Apple Parental Controls and Screen Time

Apple parental controls help families manage children’s iPhone, iPad and Mac use through Family Sharing and Screen Time. Children use these devices for schoolwork, games, videos and contact with friends. This guide separates Apple’s newer family menus from earlier software and explains time, content, contact and purchase controls.

Age Rating and Child Safety Warning
Apple Parental Controls Setup and Restrictions
Apple Parental Controls Safety Settings
Earlier Apple Software and Mixed Device Families
Apple Account Security, Location and Data
Apple Family Transfers and Billing
Use Apple Family Settings Safely
Essential Safety Advice and Current Concerns
- Reporting and Support in Ireland
Platform Support and Regional Differences
- What Is Free and What May Cost Money
Safety Checklist
Frequently Asked Questions
Related CODA Guides
References
About Children of the Digital Age
Send a message

Age Rating and Child Safety Warning

Create a separate Apple Account for each child and enter the correct birthday. In Ireland, children under 16 need the supported parent or guardian process to create a child account. Other countries have different thresholds. This is separate from an app’s age rating, its own minimum age and whether its content is suitable.

An app rating does not rule out strangers, harmful conversations or unwanted purchases. Apple’s account age and region can affect defaults and whether a protection can be changed. Family Sharing includes up to six people. Avoid sharing the adult’s account with the child, because that can expose personal data and weaken supervision.

Apple Parental Controls Setup and Restrictions

The family organiser creates the group. A parent or guardian then manages the child’s settings.

On the adult iPhone or iPad, open Settings, your name, then Family and Continue. Follow the setup prompts.
To add a child later, open Settings, Family, then Add Member.
Choose Create Child Account for a new account, or Invite Others for an existing eligible account.
Enter the accurate birthday and complete the requested parent consent and verification. Sign the child’s device into their own account.

Why it matters: A separate account keeps the child’s identity distinct from yours. Also, read verification requests carefully. The organiser may also take responsibility for eligible family purchases.

Choose the Correct Software Instructions

Apple’s redesigned controls require version 27 software across the relevant family devices. Earlier devices retain the earlier controls.

Open Settings, Family, then View Family Devices. On Mac, start in System Settings.
Check which devices can update. Use General, then Software Update on each device.
After the family’s eligible devices update, return to Family and select Get Started to transfer or configure controls.
Review Legacy Devices for devices that cannot update. Use the earlier software instructions below for those devices.

Why it matters: Updating one device does not establish that the whole family has migrated. In addition, keep existing protections active while checking compatibility.

For the version 27 instructions below, open the child’s family settings means Settings, Family, then the child’s name on the parent iPhone or iPad. On Mac it means System Settings, Family, then the child. If you still see the earlier Settings, Screen Time, child route, use the earlier software section instead.

Apple Parental Controls: Complete the Version 27 Setup

The setup assistant introduces website rules, contact protection, schedules and allowances.

Open Family, select Get Started where offered, and follow the parent control setup.
Review the content and website choices before selecting Continue.
Choose the contact and sensitive image protections, then check the device availability times.
Review Pause During School Hours and the category allowances. Set a private Screen Time passcode when prompted.

Why it matters: Review every suggested value rather than treating defaults as a personalised assessment. Furthermore, return to the individual settings below when routines change.

Lock Screen Time Settings and Set Recovery

The Screen Time code is separate from the code used to unlock the device.

Open the child’s family settings, then Manage Screen Time.
Select Lock Screen Time Settings, enter a private four digit code, then confirm it.
Complete the Apple Account recovery prompts.
To change it, use Manage Screen Time, then Change Screen Time Passcode. Review Last used in the same area if necessary.

Why it matters: Keep the code and adult account private. Moreover, turning the Screen Time code off allows the child to change these settings.

Apple Parental Controls: Set Time Allowances

Allowances limit time in app categories rather than declaring every minute of device use equivalent.

Open the child’s family settings, then Time Allowances.
Select Add and follow the category setup.
Use the slider or plus and minus controls to adjust each allowance.
Review Match Screen Time Schedule and Additional Time Allowances for apps outside a category.

