How to Set Up a Kid-Safe iPad
— Tech for Parents — 1 min read
Giving your child an iPad doesn’t have to mean losing control. With just a few simple settings, you can help make their device safe, age-appropriate, and stress-free.
🔐 Set Up Parental Controls
- Go to Settings → Screen Time
- Tap Turn On Screen Time
- Select This is My Child’s iPad
- Set a passcode only you know
- Tap through each section to configure:
- Downtime: When the iPad can’t be used
- App Limits: Set daily time limits (e.g., 1 hour of YouTube Kids)
- Content & Privacy Restrictions: Block inappropriate content
🧒 Set Up a Child Apple ID (Optional)
You can add your child to Family Sharing so you can approve purchases and track device usage.
- Go to Settings → Your Name → Family Sharing
- Tap Add Family Member
- Choose Create a Child Account
👀 Use Guided Access for One-App Mode
If you want your child to stay in a single app:
- Go to Settings → Accessibility → Guided Access
- Enable it and set a passcode
- Open the app, then triple-click the Home or Side button to lock it in
🎯 Final Tips
- Put only approved apps on the home screen
- Turn off access to the App Store or Safari if needed
- Periodically check Screen Time reports
By taking these steps, you can help ensure your child’s screen time is both safe and healthy — and that you stay in control of the experience.
Need help setting this up? Contact Mike — I’m happy to walk you through it.