- Console Information
- Data Management
- Date and Time
- Delete All Content & Settings
- Parental Controls - FAQ
- Parental Controls Overview
- What Can I Block With Parental Controls?
- Forgot Parental Control PIN
- How to Reset the Parental Control PIN
- COPPA - What Is the Child Online Privacy Protection in Parental Controls?
- Requests to Remove Parental Consent (COPPA)
- How to Set up Parental Controls for the First Time
- How to Configure Parental Controls
- How to Register an E-Mail for Use with Parental Controls
- Will the Wii U Parental Controls Block Streaming Content?
- Can I Restrict Browser Usage?
- Will the Wii U Console's Parental Controls Block the Viewing of Certain Video On Demand Content?
- How Do I Protect My Child From Unwelcome Content From Strangers?
- Software Ratings Information
- Error Message: Use of this Game's Communication Features has been Restricted in Parental Controls
- Parental Controls - Restrict Access To:
- Power Settings
- TV
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Important Note!
- Restriction options are dependent on the availability of system features. A System Update may be required for a complete list of options.
Answer:
- Adding users and formatting system memory are restricted automatically.
- You can chose to restrict the following Wii U features:
- Game Rating: Restrict all usage (as well as purchase through the Nintendo eShop) of software exceeding the rating level of your choice.
- Online Interaction in Games: Restrict both the use of online features and the exchange of content over the Internet.
- Internet Browser: Prevent use of the Internet browser.
- Wii U Shopping Services: Restrict the use of credit cards or the purchase of software through services such as the Nintendo eShop.
- Miiverse: Restrict users from viewing or posting content.
- Friend Registration: Prevent the registrations of friends.
- Entertainment Excluding Games: Restrict the viewing of video content, both streaming and stored on physical media such as discs, and software with video-playback functions.
- Data Management: Restrict the deletion or moving of software or save data using Data Management.
- Internet Settings: Restrict the addition, modification, or deletion of Internet settings.
- You can chose to restrict the following Wii features (Wii mode):
- Game Rating: Restrict all usage (as well as purchases through the Wii Shop Channel) of software exceeding the rating level of your choice.
- Wii Shopping Services: Restrict the use of Wii Points.
- This does not restrict the purchase of Wii Points of the downloading of free software.
- Certain Online Features: Restrict the use of some online features and the exchange of content over the Internet.
- Viewing of Unrated Content: Restrict the viewing of videos in software that does not have an age rating.
Situation:
- Step by step instructions on setting an e-mail to be used with Parental Controls.
- Step by step instructions on changing an e-mail previously used in Parental Controls.
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, select "Parental Controls."
- If prompted, tap "Next" and enter the four-digit PIN.
- If the PIN has been forgotten, it will need to be reset. (How To)
- Tap "Change E-mail Address."
- Read the on-screen message and tap "OK."
- Enter an e-mail address. This is the e-mail address that will be used if the Parental Control PIN is forgotten.
- Confirm the e-mail address.
- Read the on-screen message and tap "OK."
Situation:
- The Parental Control PIN and secret question have been forgotten.
Applies To: No, an email was not used or an email was not received.
Important Note!
- In order to complete a PIN reset, you will need to contact Nintendo Consumer Service with the provided Inquiry Number (see below). Our hours are 6:00 am – 7:00 pm (PST), seven days a week. If you are located outside of the US and Canada, click here for international support.
- If you already have an Inquiry Number, skip to step 7.
What to Do:
- While on the Wii U Menu, press the HOME Button.
- Check that the Wii U console’s date and time settings are correct.
- If the date and time are not accurate, you will need to correct them before proceeding. (How To)
- From the Wii U Menu, select "Parental Controls."
- Tap "I Forgot" or press the X Button.
- If you do not know the answer to your secret question, tap "I Forgot."
- Be sure to enter the secret question exactly as you originally typed it, as the answer is case sensitive.
- An inquiry number will be displayed on the Wii U GamePad.
- Enter the inquiry number into the box below and click "Continue."
Applies To: Yes, an email was used.
What to Do:
- While on the Wii U Menu, press the HOME Button.
- Check that the Wii U console’s date and time settings are correct.
- If the date and time are not accurate, you will need to correct them before proceeding. (How To)
- From the Wii U Menu, select "Parental Controls."
- Tap "I Forgot" or press the X button.
- If you do not know the answer to your secret question, tap "I Forgot."
- Be sure to enter the secret question exactly as you originally typed it, as the answer is case sensitive.
- Tap "Send" to send a master key to the email address you previously set up for use with Parental Controls.
- Tap "OK." You should receive an email that contains a master key within the hour.
- If you do not receive an email within the hour, select "Cancel," make note of the inquiry number, and click here.
- Enter the master key you received on the Wii U GamePad.