Why it matters: Check where important apps are categorised. Also, a category allowance and a schedule have different effects.

Create School and Bedtime Schedules

A schedule decides which app categories are available during selected windows.

Open the child’s family settings, then Screen Time Schedule and turn on Schedule.
Choose Add Schedule and select the days.
Use Add Time Window to set a name, times and allowed categories.
Select an existing window to edit it, or choose Delete Time Window to remove that exception.

Why it matters: Check weekdays and weekends together. In addition, a permissive window can leave more access than intended.

Apple Parental Controls: Keep Essential Apps and People Available

Always Allowed exceptions help preserve trusted contact and necessary tools.

Open the child’s family settings, then Always Allowed.
Choose Add Apps for an essential app.
Use Add People or Specific Contacts to review trusted contacts.
Remove an unnecessary exception through the displayed Edit or Remove control.

Why it matters: Test essential contact during the actual paused or limited state. Furthermore, broad exceptions can weaken the intended time rule.

Block Apps and Websites Individually

Use the lists to review individual decisions rather than assuming a content rating removes an app.

Open the child’s family settings, then Apps & Websites.
Select Add and enter the app or website to allow or block.
Review the Allowed and Blocked lists.
For a listed item, choose Block App or Block Website where offered and confirm.

Why it matters: Blocking does not necessarily delete an installed app. Moreover, Apple’s articles describe its appearance differently after blocking. Verify access on the child’s device.

Apple Parental Controls: Filter Websites and Require Ask to Browse

An approved site list offers a narrower browsing choice than adult content filtering.

Open the child’s family settings, then Apps & Websites and Restrictions.
Under Websites, open Filtering.
Choose Approved Websites Only to use Ask to Browse, or Limit Adult Websites for broader filtered access.
Review website requests before approving them and remove access when a site is no longer suitable.

Why it matters: Apple documents Safari and supported browser coverage. Also, confirm the browser in use. An approved site can change, and its contents still need review.

Require Ask to Buy for Eligible Downloads

Approval covers eligible Apple purchases and downloads. It does not cover every external transaction.

Open the child’s family settings, then Apps & Websites, Restrictions and Ask to Buy.
Turn on Require Purchase Approval. Some software offers Ask to Buy directly under the child’s settings.
When a request appears in Messages, inspect the item and choose Approve or Decline.

Why it matters: Previously obtained or shared content and updates can follow different rules. In addition, approval is not a universal spending cap, and external payments need separate checks.

Apple Parental Controls: Restrict App Installation, Purchases and Game Center

Review all displayed store and gaming controls. A download decision and a chat decision are separate.

Open the child’s family settings, then Apps & Websites.
Select App Store and review Installing Apps and App Clips, choosing Allowed or Blocked as appropriate.
Open Restrictions and review the available app rating, deletion and purchase controls.
In the Game Center section, review Connect with Friends, Private Messaging and every other communication option shown.

Why it matters: Do not assume Game Center settings govern a game’s own chat service. Furthermore, review its privacy and contact settings separately.

Check Alternative App Distribution in the EU

Apple documents this route for the earlier Screen Time interface. Newer Family menus can group installation choices differently.

Open Settings, Screen Time, then the relevant child’s settings where offered.
Open Content & Privacy Restrictions and enable them.
Select App Installations & Purchases, then set App Marketplaces and Web to Don’t Allow where available.
Recheck after a major update and use Apple’s official distribution instructions if the menu differs.

Why it matters: Alternative distribution can use different payment and approval rules. Therefore, do not assume Ask to Buy or App Store purchase restrictions cover an external marketplace.

Apple Parental Controls Safety Settings

Apple Parental Controls: Set Content Ratings for Media

Media ratings in Apple services are separate from app communication rules.

Open the child’s family settings, then Content & Privacy Restrictions.
Under Content Restrictions, review Books, Movies, TV Shows and Music.
Choose the suitable rating or restriction for each available type.

Why it matters: Check the country’s rating system and each streaming app’s own profiles. Also, app age filters are not identical on Mac and iPhone.

Manage Contacts and Communication Limits

These rules cover supported Apple communications such as Phone, Messages and FaceTime. They do not govern every messaging app.

