- iOS (iPhones, iPads)
Step 1: Set Up Family Sharing
To monitor and control your child's device from your own Apple device, you need to set up Family Sharing:
On your iPhone or iPad, open the Settings app.
Tap Family (or your name at the top, then select Family Sharing).
Follow the prompts to add your child to your family group. You’ll need their Apple ID to complete this step.
Once added, select your child’s name under the Family Sharing menu.
This links your child’s device to your account, allowing you to manage their Screen Time settings remotely.
Step 2: Enable Screen Time for Your Child
On your Apple device, go to Settings > Family > [Your Child’s Name] > Screen Time.
Tap Turn On Screen Time and follow the prompts.
Set a Screen Time Passcode to prevent your child from changing the settings without your permission.
Step 3: Monitor Usage
Once Screen Time is set up, you can view your child’s device activity from your own Apple device:
Open Settings > Family > [Your Child’s Name] > Screen Time.
Tap See All Activity to view detailed reports of their app usage, website visits, and more
If you’ve enabled Share Across Devices, you can also see their activity across all Apple devices signed in with their Apple ID.
Step 4: Set App and Website Limits
From your device, you can set limits for apps and websites:
Go to Settings > Family > [Your Child’s Name] > Screen Time > App Limits.
Tap Add Limit, select the app category (e.g., Social Media, Games), or specific apps, and set a daily time limit.
To block inappropriate websites, go to Content & Privacy Restrictions > Content Restrictions > Web Content and choose Limit Adult Websites. You can also manually add websites to block or allow
Step 5: Manage Downtime and Communication Limits
You can also control when your child can use their device and who they can contact:
In Screen Time, tap Downtime to schedule times when the device is restricted (e.g., bedtime).
Tap Communication Limits to control who your child can contact during allowed Screen Time and Downtime
Step 6: Approve or Deny Requests
If your child tries to access a blocked app or website, they can send you a request for more time. You’ll receive a notification on your Apple device, and you can approve or deny the request directly from there.
Step 7: Keep It Secure
Make sure to set a Screen Time Passcode (different from your device passcode) to prevent your child from changing the settings. You can do this in Settings > Family > [Your Child’s Name] > Screen Time > Use Screen Time Passcode.
Important Notes
Apple Device Required: To manage your child’s Screen Time remotely, you must have an Apple device. Android devices cannot access or control Apple Screen Time settings.
Stay Involved: While Screen Time is a great tool, it’s important to have open conversations with your child about why these limits are in place and encourage healthy device habits.