- Set up a new PIN by selecting "Change PIN" and following the on-screen instructions.
Situation:
- Detailed instructions on how to reset the Parental Control PIN.
Applies To: Yes, an email was used
What to Do:
- While on the Wii U Menu, press the HOME Button.
- Check that the Wii U console's date and time settings are correct.
- If the date and time are not accurate, you will need to correct them before proceeding. (How To)
- From the Wii U Menu, select "Parental Controls."
- Tap "I Forgot" or press the X button.
- If you do not know the answer to your secret question, tap "I Forgot."
- Tap "Send" to send a master key to the email address you previously set up for use with Parental Controls.
- Tap "OK." You should receive an email that contains a master key within the hour.
- If you do not receive an email within the hour, select "Cancel," make note of the inquiry number, and click here.
- Enter the master key you received on the Wii U GamePad.
- Set up a new PIN by selecting "Change PIN" and following the on-screen instructions.
Applies To: No, an email was not used or an email was not received
Important Note!
- In order to complete a PIN reset, you will need to contact Nintendo Consumer Service with the provided Inquiry Number (see below). Our hours are 6:00 am - 7:00 pm (PST), seven days a week. If you are located outside of the US and Canada, click here for international support.
- If you already have an Inquiry Number, skip to step 7.
What to Do:
- While on the Wii U Menu, press the HOME Button.
- Check that the Wii U console’s date and time settings are correct.
- If the date and time are not accurate, you will need to correct them before proceeding. (How To)
- From the Wii U Menu, select "Parental Controls."
- Tap "I Forgot" or press the X Button.
- If you do not know the answer to your secret question, tap "I Forgot."
- An inquiry number will be displayed on the Wii U GamePad.
- Enter the inquiry number into the box below and click "Continue."
Description:
- Detailed instructions on how to set up Parental Controls for Wii U Chat.
Important Note!
- Wii U Chat Parental Controls are managed separately from the console level Parental Control settings, but use the same PIN.
- Wii U Chat Parental Controls are the same for all users. If you deactivate Wii U Chat Parental Controls on a user account, it will be deactivated for all users.
What to do:
- In order to restrict access to Wii U Chat, you must set up the Wii U console Parental Controls on the Wii U console. (How To)
- To deactivate Parental Controls for Wii U Chat, follow these steps:
- From the Wii U Menu, select the Wii U Chat icon.
- If prompted, tap "Input PIN" and enter the Wii U Parental Control four-digit PIN. If the PIN has been forgotten it will need to be reset. (How To)
- From the Wii U Chat menu, tap the Settings icon in the bottom-right corner.
- Tap the Parental Control icon.
- Tap "Deactivate" and enter in your Parental Control 4-digit PIN.
- Tap "OK."
- To activate Parental Controls for Wii U Chat, follow these steps:
- From the Wii U Menu, select the Wii U Chat icon.
- From the Wii U Chat menu, tap the Settings icon in the bottom-right corner.
- Tap the Parental Control icon.
- Tap "Activate," and then enter in your Parental Control four-digit PIN.
- Tap "OK" to confirm.
After enabling Parental Controls, a 4-digit Parental Control PIN will be required to access Wii U Chat.
Situation:
- Requests to remove COPPA permission.
What to do:
- Once the approval has been granted, all permissions associated to the child's Nintendo Network Account can be restricted via the Parental Controls settings within the Wii U Menu. (How To)
- If you no longer want your child to have access to a Nintendo Network Account, the child account can be deactivated. (How To)
- Deactivated accounts will lose all associated online activity (including Nintendo eShop purchases and Miiverse history).
- Deactivated accounts cannot be restored.
Situation:
- Error Message: Use of this game's communication features has been restricted in parental controls.
What to do:
- The content you are trying to access has been blocked by Parental Controls.
Description:
- Step by step instructions on configuring the standby functions to enable or disable downloading and installation of software while the Wii U is powered down.
Information:
This feature was implemented with a prior system update. If you do not have this option available, please update your Wii U console. (How to)
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, select "System Settings."
- Using the Left Stick, scroll to the "Power Settings" icon and press the A Button.
- elect "Standby Functions," and then "Enable" or "Disable."
- If you chose to enable this feature, you will be prompted to select how often the Wii U enables the Standby Functions.
- Use the up and down arrows to select a time between 1 and 24 hours.
- Select "Confirm" or press the A Button to confirm your selection.
Description:
Detailed instructions on turning auto power-down on or off.
Note: For the purposes of energy conservation, the default setting for the Wii U system will power it down if there is no controller input for a one-hour period. In the case of Video on Demand applications, that time is extended to four hours.
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, select "System Settings."
- Using the Left Stick, scroll to the "Power Settings" icon and press the A Button.
- Select "Auto Power-Down."
- Select "Enable" or "Disable" to toggle the Auto Power-Down function.