Ensure Contacts is enabled in iCloud on the child’s device.
Open the child’s family settings, then Allowed Contacts.
Turn on Manage Contacts, or Manage [child] Contacts, and have the child accept the request.
Keep Allow Contact Editing off if new contacts should need approval.
Review During Screen Time and When Device Paused or Unavailable separately.

Why it matters: A group option that needs only one known contact can include unfamiliar people. In addition, test trusted contact and check WhatsApp or other services separately.

Apple Parental Controls: Keep Communication Safety On

The feature blurs detected sensitive imagery in supported Apple communications. Detection can miss content.

Open the child’s family settings, then Communication Safety.
Turn on Communication Safety and enter the Screen Time code if requested.
Review View Child Safety Resources together. Treat Improve Communication Safety as a separate optional analytics choice.

Why it matters: The analysis does not give a parent a complete message transcript. Furthermore, a warning does not remove every risk or guarantee that a child cannot continue.

Review Siri and Apple Intelligence

The available AI controls depend on hardware, language, country and age.

Open the child’s family settings, then Content & Privacy Restrictions and Siri.
Review the offered Siri version or Don’t Allow Siri.
Review Writing Assistance, Image Creation, Math Assistance, Sensitive Topics and Explicit Language where offered.
Check Extensions separately if you want to restrict the ChatGPT extension.

Why it matters: AI answers can be inaccurate or unsuitable. Moreover, service age requirements still apply. Blocking an Apple extension does not block every AI app or website.

Apple Parental Controls: Control Built In Features and Settings Changes

Check existing permissions before preventing future changes.

Open the child’s family settings, then Content & Privacy Restrictions.
Select Other Features and review AirDrop, Camera and other available features.
Open Allow Changes to Settings and review Accounts, Contacts, Photos, Calendar and location related changes where shown.
Review Privacy Restrictions where that separate section appears on your software.

Why it matters: A blocked feature may be hidden rather than deleted. Also, preventing changes does not establish that every existing permission is safe.

Supporting apps can request an age range without receiving the child’s full birthday.

Open the child’s family settings, then Apple Account & Password.
Choose Set Up beside Age Range for Apps if needed.
Open Age Range for Apps, then Share with Apps. Choose Always, Ask First or Don’t Share.
Review listed apps and use Share Age Range Again when an update is appropriate.

Why it matters: The feature depends on region and developer support. In addition, age sharing does not establish that an app verifies every user or provides safe contact.

Apple Parental Controls: Review Activity and Time Requests

Activity reports support a discussion about routines. They do not reveal every private conversation.

Open the child’s family settings and select Daily Average or Most Used Today.
Compare Day and Week, then review apps, websites, pickups and notifications.
For a time request in Messages, choose the appropriate approval duration or Not Now.
To allow another trusted adult to approve requests, select them in Family and review Set as Parent/Guardian.

Why it matters: A guardian can make consequential decisions. Furthermore, give that role only to an appropriate adult, and review exceptions as well as the totals.

Use Screen Distance on Compatible Devices

Screen Distance encourages a more comfortable viewing distance on supported TrueDepth camera devices.

On the relevant iPhone or iPad, open Settings, then Screen Time.
Open Content & Privacy Restrictions, then Screen Distance, and review the switch.
If an alert appears, move the screen farther away and choose Continue when available.

Why it matters: This is a viewing reminder, not a medical assessment. Moreover, software versions can place the control differently. It needs compatible hardware.

Review a Managed Apple Watch Separately

An Apple Watch set up for a child has its own supported features and regional requirements.

Open the Watch app on the iPhone that manages the watch.
Open My Watch, Family Watches, choose the watch, then Done.
Review Screen Time, Contacts, Emergency SOS, Find My and app settings individually.
For a schedule, open Schooltime, turn it on and choose Edit Schedule. Review the days and times.

Why it matters: Schooltime can be exited temporarily. Also, check the unlock report and keep emergency contact available. Some functions need a cellular plan, supported hardware and a participating carrier.

Earlier Apple Software and Mixed Device Families

On iOS 26 and earlier, open Settings, Screen Time, then the child under Family on the parent device. These menus differ from version 27. Keep controls enabled and use Apple’s guide for the exact installed version. A device that cannot update still needs its own review.

