restrictions settings, not anything inside Netflix.
Try this:
- Go to Settings → General → Restrictions.
- Enter your Restrictions passcode.
- Under the Restrictions options, look for Allowed Content or Apps.
- Change the setting so that third-party apps are allowed without requiring the passcode.
- On some Apple TV models, you can set Apps: Allow All or choose an age rating that includes Netflix.
- Exit the menu — Netflix should now open without asking for the passcode.
Important:
- If you turn Restrictions off entirely, it removes the passcode everywhere — but as you said, that also removes all parental controls.
- Adjusting the Apps or Allowed Content section lets you keep restrictions on Apple TV itself while still letting your son access Netflix without entering a code.
- If you don’t see those options, let me know which Apple TV model and tvOS version you have and I can walk you through the exact path...