- Select "OK" to confirm.
Description:
Detailed instructions on how to adjust the auto power-down duration.
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, select "System Settings."
- Using the Left Stick, scroll to the "Power Settings" icon and press the A Button.
- Select "Auto Power-Down."
- Select "Enable" then tap "OK."
- Use the up and down arrow to select the desired duration (in hours) before the Wii U will automatically power-down when idle.
- Tap "Confirm" or press the A button.
- Tap "OK."
Description:
Detailed instructions on how to set the console Nickname for Wii software.
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, select "System Settings."
- Using the Left Stick scroll to the "Console Information" icon and press the A Button.
- Select "Set Console Nickname for Wii Software."
- Enter in the desired nickname on the Wii U GamePad, and then tap "OK."
- Tap "OK" to confirm.
Description:
Detailed instructions on turning burn-in reduction on or off.
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, select "System Settings."
- Using the Left Stick, scroll to the "Screen Burn-In Reduction" icon and press the A Button.
- Select "Use" or "Don't Use" then tap "OK" to save your selection. The current setting will be selected with a green check-mark.
Description:
- Detailed instructions on how to perform a system update.
Note: In most situations, system updates on the Wii U will be performed automatically. While the system update is downloading, you can view the progress by accessing Download Management.
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, select "System Settings".
- The current menu version will be displayed in the top right corner. (How To)
- Using the Left Stick, scroll to the "System Update" icon and press the A Button.
- Tap "Update" to connect to the Internet and begin the update process.
- The length of time it takes to perform a system update varies depending on the speed of the Internet connection used. Please be patient.
- Depending on the amount of new features and applications included, the system update may take an extended amount of time when performed(for some users it could take an hour or more to download and install). Do not unplug the power from the Wii U during a system update.
Description:
Detailed instructions on how to set the sensor bar position.
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, select "System Settings."
- Using the Left Stick scroll to the "Wii Remote and Sensor Bar" icon and press the A Button.
- Select "Set Sensor-Bar Position."
- Tap "Above TV" or "Below TV."
- Tap "OK" to confirm.
Description:
Instructions on determining the Wii U console's current menu version.
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, select "System Settings."
- The current Wii U menu version will display in the top-right corner of the System Settings screen.
Description:
Step by step instructions on how to enable or disable automatic software downloads.
Note:
- You will automatically receive free software and demos from Nintendo when this feature is enabled.
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, select "System Settings."
- Using the Left Stick, select the "Internet" icon and press the A Button.
- Scroll down and select "Automatic Software Downloads."
- Select "Yes" to enable automatic downloads or "No" to disable automatic downloads.
Answer:
- All software data, save data, user information, and other information saved to the console will be deleted.
- Data (such as software or save data) saved to USB storage media or SD Cards will no longer be usable.
- Deleting all content and settings will not revert the system software to a previous version.
- Wii Shop Channel account activity and Wii Points will not be deleted. Even after deleting all content and settings, you will be able to redownload previously purchased software free of charge.
- Be aware that you will not be able to redownload any games that are no longer available for purchase or download.
- Any linked Nintendo Network IDs will not be deleted when deleting users. The Nintendo Network IDs that were being used before deleting all content and settings can be reused by linking them to new Wii U users.
- Any Nintendo Network IDs that were linked to Wii U users on the console cannot be used on other Wii U consoles.
- Your Nintendo eShop purchase history and balance are saved to your Nintendo Network ID. If you link an ID you were using with Nintendo eShop to a new user after deleting all content and settings, you will be able to redownload your purchased software free of charge.
Description:
Detailed instructions on how to delete save data, update data, downloaded games, and other data on the Wii U console or USB storage device.
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, select "System Settings."
- Using the Left Stick, scroll to the "Data Management" and press the A Button.
- Select the location of the data you wish to delete.
- Select the Application that has the data you wish to delete and press the A Button.
- Select what you wish to delete from within the Application data and press the A Button. If you wish to delete everything, press the Y Button to "Delete All."
- If you wish to delete multiple items, press the Y Button to select multiple items, select the items you wish to delete, and then press the X Button. Items selected for deletion will be marked with a white checkmark on a red background.
- The ability to delete multiple items was added with the latest system update. If this update has not been applied, then pressing the Y Button will delete all items.
- Once an individual application item is chosen, select "Delete" and press the A Button.
- You can delete a downloaded game without deleting the save data. If you play the game in the future, either downloaded or on a disc, this save data will still be usable.
Description:
Detailed instructions on how to change the date and time.
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, select "System Settings."
- Using the Left Stick, scroll to the "Date and Time" icon and press the A Button.
- Use the up and down arrows to set the console to the correct date in the MM/DD/YYYY format. Tap "Next" when finished.
- Depending on the language the system is set to, the date format may be different.
