How to Add or Delete a Netflix Profile

This guide walks you through adding a new profile to your Netflix account and deleting one you no longer need. You’ll see exactly which menu items to tap or click on TVs, phones, tablets, and computers, plus what happens to viewing history and recommendations when you remove a profile.

What You’ll Need

An active Netflix subscription (any plan works; the number of profiles allowed depends on your plan – Basic allows 1, Standard allows 2, Premium allows 5, and some plans allow more).
Access to the primary account holder’s credentials if you’re not the owner, because profile management is done from the account owner’s profile or the “Manage Profiles” screen.
A web browser on a computer, or the Netflix app on a phone, tablet, smart TV, or streaming device.

Step-by-Step

Adding a Profile

Open Netflix and sign in to your account on any device.
Go to the profile selection screen. If you’re already in a profile, hover over your profile icon (top-right on a computer) or tap the profile icon (bottom-right on mobile) and select Manage Profiles. On smart TVs or streaming devices, press the Profile or Manage Profiles button on the home screen.
Click or tap the “Add Profile” button. It’s usually a tile with a plus sign or a button labeled “Add Profile” at the bottom of the list.
Enter a name for the new profile. This is what will appear on the profile selection screen.
Choose whether to enable “Kids” mode. If you toggle this on, Netflix will restrict the profile to movies and TV shows that are rated for younger viewers. You can also set a PIN to prevent the child from accessing other profiles (this is done separately in account settings).
Click or tap Continue or Save. The new profile will appear on the selection screen immediately.

Deleting a Profile

Open Netflix and sign in as the account owner (or any profile that has permission to manage profiles – usually the primary profile).
Go to the profile selection screen using the same method as above (hover over your icon on computer, tap the icon on mobile, or use the button on TV).
Click or tap Manage Profiles.
Find the profile you want to delete. On the manage screen, each profile has a pencil icon (edit) or a trash can icon. On some devices, you may need to click the pencil first.
Click the trash can icon (or the “Delete Profile” link) next to the profile name.
Confirm the deletion. Netflix will ask you to confirm because this action permanently removes the profile and all its viewing history, My List, and recommendations.
Click Delete or OK. The profile is gone immediately.

Common Mistakes

Deleting the wrong profile. Double-check the name and avatar before confirming. Once deleted, there is no undo.
Not realizing that profile deletion is permanent. You cannot recover a deleted profile’s watch history, ratings, or My List.
Forgetting that the primary profile (usually the first one) cannot be deleted. Netflix always keeps at least one profile. If you try to delete the last remaining profile, the option is disabled.
Assuming that deleting a profile also cancels the subscription. It does not. The account remains active.

Tips

Use profiles to keep recommendations separate. Each profile has its own viewing history, so what you watch won’t affect what your partner or kids see recommended.
Set a PIN for kids’ profiles. Even with Kids mode on, a child can sometimes switch to an adult profile. Go to Account > Profile & Parental Controls > select the profile > change the “Profile Lock” setting to require a PIN.
Rename a profile instead of deleting it. If you just want a fresh start, you can edit the name and avatar without losing history. But if you want to clear history, deletion is the only way.
Check your plan’s profile limit. If you try to add a profile and get an error, you’ve hit the maximum for your plan. You can either delete an existing profile or upgrade your plan.

Troubleshooting

Can’t find the “Manage Profiles” option. On a computer, it’s under the profile icon in the top-right. On mobile, tap the profile icon in the bottom-right. On smart TVs, look for a gear or pencil icon on the profile selection screen. If you’re already in a profile, go to the home screen and scroll down to the “Profiles” row.
Getting an error when adding a profile. This usually means you’ve reached the maximum number of profiles for your plan. Delete an old profile first or upgrade.
Profile won’t delete. Ensure you’re signed in as the account owner or a profile with admin rights (usually the first profile). If you’re on a kid’s profile, you may not have permission. Sign out and sign in with the primary profile.
Changes not showing up on TV or streaming device. Sometimes the app needs to refresh. Try signing out and back in, or restarting the app.
Accidentally deleted a profile. There is no recovery option. You can recreate a profile with the same name, but the watch history and recommendations will be gone. If you believe this was a technical glitch, contact Netflix support, but they rarely can restore deleted profiles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete the primary profile?

No. Netflix requires at least one profile on the account. The primary profile (the one created when you signed up) cannot be deleted, but you can rename it or change its avatar.

Will deleting a profile affect other profiles?

No. Each profile is independent. Deleting one profile does not change the viewing history, My List, or recommendations of other profiles.

How many profiles can I have?

It depends on your plan. Basic plans allow 1 profile, Standard allows 2, and Premium allows 5. Some older plans may allow more. Check your account settings to see your current limit.

Can I recover a deleted profile?

No. Deletion is permanent and cannot be undone. You’ll need to create a new profile from scratch.

Does deleting a profile cancel my Netflix subscription?

No. Deleting a profile only removes that profile. Your subscription remains active until you cancel it from the account settings.

Can I add a profile on my phone and use it on my TV?

Yes. Profiles sync across all devices linked to your account. Once you add a profile on any device, it will appear on all other devices after a quick refresh.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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