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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:


  1. Open iMessage
  2. Open a conversation
  3. Tap "Favorite Apps"
  4. Tap "•••"
  5. Tap "Edit"
  6. Remove & confirm "#Images" from "Favorite Apps"
  7. 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:

  1. They can't search and (request to) install apps
  2. They can't automatically update their apps


To allow them to search for and install apps (or update existing apps), we have to:


  1. Disable the "Install Apps" Screen Time restriction (Requires 8 steps to accomplish)
  2. Monitor their device usage in-person while they install/update apps
  3. Check that they didn't enable #Images and disable it if they did (see steps above)
  4. Re-enable the "Install Apps" Screen Time restriction
  5. 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

Posted on Mar 19, 2023 3:00 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Apr 1, 2023 9:57 AM

Thank you for the info. I wasn't sure the best way to get this info to Apple. I submitted feedback as you recommended. I'll leave this thread here in case others feel the same way and can make in known through the "me too" button or in replies.

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Disable #Images in iMessage using Screen Time

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