- English: MM / DD / YYYY
- Spanish: DD / MM / YYYY
- French: DD / MM / YYYY
- Portuguese: DD / MM / YYYY
- Use the up and down arrows to set the correct time in the 12-hour format, and then tap "Confirm."
- Tap "OK" then "OK" again to confirm the change.
Description:
How to Set the System Country.
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, select "System Settings."
- Using the Left Stick scroll to the "Console Information" icon and press the A Button.
- Select "Set Country of Residence."
- If prompted, enter the four-digit PIN. If the four-digit PIN has been forgotten, it will need to be reset. (How To)
- Select the desired country then press the A Button.
- Tap "OK."
Description:
Detailed instructions on how to set the system language.
What to do:
- From the HOME Menu, select "System Settings."
- Using the Left Stick scroll to the "Console Information" icon and press the A Button.
- Select "Set System Language."
- Select the desired language then press the A Button.
- Tap "OK" when it asks if you want to change the Wii U GamePad display language.
- Tap "OK" once the language is set.
Description:
Detailed instructions on how to delete all the Wii Remote pairings.
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, select "System Settings."
- Using the Left Stick scroll to the "Wii Remote and Sensor Bar" icon and press the A Button.
- Select "Delete All Wii Remote Pairings."
- Tap "Delete" to confirm.
- Note: Wii U GamePad pairings will not be removed.
- Tap "OK."
Answer:
- Detailed instructions on how to delete an existing connection setting on the Wii U
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, select "System Settings."
- Using the Left Stick, select the "Internet" icon and press the A Button.
- Tap "Connect to the Internet."
- Press the X Button or tap "Connections" in the top-right corner.
- Select the Wi-Fi network connection you wish to configure.
- Select "Delete Settings."
- Tap "Delete" to confirm.
- Tap "OK."
Information:
- Parental Controls can restrict the download and use of certain content, as well as the use of certain features of the Wii U system.
- For information about the ESRB rating process, click here
Visit our Information for Parents page on the official Wii U site – click here!
Answer:
- The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) is a federal law that applies to the online collection of personal information from children under 13 years of age.
- Before children age 12 and under can participate in any online activities on the Wii U, a parent or guardian must provide consent by setting up a Nintendo Network Account for the child.
- Once a Nintendo Network Account has been created, restrictions on using specific online games, applications, and features can be set or removed in the Parental Controls area by entering a Parental Control PIN.
Situation:
- Requests to remove COPPA permission.
What to do:
- Once the approval has been granted, all permissions associated to the child's Nintendo Network Account can be restricted via the Parental Controls settings within the Wii U Menu. (How To)
- If you no longer want your child to have access to a Nintendo Network Account, the child account can be deactivated. (How To)
- Deactivated accounts will lose all associated online activity (including Nintendo eShop purchases and Miiverse history).
- Deactivated accounts cannot be restored.
Answer:
- Yes, you can use parental controls to block content from the Internet browser and video on demand services such as Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Video and Youtube.
- To block video on demand services: (How To)
- To block the Internet browser: (How To)
Information:
Once a game has been reviewed by the ESRB, it is assigned a rating and, at times, one or more content descriptors. These are designed to provide information on the type of content the game contains, and what age level the content is appropriate for. A game's rating is found on the front of the game's packaging, and game content descriptors, where applicable, are found on the back.
The ratings a game can receive are:
- EC (Early Childhood) - may be suitable for ages 3 and older. Contains no material that parents would find inappropriate.
- E (Everyone) - may be suitable for ages 6 and older. Titles in this category may contain minimal cartoon, fantasy or mild violence and/or infrequent use of mild language.
- E10+ (Everyone 10 and older) - may be suitable for ages 10 and older. Titles in this category may contain more cartoon, fantasy or mild violence, mild language, and/or minimal suggestive themes.
- T (Teen) - may be suitable for persons ages 13 and older. Titles in this category may contain violence, suggestive themes, crude humor, minimal blood, simulated gambling, and/or infrequent use of strong language.
- M (Mature) - may be suitable for persons ages 17 and older. Titles in this category may contain intense violence, blood and gore, sexual content, and/or strong language.
- AO (Adults Only)* - should only be played by persons 18 years and older. Titles in this category may include prolonged scenes of intense violence and/or graphic sexual content and nudity.
*Please note that Nintendo does not sell or license games that carry the ESRB rating "AO" (Adults Only).
Answer:
- Yes, you can use Parental Controls to restrict Video on Demand content such as Netflix, Hulu Plus, Amazon Video and Youtube. (How To)
Answer:
- The Wii U has multiple ways of sharing information with others, including online multiplayer, Miiverse, and more.
- This data exchange can be blocked by Parental Controls. (How To)
- This data exchange can be turned off/managed for each application.
Description:
Detailed instructions on how to configure parental controls.
