Use Apple Screen Time with Family Sharing to set parental controls on a child's iPhone from your own Apple device. This is Apple's built-in tool for app limits, Downtime, Content & Privacy Restrictions, and Ask to Buy — not antivirus and not the same as Microsoft Family Safety on Windows. For most U.S. households, the buy-nothing path is enough: Family Sharing → child's Apple Account → Screen Time passcode → Content & Privacy Restrictions.

What you need first

Family Sharing plus the child's Apple Account in your family group come before Screen Time parental controls.

  1. On your iPhone or iPad, open Settings, tap your name, then tap Family and follow the onscreen steps to set up the group (or open Settings → Family if the group already exists).
  2. Add the child: tap Add Member. If they do not have an Apple Account, choose Create an Account for a Child. If they already have one, choose Invite People and have them accept.
  3. Optionally set another adult as Parent/Guardian under Settings → Family → [member's name] → Set as Parent/Guardian so they can help with Ask to Buy and exception requests.
  4. Update every device in the family group to the latest software before you change Screen Time settings, so limits sync as Apple intends.

Age rules and which controls start on by default vary by U.S. state and country. Where required, a child under 18 may need to stay in a Family Sharing group. This guide is about iPhone Screen Time — keep Windows parental controls on the Microsoft Family Safety on Windows 11 guide.

Turn on Screen Time for your child from your iPhone

You can manage a child's Screen Time from your own iPhone when their Apple Account is in your Family Sharing group.

  1. Open Settings, scroll down, then tap Screen Time.
  2. Under Family, tap the child's name.
  3. Follow the onscreen instructions for age-appropriate settings, a Screen Time summary, and locking Screen Time settings with a passcode the child does not know.
  4. Turn on Content & Privacy Restrictions: under the child's Screen Time, tap Content & Privacy Restrictions, enter the Screen Time passcode if asked, then turn it on.

If Content & Privacy Restrictions is off, the parental controls inside that menu pause until you turn it back on. Pair this with 2FA on the parent's Apple Account so a stolen password is not enough to change the family group.

Set the controls that matter most

After Screen Time is locked, set Downtime, App Limits, and Content & Privacy Restrictions for purchases, web, and privacy.

Limit usage

  • Downtime — block apps and notifications for scheduled periods; only Phone and apps you allow stay available.
  • App Limits — cap time for categories or individual apps.
  • Always Allowed / Communication Limits — who the child can reach during Downtime; emergency numbers stay available.

Content & Privacy Restrictions (Settings → Screen Time → [child] → Content & Privacy Restrictions)

  • iTunes & App Store Purchases — Don't Allow when you want Ask to Buy.
  • Web Content — Limit Adult Websites or Only Approved Websites.
  • Allowed Media Services Content — ratings for movies, TV, apps, and music.
  • Privacy — lock Location Services, camera/mic, and tracking.
  • Allow Changes To — block Passcode & Face ID and Accounts changes.

Optional: Communication Safety and Screen Distance. Neither replaces strong Apple Account 2FA on the parent's account — see how to turn on 2FA for Gmail, Apple, and your bank.

Respond to Ask to Buy and exception requests

When a child hits a limit or needs an app purchase approval, respond from Messages or your device — keep software current so requests arrive. Apple may send exception requests in Messages. If requests fail: update iOS, use iMessage with your Apple Account email, have sent and received iMessage in the last 30 days, and keep Messages notifications on. You can also respond on the child's device when you are with them. Game accounts are a separate risk — if a login is stolen, use what to do if your kid's game account gets hacked. If the child's phone is lost, use Find My / lock steps, not Screen Time.

FAQ

How do I set parental controls on my child's iPhone?

Set up Family Sharing, add the child's Apple Account, then open Settings → Screen Time → [child's name], create a Screen Time passcode, and turn on Content & Privacy Restrictions.

Is Screen Time the same as Microsoft Family Safety?

No. Screen Time is Apple's built-in iPhone/iPad/Mac tool. Microsoft Family Safety is the Windows/Microsoft path. Use both if the household mixes platforms.

Do I need to buy antivirus for Screen Time?

No. Screen Time is a free Apple setting. It is not antivirus. Buy-nothing is valid here.

What if I don't have Family Sharing?

Apple documents an alternate path for some teens (roughly 13–17, age varies): turn on Screen Time on the child's device, enable App & Website Activity, then lock Screen Time settings with your passcode. Family Sharing is still the cleaner long-term setup for younger kids.

Can my child turn Screen Time off?

Not if you set a Screen Time passcode they do not know and keep Content & Privacy Restrictions on. Do not reuse the device unlock code as the Screen Time passcode.

Screen Time parental controls do not require a paid antivirus. Microsoft Defender is a valid buy-nothing choice for many Windows PCs in the same household. Habits that help are Family Sharing, a Screen Time passcode only adults know, purchase limits, and 2FA on the parent's Apple Account. If the household later wants multi-device paid protection, use only these on-site paid links: TotalAV (paid link), Norton (paid link), Bitdefender (paid link), McAfee (paid link), Avast (paid link).