In this digital era where kids and teenagers are growing up with smartphones glued to their hands, it’s understandable that parents want to safeguard their children. It’s not a matter of spying on your kids, but rather, making sure that they are using their devices safely and responsibly. Parental controls on iPhone are an excellent way to do just that. As a virtual insurance policy, it ensures that you can control the content that they come across and the amount of time they spend on their devices.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Turning on Parental Controls on iPhone
Parental controls are essential, but it can be daunting to set it up, especially if you’re not a tech-savvy person. No one wants to fumble through their phone settings only to end up frustrated and overwhelmed. While Apple has made it easy to set up parental controls, there are a couple of things you should know to make the process seamless.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before you enable parental controls, here are a few things that you should prepare for:
1. Have your child’s device with you to set up and customize the controls.
2. Know your Apple ID and password because you’ll need it to set up the controls.
3. Make sure your phone, as the parent or guardian, has the latest iOS version installed. You can check by going to “Settings,” then “General” and then “Software update.”
4. Understanding the different parental control features is essential.
Method 1: Enable Parental Controls on iPhone via Screen Time
Screen Time is Apple’s in-built solution for monitoring and managing phone usage. It allows you to set specific time limits on apps, block inappropriate content, and monitor how much time your child spends on their device.
Here is how to enable parental controls via Screen Time:
1. Open “Settings” on your child’s iPhone
2. Tap “Screen Time.”
3. Tap “Turn On Screen Time.”
4. Select “This is My Child’s iPhone.”
5. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions ”
6. Tap “Content Restrictions.”
7. Choose the type of content you want to restrict, or simply tap “Limit Adult Websites.”
8. Create a four-digit passcode that only you know and will not forget.
9. Tap “Back” to save the settings.
Pros:
– You don’t need any third-party app to set up parental controls
– You can block inappropriate content with ease
Cons:
– Screen Time is not foolproof, and you may need an additional parental control app for more advanced functionality.
Method 2: Enable Parental Controls on iPhone via Family Sharing
The family sharing feature in iPhones enables you to share apps, music and cloud storage with family members, including your children. It also allows you to manage their screen time by setting up parental controls.
Here is how to set up parental controls via family sharing:
1. Open “Settings” on your iPhone
2. Tap on your name and go to “Family Sharing”
3. Tap “Add Family Member,” then follow the prompts to invite your child.
4. When they accept the invitation, they will appear under “Family Members.”
5. Tap on their name and select “Parent/Guardian.”
6. Scroll down to “Screen Time” and toggle it on.
7. Click on “Set up Screen Time for Family.”
8. Follow the prompts to set up content restrictions and app limits.
9. Once you’re done, tap “Back” to save the settings.
Pros:
– No additional apps are needed
– You can control multiple devices from one account
Cons:
– You need to have a family sharing account
Method 3: Enable Parental Controls on iPhone via Third-Party Apps
If you want more control over your child’s phone usage, then a third-party parental control app can help. These apps offer more advanced features like real-time location tracking, social media monitoring, and cyberbullying alerts.
Here is how to set up parental controls via a third-party app:
1. Choose a parental control app. Some popular options include Bark, Qustodio, and Net Nanny.
2. Download the app on your phone and your child’s phone.
3. Follow the app’s prompts to set up the controls.
4. Customize the settings to your preference and save the changes.
Pros:
– You get more control over your child’s usage
– You can monitor apps and take precautions against cyberbullying
Cons:
– You may need to pay for the service
– It may be difficult to navigate and understand all the advanced features
Why Can’t I Turn on Parental Controls on iPhone?
Enabling parental controls on iPhone is simple, but sometimes, things can go wrong. Here are a few reasons things may not work:
1. Your phone is running an outdated iOS version.
Fix: Update the software on your iPhone to the latest version.
2. You forgot your Apple ID or password.
Fix: Reset your Apple ID or password via the Apple ID website, or signing in with two-factor authentication.
3. You have restrictions enabled on your iCloud account.
Fix: Disable the restrictions on your iCloud account.
Additional Tips
1. Remember to keep a steady dialogue with your child about screen time and responsible phone usage.
2. Use parental controls to monitor usage, but don’t use it as an excuse to snoop on your child’s private information.
3. Keep updating your child’s device regularly to ensure that it is secure against online threats.
5 FAQs about Turning on Parental Controls on iPhone
Q1: Can I set up Parental Controls on multiple iPhones?
A: Yes, you can set up parental controls across multiple iPhones by using the family sharing feature or by using a third-party app.
Q2: Can my child disable Parental Controls?
A: If set up correctly, your child should not be able to disable parental controls without the correct passcode.
Q3: Will Parental Controls block all explicit content?
A: No. While Parental Controls can filter out explicit content, there is still a chance that your child may come across offensive or inappropriate content.
Q4: Can I adjust Parental Controls over time?
A: Yes, you can adjust parental controls at any time by going to “Settings” and then “Screen Time” or via third-party parental control apps.
Q5: Is there a way to set up Parental Controls remotely?
A: Yes, if your child’s iPhone is linked to your Apple ID via family sharing, you can set up parental controls remotely. You can also change controls via a third-party app.
In Conclusion
Parental controls on iPhone are a valuable tool to keep your child safe on their device. Using these controls means that you can monitor their phone usage and filter any inappropriate content. Remember, it’s essential to keep an open dialogue with your children regarding phone usage to build trust and responsibility around usage. With a combination of parental controls and communication, you can ensure a positive and safe digital experience for your child.