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, select "Parental Controls."
- If prompted, tap "Next" and enter the four-digit PIN. If the PIN has been forgotten, it will need to be reset. (How To)
- Select the option you wish to configure.
- To change restriction settings, tap "Parental Controls Settings" and then "OK."
- You can set different restrictions for each user.
- To change the four-digit PIN, tap "Change PIN." Enter a new four-digit PIN then tap OK. Enter in the PIN one more time, and then tap "OK" twice. Select a secret question and create an answer that is at least four characters long, then tap "OK" three times.
- To change the registered e-mail address, tap "Change E-Mail address" then tap "OK." Enter in an alternate e-mail address then tap "OK" twice to confirm.
- To remove all Parental Control settings tap "Delete All Settings" or press the X Button.
Visit our Information for Parents page on the official Wii U site – click here!
Description:
Detailed instructions on how to set up parental controls to restrict access to Video on Demand Services.
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, select "Parental Controls."
- If prompted, tap "Next" and enter the four-digit PIN.
- If you have forgotten your PIN, you will need to reset it. (How To)
- Select "Parental Controls Settings."
- Tap "OK."
- Select the user you wish to restrict from using Video on Demand content.
- Scroll down and tap "Entertainment Excluding Games."
- Tap "Save" or press the B Button to confirm the settings.
- Tap "Save."
- Tap "OK."
Description:
- Step by step instructions on how to configure Nintendo TVii Parental Controls.
What settings would you like to configure?
Applies To: Viewing and Posting Comments
- The ability to post and view comments within Nintendo TVii is controlled by the Wii U console's Miiverse settings.
- If you would like to restrict access to posting and viewing comments in Nintendo TVii and Miiverse, you can restrict this access within the Wii U Parental Controls. (How To)
Applies To: TV and Movie Ratings
Important Note!
- Nintendo TVii Parental Controls related to TV and movie ratings are managed separately from the console level Parental Controls, but use the same PIN. Prior to setting up Nintendo TVii Parental Controls, you must set up the Wii U Parental Controls. (How To)
- Parental control settings that are enabled within Nintendo TVii will only affect content seen within Nintendo TVii, such as TV and movie listings. Television or video on demand services have their own the parental controls settings specific to those services. If you have questions regarding parental controls for any television or video on demand service, please contact the service provider.
What to Do:
- From within Nintendo TVii, tap the Mii in the top-left corner.
- Tap "Parental Controls."
- Enter your four-digit PIN, and tap "OK."
- The user Mii for every account on your Wii U will be displayed. To adjust a user's Parental Controls, tap on the Mii associated with that user.
- Tap on "Movie Rating" or Television Rating."
- Tap on any of the ratings you wish to restrict for the selected user.
- Tap on the green checkmark to save any changes.
Description:
Detailed instructions on how to restrict access to specific game ratings.
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, select "Parental Controls."
- If prompted, tap "Next" and enter the four-digit PIN. If the PIN has been forgotten, it will need to be reset. (How To)
- Select "Parental Controls Settings."
- You can set different restrictions for each user.
- Tap "OK."
- Select the user you wish to set restrictions under.
- Tap "Game Rating."
- Tap "OK."
- Use the slider on the screen to select the level of allowed content. The content that will be restricted is highlighted in black.
- Tap "Confirm" or press the A Button.
- Tap "Save" or press the B Button to confirm the settings.
- Tap "Save."
- Tap "OK."
Description:
Detailed instructions on how to set up parental controls for online interaction in games.
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, select "Parental Controls."
- If prompted, tap "Next" and enter the four-digit PIN. If the PIN has been forgotten, it will need to be reset. (How To)
- Select "Parental Controls Settings."
- You can set different restrictions for each user.
- Tap "OK."
- Select the user you wish to set restrictions under.
- Scroll down and tap "Online Interaction in Games."
- Tap "Save" or press the B Button to confirm the settings.
- Tap "Save."
- Tap "OK."
Description:
- Detailed instructions on how to set up parental controls for Miiverse.
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, select "Parental Controls."
- If prompted, tap "Next" and enter the four-digit PIN. If the PIN has been forgotten it will need to be reset. (How To)
- Select "Parental Controls Settings."
- You can set different restrictions for each user.
- Tap "OK."
- Select the user for which you wish to set restrictions.
- Scroll down and tap "Miiverse."
- Tap the desired restriction.
- To allow use of Miiverse, tap "Unrestricted."
- To prevent the user from posting text or images, but allow them to view posts from other users, select "No Posting."
- To prevent all access to Miiverse features, tap "No Viewing or Posting."
- Tap "OK."
- Tap "Save," or press the B Button to confirm the settings.
- Tap "Save."
- Tap "OK."
Description:
Detailed instructions on how to set up parental controls for streaming video content. This is separate from videos accessed via eShop or the Internet browser.
