How to Set Parental Controls on iPhone or iPad? – The Efficacy of Built-in Security Options by Apple

By Gaurav Rathore
Gaurav Rathore

Tech Writer

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

7 min read

An iPhone is the top-selling smartphone and a teenager’s favorite for sure. Whether it’s about the smooth graphics or the specialty of iOS, the device gets the top priority on the gadget list of youngsters.

Being an iPhone owner myself, I won’t hesitate if my child requests an iPhone or iPad. However, I’m also aware of the potential threats of using a smartphone like online predation, identity theft, addiction, etc. 

So, I stumbled upon the built-in parental controls on my iPhone that ensure the safety and security of your young ones. Below, I’ll mention the steps to set them up.

Quick Answer: An iPhone or iPad comes with built-in options that help you restrict content for your child. You can go to Settings >> Screen Time >> Content & Privacy Restrictions. Then, set the restrictions on features like inappropriate websites, in-app purchases, and more.

How to Set Parental Controls on an iPhone or iPad?

All you need to do is make changes to the Settings of your iPhone or iPad that will simply work as Apple parental controls. That said, let’s take a look at the measures you can take to enhance the device’s security.

Notes

The steps for iPhone and iPad parental controls will be the same for both devices. 

Creating a Child Account

Apple doesn’t allow accounts created by children under 13, which is why the first thing you need to consider is creating your child’s ID. With an ID, it will be easier for you to set parental controls. Follow these steps:

  • Go to Settings and type ‘Family’ in the search bar.
    Family
  • Then, tap on the ‘Add‘ button in the top right.
    Add
  • Now, tap ‘Create Child Account.’
    Create Child Account1
  • In the next step, you’ll have to enter the name and date of birth of your child. Tap ‘Verify You Are an Adult‘ to proceed further. 
    Verify You Are an Adult1
Notes

Make sure you enter the correct birthdate, as once confirmed, it can’t be changed. Also, when your child turns 13+, they’ll have more control over their Apple ID and iCloud account.

  • Enter your password to confirm the parental consent.
    password
  • Then, tap Agree under Apple’s Family Privacy Disclosure and its Terms and Conditions.
  • Proceed affirmatively to the upcoming prompts, and you’ll be able to set your child’s Apple ID.
    child’s Apple ID

Limiting Screen Time

Screen Time is a feature found in every iOS device that allows you to set a limit on your device usage. This is the best option if you’re wondering how to put parental controls on iPhone and the requirement is specifically limiting the usage.

Follow these steps to set a screen time on iPhone:

  • Tap Settings and open Screen Time from the search section.
    Screen Time1
  • Now, tap Turn On Screen Time.
    Turn On Screen Time
  • Read the insights and tap Turn On Screen Time again.
    Turn On Screen Time1
  • Now, choose who is using the device and proceed with tapping ‘This is My iPhone‘ or ‘This is My Child’s iPhone.’ Proceed further accordingly.
    This is My iPhone
  • Now, choose the Content accessed by your child and tap on ‘Turn On Restrictions‘ when done.
    Turn On Restrictions

At the end, you’ll be prompted to set a Passcode so that the changes can’t be altered again.

Notes

The Passcode you’ll set for the Screen Time settings must be different from the passcode used to unlock the iPhone or iPad. 

Restricting Adult Websites

To keep your kid away from any inappropriate content, you can set content restrictions on websites, App Store, iTunes content, Safari, and Siri. Starting with restricting adult sites, you need to follow these steps:

  • Go to Settings >> Screen Time.
    Settings & Screen Time
  • Then, tap on Content & Privacy Restrictions.
    Content & Privacy Restrictions1
  • Now, tap Web Content.
    Web Content
  • Tap Limit Adult Websites from the three options.
    Tap Limit Adult Websites2
  • Then, enter the URLs of the websites you don’t want your kid to access. 
    Web content1

So, if your child tries to open any websites you’ve restricted, they’ll end up receiving an error.