Schedule Earlier Downtime and Enforce It

These steps describe the earlier Screen Time interface, including iOS 26. A reminder alone can allow continued use.

On the parent device, open Settings, Screen Time, then the child.
Open App & Website Activity and enable it if needed.
Choose Downtime, then Scheduled. Select Every Day or Customize Days and set the start and end times.
With the Screen Time code set, turn Block at Downtime on.

Why it matters: A dimmed app is not always an enforced block. Therefore, test a restricted app during the scheduled period and preserve necessary contact.

Apple Parental Controls: Set Earlier App Limits and Essential Exceptions

App allowances and Always Allowed exceptions need separate decisions.

Open Settings, Screen Time, the child, then App Limits and Add Limit.
Select categories or individual apps, choose Next and set the duration. Review Customize Days where needed, then select Done.
Return to the child’s Screen Time, then Always Allowed. Review essential apps and Contacts, including Specific Contacts.

Why it matters: Check the actual result when the allowance ends. Also, a combined selection can share one limit, while an allowed essential app can remain available.

Use App Limits in the Earlier Mac Interface

Mac’s earlier Screen Time interface offers its own app and website allowance controls.

Open System Settings, then Screen Time. Select the child in Family Member.
Choose App Limits, enable it if needed and select Add Limit.
Select the apps, categories or websites, then set the Time using Every Day or Custom and Edit.
Enable Block at end of limit for enforcement, then select Done.

Why it matters: A reminder and an enforced block differ. Therefore, check the selected family member and test the app after the allowance ends.

Apple Parental Controls: Restrict Earlier Content, Purchases and Features

Older software groups these controls under Screen Time rather than the redesigned Family menus.

Open Settings, Screen Time, the child, then Content & Privacy Restrictions, and turn the restrictions on.
Open iTunes & App Store Purchases for the displayed purchase and download choices.
Use Allowed Apps & Features for built in features.
Open App Store, Media, Web, & Games, then Web Content. Select Limit Adult Websites, then Add Website under Never Allow for a specific block.
Review each setting under Privacy and Allow Changes To before restricting changes.

Why it matters: This does not control every streaming or messaging app. Therefore, inspect app level profiles, communication and purchases as well.

Review Earlier Ask to Buy and App Exceptions

A permitted exception can allow an app above the usual rating limit.

Open Settings, Family, the child, then Ask To Buy and Turn on Ask to Buy.
For a request in Messages, select Review the request, then Approve or Decline.
Inspect previous exceptions under Settings, Screen Time, the child, Content & Privacy Restrictions, App Store, Media, Web, & Games, then Apps.

Why it matters: Review exceptions regularly rather than relying only on the age rating. Also, an approved app still needs its own safety settings.

Apple Parental Controls: Restrict Unrated Apps in the Earlier Interface

An alternative marketplace can offer unrated content. Installation permission and the maximum app rating are separate controls.

Open Settings, Screen Time, then the relevant child’s settings where offered.
Choose Content & Privacy Restrictions, then App Store, Media, Web, & Games.
Open Apps and choose the maximum suitable age rating.
Review approved app exceptions separately.

Why it matters: An age restriction does not remove every existing exception. Also, alternative payments can follow different rules from App Store purchases.

Remove an Alternative Developer’s Installation Permission

Removing an installation permission differs from changing the family’s purchase approval rules.

Read Apple’s removal instructions and check whether App Installation must first be assigned a different default app.
Delete the marketplace if you intend to remove it. This step does not apply when apps came directly from a developer website.
Open Settings, Apps, then App Installation.
Select the marketplace or web distributor, choose Remove Developer and review the confirmation.

Why it matters: Apps kept from that distributor will stop receiving its updates. Therefore, review their future use and a supported replacement before removing installation permission.

Apple Account Security, Location and Data

Location sharing belongs to Family Sharing and Find My, rather than being a complete Screen Time activity report.

Open Settings, Family, then Location Sharing.
Choose the family members who should receive the device owner’s location.
Review Automatically Share Location before sharing with future family members.
Check Settings, Privacy & Security, then Location Services on the relevant device.

