How to Set up Parental Controls on iPhone for YouTube? – Effective Ways to Restrict YouTube

By Gaurav Rathore
Gaurav Rathore

Tech Writer

His write-ups blend creativity, personal experience, and tailored technical advice, meeting reader needs effectively.

6 min read

Today, YouTube is a go-to platform for kids to learn something new. If your children have lingered to it too for their specific purposes, there’s always a concern about encountering mature content.

Though the app doesn’t allow any mature content, there are still numerous videos unsuitable for a young mind to consume. So, to make sure your kids stay clear of such content, learning how to set up parental controls on iPhone for YouTube is a viable solution. Read this blog to find out how.

Quick Answer: Setting parental controls on YouTube on an iPhone may include enabling the Restricted Mode, setting a time limit, and adding age restrictions to the app.

How to Set up Parental Controls on iPhone for YouTube?

To set parental controls on YouTube, you can either set some limitations or restrict the mature content. That said, let’s take a look at the methods to put some limitations on it.

Set Age Restriction to the App 

If your child is not old enough to download and install YouTube, you can set age restrictions for downloading and using it on your iPhone. 

YouTube’s age rating is 12+ on the App Store, so setting the age limit to 9 means it will get blocked automatically. All you need to do is:

Notes

If the app has already been downloaded, consider uninstalling the app and then follow the steps.

  • Open Settings >> Screen Time.
    screen
  • Scroll down and tap Content & Privacy Restrictions >> Content Restrictions >> Apps.
    new im
  • Set the age limit to 9+.
    Set the age limit to 9+

    Now, YouTube will disappear from the app store and your kids won’t be able to use it again.

Set a Time Limit

You can simply set a screen time for using YouTube. This method is one of the best iOS parental controls as your kids will use the app under a specific time limit. Follow these steps to set a screen time limit on your child’s iPhone:

  • Open Settings >> Screen Time >> App Limits >> Add Limit.
    app limit
  • Now, choose YouTube from the list of apps given.
    Choose YouTube
  • Set the desired time limit (in this case, we’ll add 2 hours for a day) and tap Add to proceed further. 
    addd
  • Then, tap Add Limit to confirm.
    Tap Add Limit

This will set a screen time limit and your child will only be able to stream videos on the app for a specific duration.

Notes

The App limit will only be applied to this device. You’ll receive a pop-up notification on the screen five minutes before the end of the limit.

Activate Restricted Mode

When it comes to built-in YouTube parental controls, activating restricted mode is the only option you get. Enabling this will ensure that your kids only access content that is safe for watching and doesn’t contain any mature stuff. To enable Restricted Mode on your kid’s iPhone:

  • Open the YouTube, tap your profile picture, and tap Settings (the gear-like icon). 
    setting
  • Tap General.
    General
  • Now, turn on the toggle for Restricted Mode to enable it. 
    Enable Restricted Mode

That’s it, you can now exit Settings, and it will ensure that your kids won’t come across any mature content on the app.

How to Block YouTube on iPhone?

Learning how to set parental controls on iPhone for YouTube is a feasible option if you don’t want your children to spend hours on the app or stream any inappropriate content. However, if you want to completely block YouTube, trying these methods would work fine.

Uninstall YouTube and Block Re-installation

Getting rid of the YouTube app and blocking re-installation will keep your children away from it. All you need to do is remove the App Store from the phone so that no new apps can be downloaded.

This method works when your kids are spending too much time on the platform, and you want them to take a break. Follow these steps:

  • Remove the YouTube app by long-pressing the icon and then tapping Remove App >> Delete App.
    Delete app
  • Now, you need to block it from re-installing. For that, go to Settings >> Screen Time >> Content & Privacy Restrictions.
    Content & Privacy Restrictions
  • Turn on the toggle first and then tap iTunes & App Store Purchases below it.
    Tap iTunes & App Store Purchases
  • Then, tap Installing Apps >> Don’t Allow.
    Tap Installing Apps & Tap Don’t Allow

Block YouTube From the Browsers

You may have uninstalled the YouTube app and blocked its reinstallation from the iPhone, but remember, the platform can be easily accessed via its official website. 

Fortunately, you can block the URL from all internet browsers on the kid’s iPhone. Just follow these steps:

  • Go to Settings >> Screen Time >> Use Screen Time Passcode
  • Enter a four-digit passcode for security purposes.
  • Then, tap Content & Privacy Restrictions, and turn on the toggle.
  • Now, tap Web Content and choose Limit Adult Websites.
    app click
  • As YouTube is not an adult site, you’ll have to add it under the Never Allow section by tapping Add Website.
    ap-Add-Website
  • Add the URL https://www.youtube.com here and exit the Settings menu.

That’s it, your child will not be able to access YouTube on any browser. Even if they try to, they’ll end up receiving a notification that it is restricted.

Wrapping Up

YouTube can surely be used for learning something new, but, being a popular video streaming platform, your kids can always find something off-topic or inappropriate on it. In addition, several videos contain mature language or visuals unfitting for a young mind.

Setting parental controls on YouTube is the best solution in this case. You can even block the app and the URL to prevent access completely. In addition, the use of third-party apps is also recommended. 

FAQ

How do I put parental controls on an iPhone for YouTube?

To set parental controls on an iPhone for YouTube, you can set Age Restrictions, set a Screen Time Limit, and activate Restrict Mode.

How do I restrict inappropriate content on YouTube?

To prevent access to any inappropriate content on YouTube, you just have to enable the Restrict Mode. Tap Settings >> General >> Restricted Mode.

Does iPhone have a kid mode?

Yes, there’s a kid mode on an iPhone. To enable it, open Settings >> General >> Accessibility >> Guided Access and turn on the toggle for “Guided Access.” 

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