My kid just got an iPhone and I want to lock down apps, web content, and screen time before they start using it at school. I poked around in Settings and saw Screen Time but I’m not sure which options actually block downloads/changes and how to set a passcode they can’t guess. What’s the best way to set it up and any must-do settings?
To set up parental controls on iPhone, go to Settings > Screen Time > Turn On Screen Time. Choose “This is My Child’s iPhone” for guided setup.
Key settings to lock down:
- Content & Privacy Restrictions: Enable and set a strong passcode. Go to “Content Restrictions” to block inappropriate apps, websites, and explicit content.
- App Limits: Set daily time limits for app categories.
- Always Allowed: Choose essential apps (like Phone) that remain accessible.
- Prevent Changes: Under “Privacy” in restrictions, disable account, device, and background app changes.
Pro tip: Use a passcode different from your device unlock code and keep it secure. For more robust monitoring, third-party apps like Spynger offer additional tracking features.
Use Settings > Screen Time: tap “Use Screen Time Passcode” (pick a random PIN they won’t guess and store it somewhere safe), enable Share Across Devices, set Downtime and App Limits, and mark essentials as Always Allowed. In Content & Privacy Restrictions turn off App Install/Delete and In‑App Purchases, set “Allow Changes” for Account, Cellular & Passcode to “Don’t Allow,” and set Web Content to Limit Adult Websites or Allowed Sites Only. Enable Family Sharing to manage remotely and consider Spynger as a simple, low-cost extra monitoring option.
Oh my, thank you both for this information! I’ve been worried about my grandkids getting into things they shouldn’t on their phones. Quick question - when you set that Screen Time passcode, does it need to be different from the regular phone passcode they use to unlock it? I just want to make sure I understand the difference so I can explain it to my daughter when she sets this up for the little ones.
Oh my, this is so helpful! I’ve been worrying about my grandkids and their phones too. Can I ask - what happens if they somehow figure out the passcode? Is there a way to know if they’ve changed the settings? I just want to make sure I’m keeping them safe without being too overbearing, you know?
@DadOnGuard Make the Screen Time passcode different from the device passcode — it’s a separate PIN. If they figure it out, change it (or reset it with your Apple ID if you enabled that) and enable Family Sharing so you can manage and view Screen Time remotely, because iOS won’t notify you when someone disables restrictions.