Why it matters: Each direction of sharing needs its own review. Also, a family member’s device location does not prove who is holding it or provide guaranteed emergency tracking.

Secure the Adult Apple Account

The parent’s Apple Account and trusted devices can affect the child’s protections.

On the adult iPhone, open Settings, your name, Sign-In & Security, then Two-Factor Authentication.
If setup is needed, add the trusted phone number, choose Next and complete verification.
Return to your name in Settings and review the listed devices. Remove an unfamiliar device only after confirming it is not a device you still use.

Why it matters: Keep passwords and verification codes private. Also, removing a trusted device can interrupt its account access, so investigate an unfamiliar entry before making changes.

Apple Parental Controls: Recover a Child’s Screen Time Code

Use the parent or guardian’s own device when the child belongs to the family group.

On the adult device, open Settings, then Screen Time and the child under Family.
Open Manage Screen Time, then Change Screen Time Passcode and select it again.
Complete the requested authentication and enter the new code twice.

Why it matters: Use the account that originally supplied Screen Time recovery if Apple requests it. Also, avoid services that claim to bypass the child’s protections.

Set an Adult Account Recovery Contact

A recovery contact helps with adult account recovery. It does not receive ordinary access to the account.

Open Settings, your name, then Sign-In & Security.
Choose Recovery Contacts, then Add Recovery Contact.
Follow the eligibility and invitation prompts with a trusted person.

Why it matters: Maintain your own trusted phone numbers and account records too. Therefore, discuss the role before sending an invitation and never share the account password.

Recover a Child’s Apple Account Password

The parent needs an eligible Child Account in their Family Sharing group.

On the trusted adult device, open Settings, Family, then the child’s account.
Select Change [child’s Name] Password. With Screen Time enabled, first open Personal Information if Apple places the option there.
Complete the authentication and new password prompts.

Why it matters: Keep recovery with the family’s trusted adult. Also, password changes can require signing in again and a security delay can apply.

Request Apple Data Before Major Changes

A copy can help preserve account information before deletion or a device handover.

Sign into the correct Apple Account at Apple’s Data and Privacy website.
Under the option to get a copy of data, choose Request a copy of your data where offered.
Select the required categories, choose Continue and complete verification. Download the prepared data within the displayed availability period.

Why it matters: Check which account is signed in and keep the archive private. Also, account exports and device backups serve different purposes.

Apple Parental Controls: Understand Child Account Deletion and Family Transfer

Transferring family management and permanently deleting the child’s account have very different effects.

Back up needed data somewhere independent of this Apple Account and sign out of its devices first. Read Apple’s Find My and Activation Lock warning before proceeding.
Use Apple’s Data and Privacy page for the child’s account and choose Request to delete your account only when permanent deletion is intended.
Read the data loss warnings and complete the identity and consent requirements Apple displays.
The family organiser must review any approval request sent to their account email.
For a family change, use the separate Family Sharing transfer process instead of deleting the account.

Why it matters: A younger child may need to remain in an eligible family group. Also, age and regional requirements differ, and deletion removes access to account data and services.

Apple Family Transfers and Billing

Transfer a Child to Another Family Group

The new family organiser starts the request and the current organiser approves it. This preserves the account instead of deleting it.

New organiser on iPhone or iPad: open Settings, Family, Add Member, Invite Others, then Invite in Person.
Complete the child’s account sign in on the trusted device and follow the prompts. Never send the password through a message.
Current organiser: open Settings, find Family Transfer Request below your name and follow its instructions.
New organiser: after approval, complete the parental consent and adult verification prompts. Check Settings, Family, then the child for status.
Review the child’s protections after the move. Check Apple’s separate managed Watch requirements before transferring a watch.

Why it matters: Age and country can affect eligibility. Also, Apple may require existing teen controls to be turned off for transfer. Coordinate both adults and restore the intended protection promptly rather than leaving a gap.

Cancel an Apple Billed Subscription

The account on the receipt determines who can cancel. A family organiser cannot cancel another member’s subscription from their own account.

