Set Up Screen Time for Your Child

Setting Up Screen Time

Steps last_verified 2026-09-13. Screen Time is built into iOS. Use it for content restrictions even if you do not want time limits.

Screen Time does more than just limit how much time can be spent on an app or device. It also allows you to manage content restrictions. Even if you don't want to set time limits, you should still consider using Screen Time to block things like adult content.

Method 1: From your iPhone, through Family Sharing

Set this up on your own iPhone. You can change the settings later without using your child's phone. Add your child to Family Sharing first. Your child needs their own Apple Account.

Every device in the Family Sharing group needs iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, or watchOS 27. Then update parental controls for the family. If one device cannot update, the previous Screen Time controls stay available.

1. Open Settings, tap Family, then tap your child's name.
2. Tap Screen Time Schedule, then turn on Schedule.
3. Tap Add Schedule, then choose the days.
4. Tap Time Allowances, tap Add, then follow the onscreen instructions.

Method 2: On your child's iPhone

Use this if you do not have an Apple device of your own. Apple supports it for children aged 13 to 17. The button names below match the iOS 26 screenshots.

1. Open Settings, scroll down, then tap Screen Time
2. Tap "App & Website Activity", then "Turn On App & Website Activity"
3. Scroll down and tap "Lock Screen Time Settings"
4. Enter a 4-digit passcode, then enter it again to confirm

Try the Walkthrough: First 3 Screens

Real iOS screens. The highlighted control on each screen is the one to tap. Members get all 9 screens.