How to set screen time limits on your child’s iPhone and iPad
Apple’s built-in Screen Time steps first. Then another way: one daily allowance that covers your child’s iPhone and iPad.
Before you start
Both ways need the same two things. Your family needs Apple’s Family Sharing, and your child needs their own Apple Account in it. Apple says your child shouldn’t share an account with anyone else.
- Family Sharing: on your iPhone, open Settings, tap your name, then tap Family and follow the steps. Once your family is set up, Family also shows near the top of Settings. See Apple’s Family Sharing steps.
- Your child’s Apple Account: in Settings > Family, tap the Add Member button, then Create Child Account. See Create an Apple Account for your child.
- Updates: Apple asks families to update every device in the family group, including yours. Go to Settings > General > Software Update.
Apple’s Screen Time steps
Apple’s Screen Time is built into every iPhone and iPad. You set it up for your child from your own iPhone. Apple renamed some menus in its newest iOS, so the steps depend on your version.
On the newest iOS and iPadOS
- Open Settings, tap Family, then tap your child’s name. Enter your Screen Time passcode if asked.
- To limit how long apps can be used, tap Time Allowances, then the Add button, and follow the steps on screen.
- To choose when apps can be used, tap Screen Time Schedule and turn on Schedule. Tap Add Schedule and choose the days, like weekdays and weekends.
- To block a single app or website, tap Apps & Websites, choose the app or website, then tap Block App or Block Website.
Apple says a parent sets the child’s Screen Time passcode on their own device. Pick one your child doesn’t know. Sources: Set up parental controls, Use Screen Time to manage your child’s iPhone or iPad and Time Allowances and Screen Time Schedules.
On iOS 26 and iPadOS 26
- Open Settings, tap Screen Time, then tap your child’s name under Family.
- Tap App Limits, then Add Limit. Choose app types, like Games, or single apps.
- Tap Next, then set the time. To set a different time for some days, tap Customize Days.
- To set a Screen Time passcode, tap Manage Screen Time, then Lock Screen Time Settings.
Apple notes that by default, Screen Time limits can be ignored once they’re reached. A Screen Time passcode your child doesn’t know helps keep them in place. Sources: Set up Screen Time for a child, Set schedules with Screen Time and Screen Time passcode.
When you just want one simple number
Apple’s limits are set by app or by type of app. That gives you a lot of control. But many parents want one simple answer to one simple question: how much screen time does my child get today, in total?
Kids with an iPhone and an iPad also tend to switch devices when time runs out on one. A single daily allowance for all of their devices keeps the rule the same everywhere.
One allowance with SteadyBounds
SteadyBounds is a parental control app for iPhone and iPad where kids earn extra screen time through learning lessons and chores their parents approve. Your child gets one daily allowance shared by all of their iPhones and iPads.
- Install SteadyBounds on your iPhone and tap Set Up My Family.
- Follow the steps to add your child and choose their daily screen time and bedtime.
- When a six-digit code appears, install SteadyBounds on your child’s device, choose Join Family and enter the code. The code expires after 10 minutes.
- Confirm the connection on your phone. Then approve Apple’s Screen Time permission on your child’s device when it asks.
- Does your child have a second device? On your phone, open Settings, tap Family and device management, and under your child tap Connect a Device. The new device shares the same daily time.
What your child sees when time is up: every app locks, except apps you chose to stay open, like school apps. The lock screen says which rule is holding the app. Your child can tap Ask or earn time to ask you for more time, or earn some by learning. You answer from your phone. You can also tap Add time on your child’s Controls page.
Do you still need Apple’s limits? You set daily limits in SteadyBounds, so you don’t need to set the same limits again in Apple’s Screen Time. Limits you already set in Apple’s Screen Time are separate and may still apply. Keep Screen Time itself turned on, because SteadyBounds works through it.
Every Screen Time control in SteadyBounds is free, for every child and device. Premium is optional and adds extra learning and family features for $5.99 a month or $49.99 a year.
Get SteadyBounds free on the App Store, then set your first limit in a few minutes.
Common questions
Does my child need their own Apple Account?
Yes. Your child’s iPhone or iPad needs your child’s own Apple Account in your Family Sharing group. SteadyBounds works on iPhone and iPad with iOS or iPadOS 17.4 or later.
Does each device get its own limit in SteadyBounds?
No. Your child gets one daily allowance shared by all of their devices. When you tap Add time, it counts for all of their devices.
Can my child just close SteadyBounds to get around the limit?
Closing SteadyBounds doesn’t turn anything off. Your rules are applied through Apple’s Screen Time system and stay in place whether or not the app is open. A parent PIN protects SteadyBounds settings on your child’s device. No app can promise that every rule can’t be worked around, so check your child’s device from time to time.
One daily allowance for every device.
SteadyBounds is a parental control app for iPhone and iPad where kids earn extra screen time through learning lessons and chores their parents approve. Every Screen Time control is free.