Find the receipt and confirm which Apple Account and billing provider were used.
On the purchasing account’s iPhone or iPad, open Settings, your name, then Subscriptions.
Choose the subscription and select Cancel Subscription. Review the expiry and confirmation.
If the button is absent or a red expiry message appears, it is already cancelled. For another provider’s billing, contact that provider.

Why it matters: Deleting the app or removing a family member does not stop every renewal. Also, cancel an unwanted trial at least 24 hours before its end. Request a refund separately where appropriate.

Request an Eligible Apple Purchase Refund

Purchase approval and refund eligibility are separate decisions.

Sign into Apple’s Report a Problem website with the purchasing account.
Choose I’d like to, then Request a refund. Select the reason and Next.
Choose the item, check the request and select Submit.
For purchases charged to the shared payment method, the family organiser can use the Apple Account button and All to find family purchases.

Why it matters: Apple reviews eligibility and pending charges may not yet appear. Also, check the correct receipt and billing provider. Refunding a past charge is separate from cancelling a subscription’s future renewal.

Use Apple Family Settings Safely

First, explain the rules and the information you can see. Agree how your child can ask for more time or a different rule. Then test a harmless block together. Also check schoolwork, accessibility tools and contact with trusted adults. Review the settings as your child gains independence.

Essential Safety Advice and Current Concerns

A permitted app can still contain bullying, scams, grooming, sexual pressure or misleading AI responses. Therefore, review privacy, chat and reporting tools inside each app. Encourage your child to seek help without fear of losing their device. An unfamiliar account or an alert needs a calm conversation.

If a concerning contact appears, use that service’s Block and Report tools. Keep useful usernames, links and dates. However, do not forward sexual images of a child. Get appropriate safeguarding help when needed. CODA education does not replace an emergency response.

Reporting and Support in Ireland

If a child is in immediate danger in Ireland, call 112 or 999. For exploitation, threats or suspected crime, contact An Garda Síochána. Keep useful account names, links and dates. However, do not download or forward sexual images of a child.

Report suspected online child sexual abuse material through Hotline.ie. Its reporting service does not replace a Garda report when a child faces danger or a crime needs investigation. Reassure the child and agree the next step together.

Platform Support and Regional Differences

The detailed Family menus above describe Apple’s version 27 documentation. Older or mixed families need the earlier software routes. Features vary by account, device and country. App ratings on Mac do not provide the same coverage as on iPhone and iPad. Family location sharing and Find My are separate from Screen Time. Review who receives location rather than assuming everyone should share it.

What Is Free and What May Cost Money

Family Sharing and Screen Time do not require a parental control subscription. Devices, mobile service, purchases and shared subscriptions can cost money. Check purchase sharing and the organiser’s payment responsibility. Removing someone from a family does not itself cancel every subscription or erase their account.

Safety Checklist

Use the correct child account and an accurate date of birth.
Keep the adult account and recovery methods private.
Check every device, browser and app your child uses.
Test time rules, purchase approvals and a harmless blocked website where supported.
Keep essential contacts and accessibility tools available.
Review settings after updates and discuss reports together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I read every message through Screen Time?

No. Contact restrictions and sensitive image warnings do not provide a complete message monitoring service. Other apps have their own rules.

Does Ask to Buy cover all payments?

No. It covers eligible Apple purchases and downloads. Alternative distribution, external payments, subscriptions and previously obtained content need separate review.

Will the same menus appear on an older iPhone?

No. Use the earlier software section and Apple’s guide for that version. Newer Family menus require the relevant update and migration.

Free Parental Controls compares the built in and free options.
Device Safety and Parental Controls helps families choose appropriate tools.
Resources for Parents brings together CODA safety guidance.

Apple TV viewing and purchase controls explains separate app, profile and television restrictions.

References

These instructions use official provider documentation. Menu labels can vary by software, account and country. Check the linked instructions when a setting differs.

About Children of the Digital Age

Children of the Digital Age provides online safety education and training for families, schools and communities. Our guidance helps adults and young people understand digital risks and make informed choices.

Send a message

Contact CODA to enquire about online safety education, training or guidance for your family, school or organisation.

Last updated: 17 October 2026

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