Handing an iPad to a child feels like opening a door to endless learning opportunities. But without proper restrictions, that same device can lead to accidental purchases, inappropriate content, and screen time battles that drain your energy. Our team at iPad Apps For School has helped hundreds of parents navigate Screen Time settings over the past three years. This guide will show you exactly how to restrict apps on iPad for children using Apple’s built-in tools.
The good news? Apple’s Screen Time feature gives you granular control without needing third-party apps. You can block specific apps, set daily time limits, filter web content, and even prevent your child from making purchases. Every setting can be secured with a separate passcode that your child cannot override.
By the end of this guide, you will have a fully configured iPad that protects your child while still letting them enjoy age-appropriate content.
Table of Contents
Understanding Screen Time
Screen Time is Apple’s comprehensive parental control system built directly into iOS and iPadOS. Introduced in iOS 12, it replaced the older Restrictions feature with a more intuitive interface and powerful controls.
Think of Screen Time as your digital parenting assistant. It tracks how your child uses their iPad, lets you set boundaries, and provides tools to enforce those boundaries automatically. You do not need to watch over their shoulder constantly.
Key features include App Limits for controlling time spent in specific apps, Downtime for scheduled breaks, Content & Privacy Restrictions for blocking inappropriate content, and Communication Limits for managing who they can contact. Each feature works independently, so you can enable only what your family needs.
How to Restrict Apps on iPad for Children: Step-by-Step Setup
Setting up Screen Time takes about 10 minutes. Follow these steps in order for the best results.
Step 1: Open Settings
Locate the Settings app on your child’s iPad. It looks like a gray gear icon. Tap it to open the main settings menu.
Step 2: Navigate to Screen Time
Scroll down the left sidebar until you see “Screen Time.” Tap it. You will see a summary page if Screen Time was previously enabled, or a “Turn On Screen Time” button if this is the first time.
Step 3: Enable Screen Time
Tap “Turn On Screen Time.” A welcome screen explains what Screen Time does. Tap “Continue” to proceed.
Step 4: Select “This Is My Child’s iPad”
This is the critical step. The system will ask whether this is your iPad or your child’s. Select “This Is My Child’s iPad.” This unlocks parental control features that are not available when Screen Time is set up for an adult.
Step 5: Set Up Downtime (Optional)
The setup wizard will ask about Downtime, which blocks most apps during scheduled hours. You can enable this now or configure it later. For young children, setting Downtime for bedtime hours works well.
Step 6: Configure App Limits
Next, the wizard asks about App Limits. You can set daily time limits for app categories like Games, Entertainment, and Social Networking. Choose reasonable limits based on your child’s age and your family rules.
Step 7: Review Content & Privacy Settings
The final setup screen shows Content & Privacy Restrictions. Tap “Continue” to review these settings, which control what content your child can access and what actions they can take.
Step 8: Create a Screen Time Passcode
After the initial setup, you must create a Screen Time passcode. This is different from the device unlock passcode. Choose a four-digit code that your child will not guess. Avoid birthdays, simple sequences like 1234, or repeated numbers.
The system will ask for your Apple ID and password as a recovery method. Enter these carefully. If you forget the Screen Time passcode, this is your only way to reset it without losing data.
Setting App Limits for Specific Apps
App Limits let you control how long your child can use specific apps or app categories each day. This is perfect for managing time on games or social media while leaving educational apps unrestricted.
To set an App Limit, go to Settings > Screen Time > App Limits. Tap “Add Limit.” You will see a list of app categories like Games, Entertainment, Social Networking, and Education.
Select the category you want to limit, or tap the arrow next to a category to see individual apps. You can select multiple apps or entire categories. After selecting, tap “Next” in the top right corner.
Set the time limit using the hour and minute wheels. You can choose anything from one minute to 23 hours and 59 minutes. Tap “Add” to apply the limit.
The limit resets daily at midnight. When your child reaches the limit, the app icon grays out, and tapping it shows a “Time Limit” message. They can request more time, which sends a notification to your device if you use Family Sharing.
Pro tip from parents in our community: Set slightly longer limits than you think necessary at first. Your child will need time to adapt, and sudden strict limits often lead to conflict.
Blocking Specific Apps Completely
Sometimes you want to block an app entirely rather than just limit it. Screen Time can hide or disable specific apps so they do not appear on the home screen at all.
Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps. Here you will see a list of built-in Apple apps like Camera, Safari, Siri, and FaceTime.
Toggle off any apps you want to block completely. The app icon disappears from the home screen, and your child cannot access it even if they search for it. To restore access, simply return to this menu and toggle the app back on.
For third-party apps downloaded from the App Store, use the App Limits feature instead. Set the limit to one minute. While the app will still appear on the home screen, it will be unusable after that minute expires.
