Keeping children safe online and managing screen time are top priorities for many families. Modern devices include built-in parental controls that let caregivers limit app use, filter content, schedule downtime, and approve downloads. Apple’s Screen Time is compatible with iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Google’s Family Link, combined with Google Play parental controls, allows parents to supervise Android devices and Chrome OS. Each tool handles slightly different features, so the choice depends on the device and how hands-on the parent wants to be.
This guide explains exactly how to set up Screen Time on Apple devices and Family Link and Play Store parental controls on Android. It also covers App Limits, Downtime, Always Allowed apps, Content and Privacy Restrictions, passcode protection, and tips for troubleshooting and best practices.
iPhone and iPad: Using Screen Time
Screen Time lets parents schedule Downtime, set App Limits, allow certain apps during limits, block explicit content, control purchases, and manage communication limits. You can set these locally on the child’s device or manage them remotely with Family Sharing.
Step-by-Step: How To Set up Screen Time For a Child On Their Device
- Open Settings and tap Screen Time.
- Tap Turn On Screen Time. If this device is for a child, choose This is My Child’s iPhone and follow the prompts.
Set Downtime
- In Screen Time, tap Downtime.
- Turn on Downtime and schedule the hours when only allowed apps will work. Downtime can be the same each day or customized per day.
Choose Always Allowed apps
- In Screen Time, tap Always Allowed.
- Pick essential apps that should always be available during Downtime, such as Phone, Messages, and FaceTime. These are the apps the child can still use when limits apply.
Set App Limits
- Tap App Limits then Add Limit.
- Choose app categories or individual apps and set daily time allowances. Use Customize Days to change limits by weekday. Apple Support
Content & Privacy Restrictions
- In Screen Time, tap Content & Privacy Restrictions and turn it on.
- Control web content, restrict explicit music and movies, block in-app purchases, and manage privacy settings. This also includes disabling certain built-in apps if needed.
Communication Limits
- In Screen Time, tap Communication Limits.
- Set who the child can communicate with during allowed screen time and during Downtime. This helps restrict calls and messages to trusted contacts.
Protect your settings with a Screen Time passcode
- In Screen Time, scroll to the bottom and choose Use Screen Time Passcode.
- Choose a 4-digit or 6-digit passcode the child does not know. This prevents the child from changing limits. If the passcode is ever forgotten, Apple provides recovery options using the Apple ID that created the Screen Time passcode.
If Family Sharing is used, the family organizer can manage or reset passcodes from their device.

Android: Google Family Link and Google Play parental controls
Google Family Link lets parents create a supervised Google Account for children, set device bedtime, set app limits, approve or block app installs, monitor screen time, and track location on supported devices. Features and availability vary by Android version and region.
Step-by-step: Set up Family Link
- On the parent device, download Google Family Link for parents. On the child's device, install Family Link for children and teens if needed.
- Open the parent app and follow the setup to create or link your child’s Google Account.
- On the child’s device accept supervision and follow prompts to complete setup. Once linked, the parent can manage settings from their app.
Controls available in Family Link
- Daily screen time limits and bedtime schedules.
- App approvals: require parent permission for Play Store installs.
- App activity reports: view time spent by app.
- Device location: see where the device is when it’s online
- Lock device: remotely lock a supervised device.
Google Play Parental Controls
- Open the Google Play Store on the child’s device.
- Tap the profile icon, go to Settings > Family > Parental controls.
- Turn on parental controls, create a PIN, and select content filters for apps, games, movies, and books. Purchases can be restricted or require approval.
Tips, best practices, and what to watch for
- Use Family Sharing and Ask to Buy on Apple devices to approve app downloads and purchases when the child is under parental supervision. This adds another layer to control purchases.
- Keep software up to date on all devices so parental control features work correctly. Syncing Screen Time across Family Sharing requires up-to-date iOS versions on all family devices.
- Pick reasonable limits and discuss them with children so they understand boundaries. Parental controls work best when combined with open conversations about online safety.
- Use strong passcodes and do not share parent PINs with the child. Store passcodes in a secure password manager so they are not lost.
- Check feature differences by age. Both Apple and Google change behavior once a child reaches the age where they can manage their own account. Family Link notes different controls for children under the age threshold in each country.
Troubleshooting and common questions
If Screen Time passcode is forgotten
- Go to Settings > Screen Time > Change Screen Time Passcode > Forgot Passcode and follow prompts to reset using the Apple ID used to set the passcode.
- If Family Sharing manages the child, the family organizer can reset or remove the passcode from their device via Settings > Screen Time.
- If no Apple ID access exists, Apple Support can help but in some cases device restore may be required.
If Family Link cannot supervise a device
Some Android devices or versions do not support all Family Link features. Make sure the child’s device meets Android version requirements and follow the Family Link compatibility guidance. If issues persist, reinstall the Family Link apps and repeat the setup steps.
Parental controls are about creating balance, safety, and healthy habits for children. Whether you use Apple Screen Time or Google Family Link, these tools help you manage what your kids can see, use and do online. Combine these settings with clear conversations about online safety so your child understands why limits exist. Review and update settings regularly as your child grows, and secure everything with a passcode only you know. With the right mix of technology and guidance, you can make your family’s devices safe and positive spaces for learning, play and connection.