How To Setup iPhone Parental Controls using Family Sharing and Screen Time

As children grow up surrounded by smartphones and tablets, it becomes increasingly important for parents to guide how these devices are used. Apple’s iPhone offers built-in tools that help families manage screen time, filter content, and encourage healthy digital habits. Two of the most effective tools for this are Family Sharing and Screen Time.

In this how-to guide from Google Keith, we’ll walk you through setting up these features and explain why they matter. Whether you’re new to iPhones or just looking for practical tech tips, this article will help you take control of your child’s digital experience.

What Is Family Sharing?

Family Sharing is a feature from Apple that allows up to six family members to share purchases, subscriptions, iCloud storage, and more – all while keeping individual accounts separate. For parents, it also unlocks the ability to manage parental controls and Screen Time settings for their children’s devices.

Key Benefits of Family Sharing

Share App Store purchases and Apple subscriptions.
Set up Apple Cash for kids with spending limits.
Locate family members’ devices using Find My.
Manage Screen Time remotely from your own iPhone.

To use Family Sharing, each family member needs their own Apple ID and a compatible Apple device.

How To Set Up Family Sharing

Setting up Family Sharing is simple and only takes a few minutes. Here’s how:

Open Settings on your iPhone.
Tap your name at the top of the screen.
Select Family Sharing.
Set Up Your Family and follow the prompts.
Invite family members using iMessage or create a child account.

Creating a Child Apple ID

If your child doesn’t already have an Apple ID:

Tap Create Child Account during setup.
Enter your child’s birthday (this ensures age-appropriate settings).
Follow the steps to create their Apple ID and link it to your family group.

Once your family is set up, you’ll be able to manage your child’s device settings directly from your own iPhone.

What Is Screen Time?

Screen Time is Apple’s built-in tool for monitoring and managing how devices are used. It provides detailed reports and lets you set limits on apps, communication, and content.

Main Features of Screen Time

App Limits: Set daily time limits for specific apps or categories.
Downtime: Schedule time away from the screen (like bedtime).
Content & Privacy Restrictions: Block explicit content, restrict purchases, and control privacy settings.
Communication Limits: Control who your child can talk to during allowed and restricted times.

These features are especially useful for parents who want to encourage balance and safety in their child’s screen use.

How To Link Screen Time with Family Sharing

Once Family Sharing is active, you can manage your child’s Screen Time settings remotely.

Steps to Set Up Screen Time for a Child

Go to Settings > Screen Time.
Tap your child’s name under the Family section.
Tap Turn On Screen Time.
Follow the prompts to set up:
1. Downtime
2. App Limits
3. Content & Privacy Restrictions
4. Create a Screen Time passcode to prevent changes.

You can adjust these settings at any time from your own device, making it easy to stay involved in your child’s digital habits.

Recommended Settings by Age Group

Every child is different, but here are some general guidelines to help you get started:

Young Children (Under 10)

Enable Downtime during school hours and bedtime.
Block access to Safari or limit it to approved websites.
Restrict app downloads and in-app purchases.
Use Ask to Buy for all purchases.

Pre-Teens (10–12)

Set App Limits for games and social media.
Allow educational apps and communication with family.
Use Content Restrictions to block explicit content.
Monitor daily usage reports and adjust as needed.

Teens (13+)

Encourage self-monitoring with shared Screen Time reports.
Set reasonable limits for social media and video streaming.
Use Communication Limits to manage contact access.
Keep conversations open about privacy and online behavior.

Monitoring and Adjusting Settings Over Time

Parental controls aren’t set it and forget it. As your child grows, their needs and responsibilities change. Use the Screen Time reports to see how much time is spent on different apps and websites. This can help you start conversations about balance and responsibility.

Tips for Ongoing Management

Review weekly usage reports together.
Adjust limits based on school schedules or family routines.
Update content restrictions as your child matures.
Use Downtime to encourage device-free meals or family time.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best setup, you might run into a few hiccups. Here are some quick fixes:

Screen Time Not Syncing

Make sure both devices are signed in to iCloud.
Check that Family Sharing is enabled.
Restart both devices and try again.

Forgot Screen Time Passcode

Go to Settings > Screen Time > Change Screen Time Passcode.
Tap Forgot Passcode? and follow the prompts using your Apple ID.

Child Bypassing Restrictions

Ensure your child’s device is updated to the latest iOS version.
Double-check that restrictions are locked with a passcode.
Review app permissions and disable any workarounds.

Building Healthy Digital Habits Together

Setting up iPhone parental controls with Family Sharing and Screen Time is a smart way to support your child’s growth while keeping them safe. These tools give you the ability to guide, monitor, and adjust how your child uses their device – without needing to hover.

By using these how-to guides and tech tips from Google Keith, you’re taking a thoughtful step toward building a balanced digital environment for your family. Keep the conversation going with your child, and revisit settings regularly to make sure they still fit your family’s needs.