One common frustration parents share in forums: children sometimes delete and reinstall apps to bypass limits. Prevent this by going to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases > Installing Apps, and set it to “Don’t Allow.”
Scheduling Downtime for Breaks
Downtime creates scheduled periods when only apps you specifically allow are accessible. This works beautifully for bedtime, homework hours, or family meals.
Navigate to Settings > Screen Time > Downtime. Toggle it on. Choose whether to set a schedule or enable Downtime until tomorrow.
For a recurring schedule, tap “Scheduled” and set your start and end times. You can set different schedules for weekdays and weekends. Many families set Downtime from 8 PM to 7 AM on school nights and 9 PM to 8 AM on weekends.
During Downtime, phone calls and apps you mark as “Always Allowed” remain accessible. To allow specific apps during Downtime, go to Settings > Screen Time > Always Allowed and tap the plus icon next to apps your child needs, such as Phone, Messages, or educational apps.
Content and Privacy Restrictions
This section controls what content your child can access and what actions they can take on the iPad. It is where you prevent purchases, block adult content, and restrict settings changes.
iTunes & App Store Purchases
Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases. Here you can disable Installing Apps, Deleting Apps, and In-app Purchases.
Setting “Installing Apps” to “Don’t Allow” prevents your child from downloading new apps without your approval. “Deleting Apps” prevents them from removing apps to bypass your Screen Time limits. “In-app Purchases” blocks those tempting game currency buys that can rack up hundreds of dollars.
Require Password should be set to “Always” rather than “After 15 Minutes” to prevent accidental purchases during brief password windows.
Content Restrictions
Navigate to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Content Restrictions. Here you control ratings for music, movies, TV shows, books, and apps.
Tap each category and select the maximum rating you want to allow. For a five-year-old, you might choose “Clean” for Music and “G” for Movies. For a ten-year-old, “PG” movies and “9+” apps might be appropriate.
The Apps section is particularly important. You can limit app downloads by age rating: 4+, 9+, 12+, or 17+. Any app above your selected rating will be blocked from the App Store on this device.
Web Content Filtering
Safari includes powerful content filtering options to keep your child away from inappropriate websites.
Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Content Restrictions > Web Content. You have three options:
Unrestricted Access: No filtering. Only choose this if your child is old enough to handle all internet content.
Limit Adult Websites: Apple’s automatic filter blocks known adult websites. You can manually add specific sites to an Always Allow list or Never Allow list.
Allowed Websites Only: The nuclear option. Safari will only load websites you specifically approve. This works well for young children who only need access to a handful of educational sites.
If you choose “Allowed Websites Only,” you can add sites by tapping “Add Website” and entering the URL. You can also remove Apple’s default allowed sites if needed.
Note that these restrictions only apply to Safari. If you install Chrome or another browser, you will need to block those apps entirely using the Allowed Apps section.
Communication Limits
Communication Limits control who your child can communicate with during Screen Time and Downtime. This feature requires your child to be part of your Family Sharing group.
Go to Settings > Screen Time > Communication Limits. You can set separate limits for Screen Time and Downtime.
Options include Contacts Only, which restricts communication to people in the Contacts app, or Specific Contacts, where you manually select allowed contacts.
During Downtime, you might allow only family members to contact your child while blocking everyone else. This keeps emergency lines open while preventing late-night social conversations.
Using Guided Access to Lock Into One App
Sometimes you want your child to use only one specific app without accessing anything else. Guided Access is perfect for this. It locks the iPad into a single app until you disable it with a passcode.
First, enable Guided Access in Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access. Toggle it on and set a passcode. This can be the same as your Screen Time passcode or different.
To start a Guided Access session, open the app you want your child to use. Triple-click the side button or home button (depending on your iPad model). Tap “Start” in the top right corner.
The iPad is now locked to this app. Your child cannot exit, access the home screen, open Control Center, or use other gestures. Circle areas on the screen to disable specific buttons if needed.
To end the session, triple-click the button again and enter your Guided Access passcode. Tap “End” to return to normal use.
Parents in our community love this feature for restaurant outings, doctor waiting rooms, and allowing younger children to watch videos without accessing other apps.
Third-Party Parental Control Options
Apple’s built-in Screen Time handles most parental control needs. However, some families benefit from third-party apps that offer additional features.
Bark monitors your child’s messages and social media for concerning content, alerting you to potential issues like cyberbullying or depression. It works alongside Screen Time rather than replacing it.
Qustodio provides detailed activity reports and location tracking. Some parents prefer its interface for managing multiple children.
NextDNS is a network-level filter that blocks inappropriate content across all devices on your home WiFi. Parents on Reddit mention using this as a backup to Screen Time.
Consider third-party options only if Apple’s tools are not meeting your specific needs. They add cost and complexity, and no app can bypass iOS security to provide “secret” monitoring.