Disallowing In-App Purchases

To ensure your child doesn’t make any in-app purchases, open Content & Privacy Restrictions by following the same steps as mentioned previously. Then,

  • Turn on the toggle for Content & Privacy Restrictions and tap iTunes & App Store Purchases.
    iTunes & App Store Purchases
  • Then, tap In-app Purchases.
    In-app Purchases
  • Now, select ‘Don’t Allow‘ to prevent any purchases.
    Don't Allow

Restricting Siri Web Search

To avoid any kind of internet/web search using Siri, you need to restrict its functionality. Go to Content & Privacy Restrictions and scroll down the list.

  • Tap Web Search Content under SIRI.
    SIRI
  • Now, choose Don’t Allow.
    Don’t Allow

Restricting Game Center

Children love to play games on a mobile, but it raises concerns about encountering annoying people while multiplayer gaming. In an iPhone, you get the option to restrict multiplayer gaming, add friends, and more. 

To make the relevant changes, follow these steps:

  • Go to Settings >> Screen Time >> Content Restrictions
  • Scroll down to Game Center, and tap Multiplayer Games.
    Multiple Games
  • Tap Don’t Allow.
    Don’t Allow1

Similarly, you need to set restrictions for ‘Adding Friends‘ and ‘Screen Recording.’

Turning Off Tracking

Today, almost every app requires you to share your location. If you’re concerned about the location tracking of your child, you must turn off this option. Follow these steps:

  • Go to Settings >> Privacy & Security >> Location Services.
    Tap Privacy & Security Tap Location Services
  • Then, turn off the toggle for Location Services.
    Location Services
  • Confirm the action by tapping Turn Off.
    Turn Off

Enabling Guided Access

Guided access locks an app on the iPhone/iPad so that your children won’t be able to open any other apps when they’re busy with one already. For example, if your kid is using YouTube, enabling guided access won’t allow them to use any other apps on your iPhone.

To enable it, follow these steps

  • Open Settings >> Accessibility >> Guided Access.
    Tap Accessibility Tap Guided Access
  • Now, turn on the toggle for Guided Access, and you’re done.
    Guided Access

Pro Tip💡: To enable Guided Access, you can also triple-click the side button when using an app.

Turning on Focus Mode

With Focus Mode enabled, you can temporarily silence all notifications or only allow specific notifications when your child is using the phone. Moreover, you can set other focus filters that limit the features on the iPhone screen. To enable it:

  • Go to Settings >> Focus.
    Focus1
  • Then, choose a provided Focus option, which includes Do Not Disturb, Personal, Sleep, and Work.  
    Do Not Disturb, Personal, Sleep

Installing Third-Party Apps

If you’re unsure about the safety of parental controls on iPad or iPhone, you can consider installing third-party apps. These apps are built for privacy protection and to enhance the security of the device. Some of the best ones you can install would be:

  • Qustodio 
  • Norton Family 
  • Bark
  • FamiSafe
  • Mobicip

Final Thoughts

Apple is among the best companies providing the utmost device security to its users and asking for no extra cost for it. From limiting screen time to setting various content restrictions, you’re allowed to make the device safer for your kids. 

Apart from this, it is better to have an open discussion with your kids regarding internet safety and encourage them to be more vocal about their social life.

FAQs

How do I put parental controls on an iPhone?

You can simply set a few restrictions to make the device safer for your kids. These include restricting web content, disallowing in-app purchases, limiting screen time, and more.

How can I control my childs iPhone remotely?

Yes, you can control your child’s iPhone remotely, go to Settings >> Screen Time on your phone. Proceed with ‘This is My Device‘ and create a passcode. Then, take your child’s phone, open Screen Time, and select Use Screen Time Passcode.

Does iPhone have a kid mode?

No, there’s no kid mode in an iPhone, but you can consider Guided Access to restrict access to apps and features.

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