Parental Controls Guide — Every Device 2026

Every major platform has built-in parental controls, but most parents never set them up. This step-by-step guide covers every device your child might use. Updated March 2026.

iOS / iPhone / iPad — Screen Time

Apple's Screen Time is the most comprehensive built-in parental control system available. Here is how to set it up:

1. Go to Settings → Screen Time
2. Tap "Turn On Screen Time" and select "This is My Child's iPhone/iPad"
3. Set a Screen Time Passcode (different from the device passcode — use a code your child cannot guess)
4. Downtime: Schedule hours when only allowed apps work (e.g., 9 PM to 7 AM)
5. App Limits: Set daily time limits per app category (e.g., 1 hour for Games, 30 min for Social)
6. Content & Privacy Restrictions: Block explicit content, prevent app installs/deletes, disable in-app purchases
7. Communication Limits: Control who your child can call, text, and FaceTime during allowed and downtime hours
8. Enable "Share Across Devices" if your child uses multiple Apple devices

Android — Google Family Link

1. Install the Google Family Link app on your phone and your child's phone
2. Create a Google Account for your child (supervised account for under 13)
3. Set daily screen time limits and a bedtime schedule
4. Approve or block app downloads from Google Play — you get a notification for each request
5. Set content filters for Google Play (apps, games, movies, books by age rating)
6. Enable Google SafeSearch to filter explicit search results
7. Use location tracking to see your child's device location
8. Lock the device remotely when it is time to stop

Windows — Microsoft Family Safety

1. Create a child account at family.microsoft.com
2. Sign in to the child account on the Windows PC
3. Set screen time limits per device and per day of the week
4. Enable web filtering in Microsoft Edge (block specific sites or allow only approved sites)
5. Set app and game limits by age rating
6. Enable activity reporting to see which apps and websites your child uses
7. Set spending limits for the Microsoft Store

Mac — Screen Time (macOS)

1. Go to System Settings → Screen Time
2. If using Family Sharing, select your child's account
3. Configure App Limits, Downtime, Communication Limits (same options as iOS)
4. Under Content & Privacy, restrict web content, explicit content, and app installs
5. Settings sync with iOS if the child uses both an iPhone and a Mac

Gaming Consoles

Nintendo Switch

• Download the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app on your phone
• Set daily play time limits (alarm or forced suspension)
• Restrict games by age rating (ESRB/PEGI)
• Disable communication with other players
• Disable posting to social media

PlayStation (PS4/PS5)

• Go to Settings → Family Management and create a child account
• Set age level for games, Blu-ray/DVD, and web browsing
• Restrict communication (messages, voice chat, user-generated content)
• Set monthly spending limits on PlayStation Store
• Control play time via PlayStation Family Management website or app

Xbox

• Use the Xbox Family Settings app or family.microsoft.com
• Set screen time limits per day
• Filter content by age rating
• Manage friend requests and online communication
• Approve purchases and set spending limits

Router-Level Controls

For whole-home protection that covers every device (including smart TVs and IoT devices):

• OpenDNS FamilyShield: Free. Set your router's DNS to 208.67.222.123 and 208.67.220.123 to block adult content network-wide.
• CleanBrowsing: Free DNS-based filtering with family, adult, and security filter levels.
• Router admin panel: Most modern routers (Netgear, Asus, TP-Link) have built-in parental controls with scheduling and website blocking. Log in at 192.168.1.1 or your router's gateway address.
• Pi-hole: Advanced. Network-wide ad and tracker blocker. Requires a Raspberry Pi or similar device.

See also: Safe Games for Kids · Safe Apps for Children · Internet Safety for Kids.

Related Guides

Updated March 2026. Source: Nerq independent analysis.