Limit Who Kids Can Call, Text & FaceTime on iPhone
You can limit who kids can call, text, and FaceTime on an iPhone using Screen Time’s Communication Limits and Communication Safety features. These settings let you control who your child can contact at all times, during downtime, and who can initiate contact with them.
What Are Communication Limits?
Communication Limits is a Screen Time feature that restricts who your child can communicate with on their iPhone. It works across the Phone, FaceTime, Messages, and Contacts apps. You can set different rules for “During Allowed Screen Time” and “During Downtime.” For example, you can allow contact with everyone during the day but only allow contact with specific people during bedtime hours.
How to Set Up Communication Limits
To set up Communication Limits, your child’s iPhone must be part of your Family Sharing group, and you must be the parent or guardian. Here are the steps:
- Open Settings on your own iPhone (the parent’s device) and tap Screen Time.
- Tap your child’s name in the Family section.
- Tap Communication Limits.
- Choose who your child can communicate with during Allowed Screen Time and during Downtime.
- Select from options like “Everyone,” “Contacts Only,” or “Specific Contacts.”
You can also set this up directly on your child’s iPhone if you’re using their device, but using Family Sharing is the most reliable method.
What the Options Mean
- Everyone: Your child can call, text, or FaceTime anyone, including unknown numbers.
- Contacts Only: Only people saved in your child’s Contacts app can be contacted.
- Specific Contacts: You choose individual people or groups from your child’s contacts.
When you choose “Specific Contacts,” you can add people by tapping “Choose From My Contacts” or “Add New Contact.” These contacts must be in your child’s address book.
Communication Safety: Blocking Nude Images
Communication Safety is a separate but related feature. It automatically blurs nude images and videos before your child sees them in Messages, AirDrop, FaceTime, and the Photos app picker. When a sensitive image is detected, the iPhone blurs it and explains to your child that the content may be sensitive. It also offers resources and ways to message a trusted adult. This feature does not notify you (the parent) automatically, but your child can choose to send you the content.
Common Problems and Solutions
Many parents find that Communication Limits don’t work as expected. Here are common issues and fixes:
- Limits not applying: Make sure your child is signed into iCloud with their Apple ID and that Screen Time is enabled on their device. Also, ensure your device is updated to the latest iOS.
- Can’t add a specific contact: The contact must be in your child’s Contacts app first. If not, add it there before trying to select it.
- Limits don’t apply to group messages: Communication Limits do not restrict group messages. If your child is in a group chat with someone not allowed, they can still see messages from that person.
- Downtime limits not working: If Downtime isn’t set, Communication Limits during Downtime won’t apply. Make sure you’ve set a Downtime schedule.
How to Choose the Right Settings
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Consider your child’s age and maturity. For younger children, “Contacts Only” during all screen time is a good start. For teens, you might allow “Everyone” during the day but “Contacts Only” during Downtime. You can also change these settings anytime. Remember that these limits only apply to Apple’s own apps (Phone, FaceTime, Messages). If your child uses WhatsApp or other third-party apps, those have their own controls.
Alternatives and Additional Tools
If Communication Limits aren’t enough, you can use other Screen Time features:
- App Limits: Set time limits on specific apps like Messages or FaceTime.
- Content & Privacy Restrictions: Block explicit content, purchases, and downloads.
- Downtime: Schedule times when only allowed apps are available.
- Ask to Buy: Approve app and media purchases.
For third-party apps, you may need to use the app’s own parental controls or a third-party parental control app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child bypass Communication Limits?
If your child knows your Screen Time passcode, they can change the settings. To prevent this, use a different passcode for Screen Time than the one used to unlock the iPhone. You can also set up Screen Time on your child’s device with your own Apple ID, which makes it harder for them to change.
Do Communication Limits work on older iOS versions?
Communication Limits were introduced in iOS 12. However, the ability to set different limits during Downtime came later. For the best experience, make sure both your device and your child’s device are updated to the latest iOS version.
Can I limit who can call my child but allow texts?
No, Communication Limits apply to all forms of contact (calls, texts, FaceTime) as a single setting. You cannot set different rules for each method. If you need finer control, you’d have to use third-party apps or block specific numbers manually.
What happens when my child tries to contact someone not allowed?
The attempt is blocked. The call won’t connect, the message won’t send, and the FaceTime call won’t go through. Your child may see a message saying the contact is not allowed, or the action may simply not work.
Will Communication Limits affect emergency calls?
No, emergency calls (like 911 in the US) are always allowed, even when Communication Limits are in place. This is a safety feature you cannot disable.
Can I set limits for a child who doesn’t have their own Apple ID?
No, Communication Limits require that your child has their own Apple ID and is part of your Family Sharing group. If your child uses your Apple ID, you cannot set individual limits. Create a separate Apple ID for your child to use these features.
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