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Set Up Your Child's iPhone

Choose your child's age group and we'll walk you through every setting — step by step, screen by screen.

Research increasingly shows that unrestricted smartphone access impacts children's wellbeing. Organizations like Smartphone Free Childhood, Wait Until 8th, and researchers like Jonathan Haidt (The Anxious Generation) advocate thoughtful approaches to children and technology. Whatever age you decide is right for your child to have a phone, this guide helps you configure it securely — putting you in control of what they can access.

Overall Progress Step 1 of 18

You're All Set!

Your child's device is now configured with the security settings you chose.

What You Configured

    What You're Protected Against

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      What Kids Do to Get Around Your Settings

      Screen Time is not foolproof. Here are the most common workarounds kids use and how to block each one.

      GIF Search in iMessages

      The #images keyboard in Messages lets kids search for and view explicit or violent GIFs — bypassing web filters entirely.

      Fix: Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Content Restrictions > disable the #images feature.

      Spotlight Web Search

      Swiping down on the home screen opens Spotlight, which can pull web results and images that bypass Safari's content filters.

      Fix: Settings > Siri & Search > disable "Show in Spotlight" for Safari and web suggestions.

      Deleting and Reinstalling Apps

      Removing an app and reinstalling it can reset its usage timer, giving kids unlimited time.

      Fix: Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases > set "Deleting Apps" to Don't Allow.

      Changing the System Clock

      Manually moving the clock forward resets daily Screen Time limits, letting kids start fresh.

      Fix: Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > set "Date & Time Changes" to Don't Allow.

      Downloading Alternative Browsers

      Safari is filtered by Screen Time, but third-party browsers downloaded from the App Store may not be.

      Fix: Block app installation entirely, or use the "Allowed Websites Only" setting which applies to all browsers.

      Watching You Enter the Passcode

      Kids watch over your shoulder when you enter the Screen Time passcode, then change settings themselves.

      Fix: Never enter the passcode while your child can see the screen. Use a unique code — not your phone unlock PIN.

      Factory Reset

      Erasing the device removes all restrictions and starts fresh with no parental controls.

      Fix: Enable Find My iPhone — it activates Activation Lock, which prevents anyone from erasing and reactivating the device without your Apple ID password.

      After Setup: What to Check

      Setting up controls is step one. Here's what to review on an ongoing basis to make sure everything stays in place.