How to Set Up Parental Controls on Apple Devices: Fun and Easy Guide!

Guardian Mode Mastering Parental Controls on Your Apple Device

Apple Device Setting Up Parental Controls

iOS Parental Controls

Allowing your child to roam the internet unsupervised is like letting them loose in a candy store with no adult supervision. You just know things are going to get sticky. But fear not, my fellow gamers! Apple has some nifty built-in parental controls to save the day. Let’s dive into this fun and easy guide to keep your little gamers safe!

Turning on Parental Controls on iOS

The easiest way to set up parental controls is by establishing a Family Sharing scheme. It’s like forming a squad to protect your loved ones from the dangers of the online world. Check out our guide on setting up family sharing on your Apple device for the full scoop. Once you’ve got that locked in, accessing parental controls for each child is a piece of cake!

If you prefer to go solo, you can access parental controls directly on your child’s device. On iOS, parental controls are nestled snugly in the Screen Time settings. Just follow these steps:

  1. Click the settings icon on your child’s iPhone, iPad, or iPod.
  2. Select Screen Time and flick that switch to Turn On Screen Time.
  3. Tap on Screen Time Passcode and choose a passcode that only you and your kid’s memory wizard friend can remember.
  4. Confirm the passcode and enter your Apple ID and password, which you can use later to recover the passcode in case you forget it (let’s hope not!)
Mac Parental Controls

Turning on Parental Controls on a Mac

For those who prefer the big screens of Mac computers, fear not! Parental controls are here to save the day. Just follow these simple steps:

  1. Click on that juicy Apple icon menu at the top of your screen. It’s like the power-up mushroom of controls.
  2. Find System Settings (or System Preferences for you cool kids with older Mac versions).
  3. Seek your destiny in the caring arms of Screen Time settings lurking within.
  4. Once you’re there, click on Content & Privacy and turn on those restrictions. Make sure your child can’t wiggle out of your loving controls by setting a passcode. You’ve got this!

The Great Things You Can Do with iOS Parental Controls

Now that your parental controls are locked and loaded, it’s time to explore the power they hold! Here are some of the amazing functionalities you can unleash upon the world:

Set Up Downtime

Downtime

Under Screen Time > App & Website Activity > Downtime, you can choose when to turn off the distractions and focus on life outside screens. You have the power to allow only specific apps and phone calls during this sacred time. You can even block the entire device if you’re feeling frisky!

Set App Limits

If you feel like your child spends more time battling virtual monsters than eating their vegetables, fear not! Under Screen Time > App Limits, you can set daily time limits for different app categories. You can even cherry-pick specific apps to include or exclude. It’s like a gamer’s version of portion control!

Set Communication Limits

It’s essential to keep tabs on who your child is communicating with, especially when the online world can be stranger danger central. Under Screen Time > Communication Limits, you can set limits based on contacts. Feel free to tailor different limits for screen time and downtime. Only allow your child to contact specific peeps during downtime, like Mom or Dad. Safety first!

Set Always Allowed Apps and Contacts

Some apps and contacts are so important, they should always be accessible. Under Screen Time > Always Allowed, you have the power to select the chosen ones. Even during downtime, they will shine through like bright stars in the gaming galaxy.

Restrict iTunes and App Store Purchases

Parents’ wallets unite! Under Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases, you can unleash the ultimate control. Block your child from installing apps, deleting apps, or making in-app purchases willy-nilly. It’s like having the power of the Infinity Gauntlet to keep those bills in check!

Select Allowed Apps

Some apps are like unwanted guests at a party—best to give them the cold shoulder. Under Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps, you can disable those pesky intruders. They won’t be visible on the home screen, rendering them powerless and inaccessible.

Set Up Content Restrictions

Content Restrictions

But wait, there’s more! Under the dazzling realm of Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Content Restrictions, you can tailor your child’s online world to their age and interests. Lock specific content types such as music, podcasts, TV shows, and more behind the parental gate. You can even limit adult websites or create a whitelist of approved sites. Siri isn’t left out either; you can prevent it from delivering explicit content.

Set Up Privacy Restrictions

Privacy is a precious gem, and you’re the key holder. Under Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Privacy, you can wield the power to manage your child’s information highway. Control access to their location, contacts, calendars, reminders, photos, and more. Prevent your child’s curious hands from meddling with these settings and safeguard their digital fortress!

Conclusion

And there you have it, brave gamers! The power of parental controls at your fingertips. With these tools, you can journey into the unknowns of the digital realm while keeping your little gamers safe and sound. So go forth, set up those controls, and conquer the gaming world while ensuring their safety!

NEXT: How to Set Up Parental Controls on PlayStation

Got any epic tips on parental controls? Share your wisdom in the comments below and let’s protect our little adventurers together!