How to Set Up Parental Controls on iOS 18 and iPadOS 18

Step 1: Enable Content & Privacy Restrictions

1. Open Settings on the child's device.
2. Tap Screen Time.
3. Select your child’s name under Family.
4. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.
5. Enter your Screen Time passcode if prompted.
6. Toggle on Content & Privacy Restrictions.

If you're managing via Family Sharing, open Screen Time from your device, select the child's name, and follow the same steps.

Step 2: Set Screen Time Limits

Control how long your child spends on apps or the device:

1. Open Settings > Screen Time.
2. Tap the setting you want to change under Limit Usage:
   • Downtime: Schedule time away from screens.
   • App Limits: Set time limits for specific apps or categories.
   • Always Allowed: Allow essential apps like Phone, regardless of limits.
   • Screen Distance: Ensure a safe distance from the screen (requires Face ID).

Step 3: Disable Built-In Apps and Features

To restrict access to specific built-in features:

1. Open Settings > Screen Time.
2. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions and enter your passcode.
3. Tap Allowed Apps & Features.
4. Toggle off any apps you want to disable, like FaceTime or Camera.

Step 4: Prevent App Store Purchases

Avoid unexpected purchases by restricting App Store access:

1. Open Settings > Screen Time.
2. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.
3. Select iTunes & App Store Purchases.
4. Choose a setting and select Don’t Allow.

Step 5: Restrict Game Features

Customize Game Center restrictions for safer gaming:

1. Open Settings > Screen Time.
2. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions > App Store, Media, Web, & Games.
3. Tap Game Center.
4. Configure restrictions for private messaging, multiplayer games, and more.

Step 6: Limit Explicit Content

Ensure your child views only age-appropriate content:

1. Open Settings > Screen Time.
2. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions > App Store, Media, Web, & Games.
3. Set content restrictions for music, TV shows, books, and web browsing.
4. Optionally, restrict web access to approved websites or block specific sites.

Step 7: Restrict Apple Intelligence and Siri Features

Control new AI-driven features like Apple Intelligence and Siri:

1. Open Settings > Screen Time.
2. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions > Intelligence & Siri.
3. Toggle off features you wish to restrict.

Tips for Effective Management

• Regularly review and adjust restrictions as your child grows.
• Use the Screen Time weekly report to monitor usage habits.
• Communicate with your child about digital safety and healthy device use.

With these controls in place, you can provide a safer, age-appropriate experience for your child's iPhone or iPad.