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, select "Parental Controls."
- If prompted, tap "Next" and enter the four-digit PIN. If the PIN has been forgotten it will need to be reset. (How To)
- Select "Parental Controls Settings."
- You can set different restrictions for each user.
- Tap "OK."
- Select the user you wish to set restrictions under.
- Scroll down and tap "Entertainment Excluding Games."
- Tap "Save" or press the B Button to confirm the settings.
- Tap "Save."
- Tap "OK."
Description:
Detailed instructions on how to set up parental controls for data management.
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, select "Parental Controls."
- If prompted, tap "Next" and enter the four-digit PIN. If the PIN has been forgotten, it will need to be reset. (How To)
- Select "Parental Controls Settings."
- You can set different restrictions for each user.
- Tap "OK."
- Select the user you wish to set restrictions under.
- Scroll down and tap "Data Management."
- Tap "Save" or press the B Button to confirm the settings.
- Tap "Save."
- Tap "OK."
Description:
How to Set Up Parental Controls for Internet Settings
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, select "Parental Controls."
- If prompted, tap "Next" and enter the four-digit PIN. If the PIN has been forgotten, it will need to be reset. (How To)
- Select "Parental Controls Settings."
- You can set different restrictions for each user.
- Tap "OK."
- Select the user you wish to set restrictions under.
- Scroll down and tap "Internet Settings."
- Tap "Save" or press the B Button to confirm the settings.
- Tap "Save."
- Tap "OK."
Description:
Detailed instructions on how to set up parental controls for the Wii Menu features.
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, select "Parental Controls."
- If prompted, tap "Next" and enter the four-digit PIN. If the PIN has been forgotten, it will need to be reset. (How To)
- Select "Wii Menu Settings" or press the X Button.
- In Wii Mode, the same restrictions apply to all users.
- Tap "OK."
- Tap the feature you wish to restrict/allow.
- "Game Rating" will restrict all usage (as well as purchases through the Wii Shop Channel) of software outside the selected range.
- "Wii Shopping Services" restricts the use of Wii points, but does not restrict the purchase of points or downloading of free software.
- "Certain Online Features" restricts the use of some online features of software and the exchange of certain content over the Internet.
- "Viewing of Unrated Content" restricts some miscellaneous content, excluding videos for rated games.
- Tap "Save" or press the B Button.
- Tap "Save."
- Tap "OK" to return to the Wii U Parental Controls.
- Tap "Back" or press the B button when you are finished.
Description:
Detailed instructions on how to set up parental controls for the first time.
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, select "Parental Controls."
- Read the information on the screen, then tap "Next" or press the A Button to continue.
- Tap "Next" or press the A Button.
- Create a four-digit PIN, and then tap "OK."
- Enter the four-digit PIN again to confirm, and then tap "OK."
- Tap "OK" to select a secret question.
- Select your secret question from the list
- Use the on-screen keyboard to type in the answer to your secret question and tap "OK."
- Tap "OK" to confirm the answer to your secret question.
- You can tap "Start Over" to revise your four-digit PIN and secret question.
- Tap "OK."
- You can register an e-mail address to reset your four-digit PIN should you forget it. Tap "Next" or press the A Button.
- If you don't want to register an e-mail address, tap "No E-mail Address" or press the X Button.
- Tap OK."
- Use the on-screen keyboard to enter in a valid e-mail address and tap "OK."
- Enter in your e-mail address one more time to confirm it, and then tap "OK."
- A confirmation e-mail will be sent to the registered e-mail address.
- You may now adjust the parental controls settings. (How To)
Situation:
- Error Message: Use of this game's communication features has been restricted in parental controls.
What to do:
- The content you are trying to access has been blocked by Parental Controls.
Situation:
- The device manufacturer's name cannot be found during the TV Remote Function setup.
What to do:
- Attempt to locate the name on the device itself, checking underneath the device if necessary.
- Ensure the device is powered off before moving it.
- Try to locate the packaging of the device. The manufacturer's name should be located on the packaging.
- If you have the device's manual, it should list information about the device manufacturer.
Still Not Resolved:
- If you cannot locate the device's manufacturer, then you will not be able to use this feature.
- If you have confirmed the manufacturer name and are still unable to find it on the list during the TV Remote function setup, then you will not be able to use this feature.
- Ensure your Wii U console has the most recent system update installed, and try again in the future. (How To)
Situation:
- You are unable to successfully complete the TV/device functionality tests.
What to do:
- Confirm that you have selected the correct manufacturer's name.
- You can find more information about the device manufacturer and model number by referring to the device's user manual.
- If you cannot find the manufacturer's name, click here.
- Confirm that you have attempted all available signal types by selecting "Didn't Work" during the device functionality test until you have cycled through all available signals.
