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iPhone — Screen Time

Apple's built-in lock for your kid's iPhone or iPad.

⏱ Takes about 10 minutes

Why bother?

Screen Time is the strongest free tool Apple gives you. It blocks adult websites, limits apps, and stops the kid changing settings without your passcode.

Apple's official guide →

Do this, in order

  1. 1

    Pick up the kid's iPhone

    Sit with them. Tell them what you're doing — it works better when it's not a secret.
  2. 2

    Open Settings → Screen Time

    Scroll down, you'll see a purple hourglass icon.
  3. 3

    Tap "Turn On Screen Time"

    Then tap "This is my child's iPhone" on the next screen.
  4. 4

    Skip the time limits for now

    Tap Not Now on Downtime and App Limits — you can set those later.
  5. 5

    Set a Screen Time passcode

    Pick 4 digits only you know. Don't use the iPhone unlock code.
  6. 6

    Skip the Apple ID recovery prompt for now

    Or use your own Apple ID if you want to recover it later.
  7. 7

    Back in Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions

    Flip it ON.
  8. 8

    Tap Content Restrictions → Web Content

    Choose Limit Adult Websites. That alone blocks most porn sites.
  9. 9

    Go back, tap App Store, Media, Web, & Games

    Set music, movies, TV, books and apps to age-appropriate ratings.
  10. 10

    Hand the phone back

    Test it: try to visit pornhub.com — it should be blocked.

You did it. 🎉

Tell your kid you set this up, and why. It works way better when it's not a secret.