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How to set up parental controls on iPhone

To turn on parental controls on a child\'s iPhone, open Settings, tap Screen Time, set a passcode, and switch on Content & Privacy Restrictions. This limits adult web content, app age ratings, and purchases in about five minutes and can be reversed at any time.

Last reviewed: · Reviewed by Dr Alex J. Martin-Smith

Step-by-step setup

  1. Turn on Screen Time

    Settings → Screen Time → Turn On Screen Time.

  2. Create a parent passcode

    Set a passcode your child does not know.

  3. Enable restrictions

    Open Content & Privacy Restrictions and turn them on.

  4. Limit content

    Set Web Content to Limit Adult Websites and choose age ratings for apps and media.

  5. Lock purchases

    Set iTunes/App Store Purchases to Don\'t Allow without parent approval.

How to remove this later

Go back to Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions and turn it off, or adjust individual controls as your child grows.