- If you were successfully able to set up the TV Remote function on your cable or satellite box, but were unable to set it up for your television, you will still be able to use the TV Remote function for those devices.
Still Not Resolved:
- If you have confirmed the manufacturer name and are still not able to successfully complete the functionality test with all possible signal types, then you will not be able to use this feature.
- Ensure your Wii U console has the most recent system update installed, and try again in the future. (How To)
Description:
- Detailed instructions on how to configure the TV connection type.
What type of cable are you using to connect your Wii U to your television?
Applies To: HDMI Cable
What to Do:
- From the Wii U Menu, select "System Settings."
- Using the Left Stick, scroll to the "TV" icon and press the A Button.
- Tap "TV Connection Type."
- Select "HDMI."
- Choose the appropriate resolution for your TV, or press the X Button to detect the resolution automatically.
- You can find information about your TV's max resolution in its user guide.
- Tap "OK" to confirm or "Back" to change to a different resolution.
- Tap "OK" to confirm the resolution setting.
Applies To: Wii AV Cable
What to Do:
- From the Wii U Menu, select "System Settings."
- Using the Left Stick, scroll to the "TV" icon and press the A Button.
- Tap "TV Connection Type."
- Select "Non-HDMI." The correct resolution will automatically be applied.
- Tap "OK" to confirm or "Back" to change to a different resolution.
- Tap "OK" to confirm the resolution setting.
- Select the aspect ratio of your TV.
- You can find information about your TV's aspect ratio settings in its user guide.
- If you select 4:3 aspect ratio, some parts of the display may be cut off.
- Tap "OK" to confirm the aspect ratio setting.
Applies To: Wii Component Video Cable
What to Do:
- From the Wii U Menu, select "System Settings."
- Using the Left Stick, scroll to the "TV" icon and press the A Button.
- Tap "TV Connection Type."
- Select "Non-HDMI."
- Choose the appropriate resolution for your TV.
- You can find information about your TV's max resolution in its user guide.
- If you choose 480i or 480p you will need to choose your aspect ratio setting. If you select the 4:3 aspect ratio, some parts of the display may be cut off.
- Tap "OK" to confirm or "Back" to change to a different resolution.
- Tap "OK" to confirm the resolution setting.
Description:
Detailed instructions on how to configure the TV sound settings.
Note:
The ability to output sound via a Wii AV Cable or Wii Component Video Cable while outputting video via a HDMI cable was added with the latest system update. For information about using this feature, click here.
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, select "System Settings."
- Using the Left Stick, scroll to the "TV" icon and press the A Button.
- Tap "TV Audio-Output Type."
- Select an audio-output type for the TV.
- Tap "Sample" to preview the sound-output from your TV.
- If "Surround" is selected and you have the latest system update installed, you will need to select "Audio Test" and "Yes, I can hear them" when you hear the sample.
- If you do not hear the sample, select "No, I can't hear them" and read the on-screen information.
- Tap "OK."
Description:
Detailed instructions on how to configure the TV aspect ratio.
Important Note!
- The Aspect ratio can only be adjusted when the resolution settings are set to 480i or 480p.
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, select "System Settings."
- Using the Left Stick, scroll to the "TV" icon and press the A Button.
- Tap "Aspect Ratio."
- Choose the appropriate aspect ratio for your TV.
- If you are using a non-HDMI cable to connect the console to the TV and have selected 4:3 aspect ratio, some parts of the display may be cut off.
- Tap "OK" to confirm the aspect ratio setting.
Answer:
- Wii Software Save Data
- WiiWare and Save Data
- Virtual Console titles and Save Data
- Add-on Content
- Wii Points
- These points will be combined with the points on the target Wii U system, but cannot exceed a combined point total that would exceed 10,000 Wii Points
- Wii Shop Channel Account Activity
- Mii Characters
- Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection data
- Data from Wii settings
- Preinstalled WiiWare software and preinstalled Virtual Console titles
- Software and save data for which transfer is not permitted, such as WiiConnect24 data
- Software that is present on both consoles
- While the software will not overwrite what is already on the target Wii U system, the new save data will overwrite what is on the Wii U
- Nintendo GameCube Game Disc save data
- The following channels, games, and applications cannot be transferred:
- LostWinds
- Internet Channel
- Everybody Votes Channel
- Check Mii Out Channel
- Nintendo Channel
- Metroid Prime 3 Preview
- Photo Channel 1.1
- Netflix
- Hulu Plus
- Wii U Transfer Tool
- YouTube Channel
- All data that can be transferred will be transferred at one time. You cannot select what data is transferred.
- Any software or save data that exists on an SD Card from the source Wii console cannot be transferred directly.
- For save data, transfer it from the SD Card to the source Wii console before performing the transfer.
- For software, either transfer it back to the source Wii console before performing the transfer, or redownload it after the transfer using the Wii Shop Channel on the target Wii U console's Wii Menu.