Managing Restrictions for Multiple Children
Families with multiple children face unique challenges. Each child needs different restrictions based on age, maturity, and needs.
The best approach is using Apple’s Family Sharing with Screen Time. Set up each child with their own Apple ID (for children under 13, you create and manage it). Add them to your Family Sharing group.
Once set up, you can manage each child’s Screen Time settings from your own device. Go to Settings > Screen Time, scroll down to Family, and tap your child’s name. You will see their activity and can adjust their restrictions remotely.
The “Ask to Buy” feature is invaluable here. When your child tries to download an app or make a purchase, you receive a notification to approve or deny the request. This works across all your children’s devices.
For families sharing one iPad between children, create separate user accounts is not possible on iPad. Instead, set the most restrictive settings for the youngest user, or manually switch Screen Time settings when different children use the device.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with proper setup, you may encounter issues. Here are solutions to problems parents frequently report.
Kids bypassing limits by changing the clock: Screen Time uses Apple’s servers for time, not the device clock. However, some kids discover that changing time zones can shift Downtime schedules. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Location Services and ensure “Don’t Allow Changes” is selected.
Forgot Screen Time passcode: On iOS 13.4 and later, you can reset the Screen Time passcode using your Apple ID. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Change Screen Time Passcode > Forgot Passcode. Enter your Apple ID credentials to reset.
Restrictions not applying: Check that Screen Time is actually enabled. Sometimes an iOS update disables it. Go to Settings > Screen Time and verify it shows “On” at the top.
YouTube still showing inappropriate content: Screen Time restrictions do not filter YouTube content. Use the YouTube Kids app for younger children, or enable Restricted Mode within the YouTube app settings.
Age-Appropriate Restriction Guidelines
Every child develops at different rates, but these guidelines help you set age-appropriate restrictions.
Ages 2-5: Use Guided Access for single-app use. Enable “Allowed Websites Only” in Safari. Disable App Store purchases and installing apps. Set Downtime for sleep hours. Limit screen time to 1 hour per day.
Ages 6-9: Allow specific educational apps with time limits. Use “Limit Adult Websites” in Safari. Enable Ask to Buy for purchases. Set app limits for games at 1-2 hours daily. Consider no Downtime during homework hours.
Ages 10-12: Gradually increase independence. Allow PG-rated content. Permit social apps with Communication Limits. Discuss restriction settings with your child so they understand the rules. Review Screen Time reports together weekly.
Ages 13+: Shift from blocking to monitoring. Keep content restrictions at appropriate ratings but allow more app freedom. Use Screen Time reports for conversations about healthy habits rather than enforcement. Consider removing some restrictions as your teen demonstrates responsibility.
FAQ
Can I block certain apps on my child’s iPad?
Yes. You can block specific apps using Screen Time’s Content & Privacy Restrictions. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps to toggle off built-in Apple apps. For third-party apps, set an App Limit of one minute to effectively block access while keeping the icon visible.
How to control apps on a child’s iPad?
Control apps by enabling Screen Time with the This Is My Child’s iPad option. Set App Limits for time restrictions, use Content & Privacy Restrictions to block or hide apps, and schedule Downtime for app-free periods. All changes require your Screen Time passcode to modify.
What is the app that lets me see everything on my child’s phone?
Apple does not provide a way to see everything on your child’s device. Third-party apps like Bark monitor messages and social media for concerning content, but no app can show complete device activity due to iOS security protections. Screen Time shows app usage time and categories but not specific content viewed.
Can I control my son’s iPad?
Yes. With Screen Time enabled and configured as This Is My Child’s iPad, you have comprehensive control. If you use Family Sharing, you can manage settings remotely from your device. You can block apps, set time limits, filter content, and prevent purchases without physically accessing their iPad.
How do I stop my child from deleting apps to bypass restrictions?
Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases > Deleting Apps and select Don’t Allow. This prevents your child from removing apps, which means they cannot bypass App Limits by reinstalling apps.
What if my child figures out the Screen Time passcode?
Change your Screen Time passcode immediately by going to Settings > Screen Time > Change Screen Time Passcode. Choose a code your child cannot guess. Avoid birthdays, anniversaries, or simple sequences. Never share the passcode with your child.
Conclusion
Learning how to restrict apps on iPad for children gives you powerful tools for digital parenting. Screen Time puts you in control without requiring technical expertise or expensive third-party solutions.
Start with the basics: enable Screen Time, create a secure passcode, and set App Limits for the apps that concern you most. Add Content & Privacy Restrictions as needed. Remember that restrictions work best when combined with ongoing conversations about healthy technology use.
Your child’s needs will change as they grow. Review your Screen Time settings monthly and adjust them accordingly. The goal is not perfection but progress toward healthy digital habits that will serve them throughout life.