How can parents disable the #images search from children's devices?

With iOS 17 you can no longer remove #images from iMessages.

Neither of these work to restrict or remove image search from a child's Apple watch who does not have their own phone (when setup via a parent's Family Setup.) The steps do not exist in parental controls or on the child's watch. I tried doing this on my phone linked to my child's watch and it has no effect on the watch as it only changes my settings to remove the #image app search. From my searches, this has been a problem since at least 2017 that Apple is aware of but hasn't fixed.

Hello there,

We'd be glad to advise you on that process. To start out, this article explains how the GIFs option works on the iPhone: Send and save GIFs on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support.

Next, this article gives information on the available iMessage apps you can use with the iPhone: Use iMessage apps on your iPhone and iPad - Apple Support. It also offers a way to report images you find inappropriate or concerning: "If you find an issue or have a concern with content found in #images, you can report the content or remove the #images app."

You have two options for removal of that app. Follow these steps:

"To remove an app from your app drawer:

1. Open Messages, tap , and enter a contact or tap on an existing conversation.
2. Tap , then tap in the lower-left corner.
3. Swipe left over the app, then tap Delete.

To turn on Restrictions for iMessage apps:

1. Go to Settings > General > Restrictions.
2. Tap Enable Restrictions.
3. Create a Restrictions passcode. You need your Restrictions passcode to change your settings or to turn off Restrictions.
4. Turn off Installing Apps."

We hope this helps. Let us know if we can assist with anything else at all. Take care.

There are no … on the Apple Watch