Disable #Images in iMessage using Screen Time
#Images contains adult themes and imagery and I'd like to prevent my children from using it on their devices.
Currently, the only way to disable the #Images app from iMessage is to remove it from iMessage like so:
- Open iMessage
- Open a conversation
- Tap "Favorite Apps"
- Tap "•••"
- Tap "Edit"
- Remove & confirm "#Images" from "Favorite Apps"
- Disable "#Images" in the "More Apps" section
To prevent your kids from re-enabling it you must disable the device's ability to install apps through Screen Time. Unfortunately, this creates many frustrations and headaches in managing a child's device because:
- They can't search and (request to) install apps
- They can't automatically update their apps
To allow them to search for and install apps (or update existing apps), we have to:
- Disable the "Install Apps" Screen Time restriction (Requires 8 steps to accomplish)
- Monitor their device usage in-person while they install/update apps
- Check that they didn't enable #Images and disable it if they did (see steps above)
- Re-enable the "Install Apps" Screen Time restriction
- Repeat for each child (We have 4 kids)
As a parent in 2023, it's extremely difficult, stressful, and time-consuming to keep our kids safe online and on their personal devices. Please help empower us by creating a separate Screen Time setting for restricting the #Images iMessage app.
Thank you!
iPhone X, iOS 13