How to Set Up Parental Controls on Every Device

Every phone, tablet, computer, and gaming console has built-in parental controls. These tools let you filter inappropriate content, set time limits, and monitor what your kids are doing online — all for free.

Let’s set them up on your family’s devices.

iPhone and iPad

Apple’s built-in Screen Time gives you powerful controls.

Open Settings → Screen Time. If it’s your child’s device, tap “Turn On Screen Time” → “This is My Child’s iPhone.” Set a Screen Time passcode (different from the device unlock code).

Set Content & Privacy Restrictions. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions → turn it on. Then:

Content Restrictions: Set age ratings for movies, apps, music, and websites
Web Content: Choose “Limit Adult Websites” to automatically block known inappropriate sites
App Store: Require your approval before your child can download new apps

A parent and child looking at a phone together while setting up safety features

Set Downtime and App Limits. Under Screen Time, set Downtime (a schedule when only approved apps work — great for bedtime) and App Limits (daily time caps for specific app categories like social media or games).

If your child uses their own Apple ID, set up Family Sharing (Settings → your name → Family Sharing). This lets you manage their Screen Time settings from your own phone.

Android Phones and Tablets

Google’s Family Link app works for children under 13 (and optionally for teens).

Download Google Family Link from the Play Store on your phone. Follow the setup to create or link your child’s Google account.

Set content filters. In Family Link, go to Controls → Content Restrictions. Set age-appropriate filters for Google Play (apps, games, movies), Google Chrome (website filtering), and Google Search (SafeSearch).

Set screen time limits. In Family Link, tap Controls → Screen Time. Set a daily limit and a bedtime when the device locks automatically.

Screen time settings showing daily limits and app usage for a child’s device

Windows PC

Create a child account. Go to Settings → Accounts → Family & other users → Add a family member → Add a child. Create or link their Microsoft account.

Manage settings at family.microsoft.com. Sign in and you can set screen time limits, filter web content in Edge, see activity reports, and control which apps and games they can use.

Mac

Create a managed account. Go to System Settings → Users & Groups → Add User. Select “Standard” account type.

Set up Screen Time. Go to System Settings → Screen Time. Select your child’s account and configure Content & Privacy, App Limits, Downtime, and Communication Limits.

Gaming Consoles

Content filtering settings being configured to block inappropriate material

PlayStation: Go to Settings → Family Management → set up a child account with age-appropriate content restrictions and play time limits.

Xbox: Go to Settings → Account → Family Settings. Add your child’s account and set content filters, screen time, and spending limits.

Nintendo Switch: Download the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app on your phone. It lets you set play time limits, restrict games by age rating, and limit online communication.

Parental controls aren’t foolproof. Tech-savvy kids may find workarounds, especially as they get older. These tools work best when combined with open conversations about online safety and trust.

Quick Win

Pick the one device your child uses most and set up parental controls on it right now. You can always adjust the settings later — the important thing is to start.