Creating an Apple ID for your child and setting up parental controls on their iPhone allows you to ensure their digital safety while giving them access to essential Apple features like iCloud, iMessage, FaceTime, the App Store, and more. With Apple’s Family Sharing and Screen Time tools, parents can easily monitor screen time, restrict content, approve purchases, and manage app usage.
This guide explains how to create an Apple ID for a child under 13, set it up using Family Sharing, and enable key parental control features on iPhone or iPad.
👨👩👧 Why Create an Apple ID for Your Child?
- Allows your child to use Apple services with their own secure identity
- Gives parents control over purchases, downloads, and content
- Enables you to use Ask to Buy, Screen Time, and Location Sharing
- Keeps your family organized under one Apple ID group via Family Sharing
📱 Step 1: Set Up Family Sharing on Your iPhone
You’ll need to be the Family Organizer to add a child account.
How to Start:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
- Tap your name at the top (Apple ID profile).
- Tap Family Sharing > Set Up Your Family.
- Follow the onscreen prompts to get started.
- Tap Add Member > Create Child Account.
You can add up to five family members, including children.
🧒 Step 2: Create an Apple ID for Your Child
When prompted during Family Sharing setup:
- Tap Create Child Account.
- Enter your child’s name and birthdate.
- Apple uses the birthdate to apply age-based content restrictions.
- Read and agree to the Parental Privacy Disclosure.
- Verify your identity using your Apple ID password or CVV code.
- Create a unique Apple ID for your child (e.g., jane.doe@icloud.com).
- Set a secure password and recovery questions.
- Agree to the Terms & Conditions.
Once done, the child will have their own Apple ID and be added to your Family Sharing group.
✅ Step 3: Enable Parental Controls Using Screen Time
With the child’s Apple ID created, you can now apply Screen Time and content restrictions directly from your iPhone.
To Set Up Screen Time for a Child:
- Go to Settings > Screen Time.
- Tap your child’s name under Family.
- Tap Turn On Screen Time.
- Choose from the following control options:
🕒 Downtime
- Schedule time when only allowed apps (e.g., Phone, Messages) are available.
- Great for setting bedtime or homework hours.
📱App Limits
- Set daily time limits for specific app categories like Social Networking, Games, or YouTube.
🚫 Communication Limits
- Control who your child can communicate with during allowed time and downtime (e.g., only family contacts).
🔞Content & Privacy Restrictions
Turn this ON and configure:
- iTunes & App Store Purchases: Prevent app installs or in-app purchases.
- Allowed Apps: Hide built-in apps like Safari or FaceTime.
- Content Restrictions: Filter music, videos, websites, Siri results, and game ratings.
Examples:
- Block explicit music or websites
- Restrict access to mature apps or R-rated movies
🔐Set a Screen Time Passcode
- Prevent kids from changing settings
- Use a code different from your device passcode
🎯 You’ll receive weekly activity reports showing how your child uses their device.
🛍 Step 4: Enable “Ask to Buy”
This feature ensures your child must get your approval before downloading free or paid apps, movies, or books.
To Enable Ask to Buy:
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Family Sharing.
- Tap your child’s name.
- Tap Ask to Buy and toggle it ON.
You’ll receive a notification whenever your child requests to install or purchase something.
📍 Step 5: Enable Location Sharing and Find My
To track your child’s device if it’s lost—or for safety—you can use the Find My app.
How to Enable:
- On your child’s device:
- Go to Settings > [Apple ID] > Find My.
- Enable Share My Location.
- On your iPhone:
- Open Find My app.
- Your child’s device will appear under the People or Devices tab.
🔄 Bonus: Manage Child’s Apple ID and Screen Time Remotely
You can adjust restrictions anytime from your own iPhone:
- Settings > Screen Time > [Child’s Name]
- Change downtime hours, app limits, content filters, and more
- Get activity summaries each week
🔧 Troubleshooting Tips
Can’t create Apple ID for child?
- Ensure you’re the Family Organizer
- Confirm payment method is added to Apple ID (required for child account setup)
Forgot Screen Time passcode?
- Go to Settings > Screen Time > Change Screen Time Passcode
- Use your Apple ID to reset
📋 Summary Table
| Task | Action |
| Create child Apple ID | Settings > Family Sharing > Add Member > Create Child |
| Set Screen Time limits | Settings > Screen Time > Child’s Name |
| Enable Ask to Buy | Settings > Family Sharing > Child’s Name > Ask to Buy |
| Enable Location Tracking | Settings > Find My > Share My Location |
| View usage reports | Settings > Screen Time > Child’s Name |
✅ Final Thoughts
Creating a child Apple ID and enabling parental controls on your iPhone gives you the tools to create a safe, age-appropriate digital environment for your child. Apple’s Family Sharing, Screen Time, and Ask to Buy features make it easy to supervise app usage, manage screen time, and protect your child from unsuitable content—all while giving them a personalized Apple experience.
By following these steps, you can stay connected and in control of your child’s digital life while teaching them healthy device habits.
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Learn how to create an Apple ID for your child and set up parental controls on iPhone. Full guide to Family Sharing, Screen Time, Ask to Buy, and safety settings.
