Giving a child a new iPhone is a big moment. Taking a few minutes to set up parental controls during setup helps create a safer experience from day one, before habits form around an unfiltered device.
Step 1: Set Up Screen Time First
During or after setup, open Settings and tap Screen Time. Choose the option that indicates the iPhone belongs to a child. This unlocks the parental control features you will use throughout this guide.
Step 2: Turn On Content & Privacy Restrictions
- Go to Settings, Screen Time, Content & Privacy Restrictions
- Turn the setting on
- Open Content Restrictions, then Web Content
- Select Limit Adult Websites
For a deeper walkthrough, see our guide on blocking adult websites on iPhone.
Step 3: Add a Screen Time Passcode
Set a Screen Time passcode that is different from the device passcode. This prevents your child from changing the limits you put in place.
Step 4: Set App Limits and Downtime
Use App Limits to cap time on games and social apps, and schedule Downtime for evenings so the device winds down before bed.
Step 5: Add a Parental Control App for Stronger Protection
Built-in settings cover the basics, but a dedicated app adds protection that is harder to bypass, including:
- smart filtering of adult and harmful content
- app blocking and scheduling
- uninstall protection
- an easy view of your child's protection status
Apps like BlockerMax are designed for parents who want reliable controls without a complicated setup.
Review the Setup Together
Once everything is configured, walk your child through the basics so the rules feel fair and understandable. A short conversation at setup time prevents many arguments later.