iPhone Screen Time Parental Controls Setup

Updated 4 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

This guide walks you through setting up Screen Time parental controls on an iPhone, letting you manage app usage, schedule downtime, and restrict content. You’ll need the parent or guardian’s Apple ID password and the child’s Apple ID (or create one during setup).

What You’ll Need

An iPhone running iOS 12 or later (ideally the latest iOS version)
The Apple ID and password for the parent/guardian account
The child’s Apple ID and password, or a plan to create one
Family Sharing set up (optional but recommended for managing multiple devices)

Step-by-Step

Open Settings on your iPhone. Tap your name at the top, then tap Family Sharing (if you have it set up) or go directly to Screen Time in the main Settings list.
Tap Screen Time. If you haven’t used it before, tap Turn On Screen Time. If you have, skip to step 4.
Choose “This is My Child’s iPhone” when prompted. This is crucialâ€”it lets you set up parental controls rather than just tracking your own usage.
Set a Screen Time passcode. Enter a 4-digit passcode that your child doesn’t know. This prevents them from changing the settings. You’ll also be asked to enter your Apple ID password as a backup in case you forget the passcode.
Set Downtime. Choose a schedule (e.g., 9 PM to 7 AM) when only apps you allow and phone calls will be available. Tap Downtime, toggle it on, and set the start and end times. You can also customize which apps are always allowed during downtime.
Set App Limits. Tap App Limits, then Add Limit. Select categories (Social, Games, Entertainment, etc.) or specific apps, set a time limit (e.g., 1 hour per day), and tap Add. You can add multiple limits.
Set Always Allowed. Tap Always Allowed to choose apps that are accessible even during downtime and beyond app limits. Typically, you’ll keep Phone, Messages, and essential utilities like Maps or Health.
Set Content & Privacy Restrictions. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions, toggle it on. Then set restrictions for:
- iTunes & App Store Purchases: Choose whether to allow installing, deleting, or in-app purchases (set to “Don’t Allow” for strict control).
- Allowed Apps: Disable built-in apps like Safari, Camera, or FaceTime if desired.
- Content Restrictions: Set ratings for music, movies, TV shows, books, and apps (e.g., PG-13, T for Teen). Also restrict web content to “Limit Adult Websites” or “Allowed Websites Only.”
- Privacy: Control access to location, contacts, photos, and other data.
Review and adjust. After setting everything, go back to the main Screen Time screen. You’ll see a summary of usage. Tap each section to tweak limits as needed.
Apply to other devices. If you have Family Sharing, you can set the same limits for the child’s other Apple devices (iPad, Mac) by going to Screen Time on your device, tapping the child’s name, and enabling “Share Across Devices.”

Common Mistakes

Not setting a passcode: Without a passcode, your child can simply go to Settings > Screen Time and turn off restrictions or extend limits.
Choosing “This is My iPhone”: If you pick this by mistake, you won’t get the parental control options. You’ll need to turn off Screen Time and start over.
Forgetting to set “Always Allowed”: If you don’t add essential apps, your child might be locked out of Messages or Phone during downtime, which can be problematic in emergencies.
Setting overly restrictive limits: If you block all apps except a few, your child may find workarounds or become frustrated. It’s better to start moderate and adjust.
Not using Family Sharing: Without it, you can only manage the device you’re setting up. Family Sharing lets you manage all of your child’s devices from one place.

Tips

Use “Ask to Buy”: In Family Sharing, enable Ask to Buy so any app or in-app purchase request goes to you for approval.
Schedule downtime for bedtime: Use Downtime to automatically block apps during sleep hours, which also helps establish healthy routines.
Review weekly reports: Screen Time sends a weekly summary of your child’s usage. Use it to have conversations about screen habits rather than just imposing rules.
Set limits gradually: Start with generous limits, then tighten them over time as your child demonstrates responsibility.
Use “Block at Downtime”: For specific apps, you can choose to block them entirely during downtime rather than just limiting usage.
Keep the passcode private: Never share the Screen Time passcode with your child. If they know it, they can change limits.

Troubleshooting

Forgot the Screen Time passcode: Go to Settings > Screen Time > Change Screen Time Passcode > Forgot Passcode? Enter your Apple ID password to reset it. If you also forgot that, you’ll need to erase the device and restore from backup (which may lose the passcode).
Child can’t download apps: Check Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases > Installing Apps. Set it to “Allow” if you want to permit downloads.
Limits not applying: Make sure Screen Time is turned on and the passcode is set. Also check that the device is running iOS 12 or later. Restart the iPhone if limits seem stuck.
Downtime not working: Verify the time zone is correct on the device. If the child changes the time zone, downtime might shift. You can disable “Set Automatically” under Settings > General > Date & Time.
Child can bypass by changing date/time: This is rare on iOS, but to prevent it, go to Content & Privacy Restrictions > Privacy > Location Services > System Services and ensure “Setting Time Zone” is off. Also, set a passcode for the device itself.
Screen Time not showing on child’s device: If you’re using Family Sharing, ensure the child is under 13 (or the age limit in your region) and that you’ve set up Screen Time for them from your device. On their device, they’ll see a message that Screen Time is managed by a parent.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set different limits for different days?

Yes, when setting up App Limits or Downtime, tap “Customize Days” to set different schedules for each day of the week.

Does Screen Time work on iPad and Mac too?

Yes, Screen Time is available on iOS, iPadOS, and macOS. If you have Family Sharing, you can apply the same limits across all of your child’s devices.

Can my child turn off Screen Time?

No, if you set a Screen Time passcode, your child cannot turn it off without the passcode. They can only request more time when a limit is reached, which you can approve or deny.

What happens when my child hits an app limit?

They’ll see a notification that the limit is reached. They can either close the app or tap “Ask for More Time” to send you a request. You can approve or deny from your device.

Can I block specific websites or only allow certain ones?

Yes, under Content & Privacy Restrictions > Content Restrictions > Web Content, you can choose “Limit Adult Websites” to automatically filter, or “Allowed Websites Only” to create a whitelist.

Does Screen Time track location?

No, Screen Time only tracks device usage, not location. Location tracking is separate and controlled under Settings > Privacy > Location Services.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.