- Mii characters are moved to the Mii Channel, accessed from the Wii Menu application on the Wii U console.
- WiiConnect24 functionality is not supported on the Wii U. You will not be able to use features that require WiiConnect24 after the transfer.
- Depending on the software, some features may be limited after the transfer.
The following is tranferred during the system transfer process between a Wii and a Wii U:
The following is NOT transferred during the system transfer process between a Wii and a Wii U:
Additional Information:
Description:
Detailed instructions on how to view the End-User License Agreement.
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, select "System Settings."
- Using the Left Stick scroll to the "Console Information" icon and press the A Button.
- Select "End-User License Agreement."
- Select the desired language to view the user agreement.
- Once finished viewing the agreement, tap "Done" after scrolling down.
Description:
Detailed instructions on how to change the Wii U wireless password settings.
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, select "System Settings."
- Using the Left Stick, select the "Internet" icon and press the A Button.
- Tap "Connect to the Internet."
- Press the X Button or tap "Connections" in the top-right corner.
- Select the Wi-Fi network connection you wish to configure.
- Tap "Change Settings."
- Tap "Security."
- Select the appropriate security encryption type.
- Enter your Wi-Fi network’s wireless security key, and tap "OK."
- Tap "Save" or press the B Button to save your changes.
- Tap "Save."
- If you wish to test the connection, tap "Connection Test."
Description:
- Detailed instructions on how to set up parental controls for friend registration.
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, select "Parental Controls."
- If prompted, tap "Next" and enter the four-digit PIN. If the PIN has been forgotten it will need to be reset. (How To)
- Select "Parental Controls Settings."
- You can set different restrictions for each user.
- Tap "OK."
- Select the user you wish to set restrictions under.
- Scroll down and tap "Friend Registration."
- Tap "Save" or press the B Button to confirm the settings.
- Tap "Save."
- Tap "OK."
Description:
- Detailed instructions on how to set up parental controls for the Internet
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, select "Parental Controls."
- If prompted, tap "Next" and enter the four-digit PIN. If the PIN has been forgotten it will need to be reset. (How To)
- Select "Parental Controls Settings."
- You can set different restrictions for each user.
- Tap "OK."
- Select the user you wish to set restrictions under.
- Scroll down and tap "Internet Browser."
- Tap "Save" or press the B Button to confirm the settings.
- Tap "Save."
- Tap "OK."
Description:
- Detailed instructions on how to set up parental controls for Miiverse.
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, select "Parental Controls."
- If prompted, tap "Next" and enter the four-digit PIN. If the PIN has been forgotten it will need to be reset. (How To)
- Select "Parental Controls Settings."
- You can set different restrictions for each user.
- Tap "OK."
- Select the user for which you wish to set restrictions.
- Scroll down and tap "Miiverse."
- Tap the desired restriction.
- To allow use of Miiverse, tap "Unrestricted."
- To prevent the user from posting text or images, but allow them to view posts from other users, select "No Posting."
- To prevent all access to Miiverse features, tap "No Viewing or Posting."
- Tap "OK."
- Tap "Save," or press the B Button to confirm the settings.
- Tap "Save."
- Tap "OK."
Description:
- Detailed instructions on how to set up parental controls for Wii U shopping services.
Important Note!
- This feature will become available with a planned system update.
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, select "Parental Controls."
- If prompted, tap "Next" and enter the four-digit PIN. If the PIN has been forgotten, it will need to be reset. (How To)
- Select "Parental Controls Settings."
- You can set different restrictions for each user.
- Tap "OK."
- Select the user you wish to set restrictions under.
- Scroll down and tap "Wii U Shopping Services."
- Tap "Save" or press the B Button to confirm the settings.
- Tap "Save."
- Tap "OK."
Description:
- Detailed instructions on how to delete all content and settings
Important Note!
- Read the following information about what will be lost when you select "Delete All Content & Settings." [More info]-What is lost after formatting.
What to do:
- From the Wii U Menu, select "System Settings."
- Using the Left Stick scroll to the "Delete All Content and Settings" icon and press the A Button.
- Please read the information displayed on your TV screen, and then tap "Next."
- Wait for a few seconds, and then tap "Delete Everything."
Information:
This feature was introduced with the system update released on April 25th, 2013.
The Wii U will enter a standby mode when Standby Functions are enabled in System Settings and the Wii U is powered off. (How to)
While in this mode, the Wii U will:
- Continue to download items currently downloading in Data Management, including content purchased from the Nintendo eShop, system updates, software updates, and add-on content
- Regularly connect to the Internet to check for available SpotPass data or software and system updates
- Install completed downloads, except system updates, which will be installed the next time the Wii U is powered on
The Wii U console will display an orange LED and power on any connected USB storage devices while performing these functions.
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