Best Parental Monitoring Method

About Restrictions (parental controls) on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch

You can turn on Restrictions, also known as parental controls, on your iOS device to prevent access to specific apps and features. Learn about the types of Restrictions and how to turn them on and off on your device.

Turn on Restrictions

1. Tap Settings > General.
   
2. Tap Restrictions.
   
3. Tap Enable Restrictions and enter a passcode. You'll need this passcode to change your settings or turn off Restrictions.
   
   If you lose or forget your Restrictions passcode, you'll need to restore your device to remove it.

See what you can restrict

When an option is on, or you see a checkmark next to an item, that means you're allowing access to that item. Turn options off to restrict access.

Apps and features¹

• Safari
• Camera (also disables FaceTime)
• FaceTime
• iTunes Store
• iBooks Store²
• In-App Purchases
• Siri
• AirDrop
• CarPlay³
• Installing apps
• Deleting apps

Types of content

• Ratings (select the country in the ratings section to automatically apply the appropriate content ratings for that region)
• Music and podcasts
• Movies
• TV shows
• Books²
• Apps
• Siri
• Websites

Changes to privacy settings

• Location Services
• Contacts
• Calendars
• Reminders
• Photos
• Bluetooth sharing
• Microphone
• Twitter
• Facebook
• Advertising

Changes to settings and accounts

• Accounts⁴
• Find My Friends⁵
• Cellular data use⁶
• Background app refresh
• Volume limit

Features within Game Center

• Multiplayer games
• Adding friends

You can also turn on or enforce Restrictions using a profile (typically installed when using the device for business or education purposes). Check for installed profiles in Settings > General > Profiles. Contact your administrator or the person who installed the profile for more information.

If you use the same iCloud Apple ID as your pre-teen you can set up your phone to see their iMessage/SMS....and vice versa.