Screen Time and Family Sharing setup checklist for parents

To set up Screen Time for a child on Apple devices, create a Family Sharing group with a Child Account, update the devices, then open Settings, tap Family and choose the child. From there you set app and web controls, who the child can contact, time limits and content restrictions.

Before you start

Apple's guide lists the groundwork:

• Set up Family Sharing and create a Child Account if your child does not have one.
• The child's Apple Account must be in your Family Sharing group and not shared with anyone else.
• Update every device in the group, otherwise some newer controls may be missing.
• Add the organizer or another parent or guardian to the child's contacts so requests reach you.

Menu names and options change between software releases, so treat Apple's page as the final word.

The settings, grouped

Apple describes four areas under Settings, then Family, then the child's name:

Apps and websites. Ask to Buy requires your approval for eligible downloads and purchases. Ask to Browse requires approval before the child visits new websites in supported browsers. You can allow or block specific apps and sites and set web filtering to limit adult sites or allow only approved ones. Blocked apps stay installed but are dimmed.

Communication. An allowed contacts list controls who the child can reach in Messages, FaceTime and Phone, and you can decide whether contact editing is allowed. Communication Safety blurs nudity, gore or violence in texts and FaceTime video calls. See what Communication Safety does.

Time limits. Time Allowances set daily limits for app categories such as games or social media inside an overall budget. Schedules define which apps are available at certain times, with separate routines for weekdays and weekends.

Content and privacy restrictions. Set age ratings for apps, music and movies, and restrict Siri features, Game Center interactions and app privacy settings.

A sensible order

1. Set the Screen Time passcode, and keep it away from the child.
2. Turn on Ask to Buy.
3. Build the allowed contacts list with the child, not behind their back.
4. Choose the web filter level.
5. Add a night schedule and a school day routine.
6. Agree what happens when they hit a limit, such as a request for more time.

Keep the human part

Settings do the heavy lifting but they also start arguments. Explain the reason for each rule. Revisit them together. CISA's guidance says to set clear limits and keep the conversation open without fear of punishment; see the seven tips.

Quick check

Sources

• Apple Support: Set up Screen Time for a child
• CISA: Keeping Children Safe Online

Last reviewed: 19 October 2026.