How to Set Up Parental Controls on iOS Devices

How to Set Up Parental Controls on iOS Devices

Setting up parental controls on iOS devices is crucial for managing and restricting content and features accessible to children. Apple provides robust tools that allow parents to control and monitor their children’s device usage. Here’s a step-by-step guide to setting up parental controls on iOS devices:

Setting Up Parental Controls on iOS Devices

1. Enable Restrictions (for iOS 14 and earlier) or Screen Time (for iOS 15 and later)

  • For iOS 14 and earlier:
    • Go to Settings > Screen Time.
    • Tap on “Turn On Screen Time.”
    • Choose “This is My Child’s iPhone” or “This is My iPhone,” depending on whose device it is.
    • Set a Screen Time passcode. This passcode is different from the device passcode and is used to manage Screen Time settings.
  • For iOS 15 and later:
    • Go to Settings > Screen Time.
    • Tap on “Turn On Screen Time.”
    • Select “Continue” and then “This is My Child’s iPhone” or “This is My iPhone.”
    • Set up a Screen Time passcode.
How to Set Up Parental Controls on iOS Devices

How to Set Up Parental Controls on iOS Devices

2. Set Content and Privacy Restrictions

  • In Screen Time settings:
    • Tap on “Content & Privacy Restrictions.”
    • Turn on “Content & Privacy Restrictions.”
    • Enter your Screen Time passcode when prompted.

3. Manage Content and Features

  • Under Content & Privacy Restrictions:
    • Allowed Apps: Choose which apps are allowed to be used.
    • Content Restrictions: Adjust settings for ratings and allowed content types for apps, movies, music, books, and more.
    • Privacy: Manage permissions for location services, contacts, photos, and other personal data.
    • Other Settings: Control changes to accounts, cellular data use, and volume limits.

4. Restrict Screen Time and App Limits

  • Set Downtime: Schedule specific times when the device can’t be used except for allowed apps.
  • App Limits: Set time limits for categories of apps like games or social media.
  • Communication Limits: Restrict who your child can communicate with via phone calls, Messages, and FaceTime.

5. Enable Ask to Buy (for Family Sharing)

  • If your child is part of Family Sharing:
    • Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Family Sharing.
    • Tap on your child’s name and turn on “Ask to Buy.”
    • This requires parental approval for purchases and downloads from the App Store.

6. Use Screen Time on Other Devices

  • Screen Time settings can be managed remotely from your device if your child’s device is set up in Family Sharing.

Additional Tips:

  • Regularly Review Settings: Check and adjust settings based on your child’s age and maturity.
  • Communication: Discuss rules and guidelines with your child regarding screen time and app usage.
  • Stay Informed: Familiarize yourself with the latest updates to iOS and parental control features.

By following these steps, you can effectively set up and manage parental controls on iOS devices, ensuring a safer and more controlled digital experience for your children. These controls help promote healthy device usage habits while protecting children from inappropriate content and excessive screen time.