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How to Set Up Parental Controls on Nintendo DSi/Nintendo DSi XL

Nintendo DSi

In this article, you'll learn how to setup the Parental Controls on the Nintendo DSi or Nintendo DSi XL.

Complete these steps

  1. On the Nintendo DSi Menu, use the stylus to select the Settings (wrench) icon.
  2. Select the right arrow twice to reach the third page, then select Parental Controls.
  3. Select Yes, Next, then OK to reach the PIN screen.
  4. Select Next, enter a four-digit PIN, then tap OK. Enter the PIN again to confirm it, then tap OK again.
  5. Tap the up/down arrows to scroll through the secret questions. When the desired question is displayed, select OK to continue.
  6. Select OK again, use the on-screen keyboard to enter an answer to the secret question, then select OK. The answer must be six or more characters long.
    The alphanumeric keyboard and a numeric keyboard displayed on the Nintendo DSi screen
  7. Select OK, then tap the left/right arrows to scroll to the game rating icon for the highest-rated video game content that's suitable for viewing on the system. Select OK to continue.
  8. The system will take you through a number of questions, where you'll choose which features to restrict. Select yes to block the feature or No to allow it. Select OK to confirm your selection.
    • PictoChat

      You can block access to the PictoChat application. Parents who wish to monitor what messages their children can receive from other Nintendo DSi or Nintendo DSi XL systems through local wireless communication may find this useful.

    • DS Download Play

      You can block access to DS Download Play. This will prevent game data from being sent to the system. With DS Download Play, you can download and play certain multiplayer games with other Nintendo DS system users even if you have only one copy of a game. You can also send and receive demos of certain software titles.

    • Nintendo DSi Browser

      If you have the Nintendo DSi Browser, you can block access to this and prevent any browsing of Internet websites.

    • Nintendo DSi points

      You can restrict the use of Nintendo DSi points in the Nintendo DSi Shop. This does not block the purchase of points with a Credit Card, nor does it block the redemption of points by entering a Nintendo Points card.

    • Exchange of photo data

      You can block the ability to exchange photos with other Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DSi XL systems over a local wireless area.

    • Restrict access to user-created content

      This will block certain user-created content. For example, games or applications might allow the exchange of user-created levels, artwork, etc.

  9. Select Yes to save the Parental Control settings and return to the System Settings menu.

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