How to approve websites, limit apps and set parental controls in iOS 27

Apple redesigned Screen Time and Family Sharing parental controls in iOS 27, giving parents more flexible ways to manage websites, apps and daily device use. The new features became available on September 14, 2026, alongside iOS 27, iPadOS 27 and macOS 27. ([apple.com](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/09/apples-new-child-safety-features-now-available/?utm_source=openai))

The essentials are straightforward: give your child a separate Child Account, add it to Family Sharing and update every device in the family group. You can then require approval for new websites, decide which apps are available, allocate time by app category and create schedules for school, meals, evenings or weekends.

What you need before changing parental controls

Apple says that every device in the Family Sharing group must be running version 27 or later of its operating system to use the redesigned Screen Time experience. Depending on the family’s devices, that means iOS 27, iPadOS 27, macOS 27, watchOS 27 or visionOS 27. ([apple.com](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/09/apples-new-child-safety-features-now-available/?utm_source=openai))

Before starting:

• Update the parent’s and child’s Apple devices.
• Confirm that Family Sharing is active.
• Give the child their own Apple Account rather than sharing a parent’s account.
• Make sure the child appears in the correct family group.
• Add the family organiser or designated parent or guardian to the child’s contacts, so approval requests can be delivered.

A Child Account is required for children under 13 and can also be used for children up to 18. Exact account requirements and age thresholds may vary where local law requires different treatment. ([apple.com](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/06/apple-previews-new-child-safety-features/?utm_source=openai))

To create an account for a child on an iPhone, open Settings, select Family, choose the option to add a family member and follow the prompts to create a Child Account. Menu wording can differ slightly by device, language and region.

How Ask to Browse works

Ask to Browse lets a child request access when they try to open a new website. It works with Safari on iPhone, iPad and Mac, as well as other supported browser apps. Apple does not provide a complete public list of compatible third-party browsers, so Safari is the best place to test the feature if requests are not appearing as expected. ([support.apple.com](https://support.apple.com/en-ie/127512?utm_source=openai))

Ask to Browse is enabled by default for Child Accounts under 13. Apple also enables Limit Adult Websites by default for users under 18, although defaults can depend on the account and local requirements. ([support.apple.com](https://support.apple.com/en-ie/127512?utm_source=openai))

Approving a website request

When the child encounters a restricted website, they can select the option to ask for permission. The parent receives a request in Messages showing which site the child wants to visit and can approve or decline it. The request can also be handled in person on the child’s device. ([support.apple.com](https://support.apple.com/guide/child-safety/approve-childs-purchases-downloads-requests-dq4vly6fq1je/27/web/1.0?utm_source=openai))

An approved website is added to the child’s allowed list. Parents can review that list later and remove access when a site is no longer needed. Approval therefore does not require disabling the wider website filter.

To manage the feature, open the child’s parental controls from Settings > Family, select the child and look for the controls covering apps, websites or browsing. Apple’s labels may vary across platforms and languages.

How to control which apps a child can use

The redesigned setup process lets parents begin with a small collection of essential apps, use Apple’s recommended selection or choose individual apps. More apps can be made available later as the child becomes ready for them. ([apple.com](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/06/apple-previews-new-child-safety-features/?utm_source=openai))

There are three different tools to consider:

• App access: Choose which installed apps the child can open.
• Ask to Buy: Require permission before the child downloads an app, including a free app, or makes an in-app purchase.
• Content restrictions: Limit apps and media according to age ratings or restrict particular system features.

Use direct app restrictions when an app should not be accessible at all. If the app is acceptable in moderation, a Time Allowance or schedule is usually more practical than blocking it completely.

Set daily limits with Time Allowances

Time Allowances control how long a child can use apps in categories such as Games, Entertainment and Social Media. Parents can set an overall daily allowance and adjust the amount assigned to particular categories. Apple also provides age-tailored guidance as a starting point, but parents remain free to change the suggested limits. ([apple.com](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/06/apple-previews-new-child-safety-features/?utm_source=openai))

To configure them, open the child’s Screen Time settings and select Time Allowances. Review the available categories, choose the time permitted and check which apps belong to each category.

A category’s apps remain usable until the child reaches either that category’s allowance or the total daily allowance. If an app declares an associated website, Apple says the allowance can apply to both the app and that website. ([support.apple.com](https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/set-schedules-and-time-allowances-iphb0c7313c9/27/ios/27?utm_source=openai))

When the time runs out, the child can send a request for additional time. The parent can approve or decline that request through Messages. This is useful for occasional exceptions without permanently changing the family’s normal rules. ([support.apple.com](https://support.apple.com/guide/child-safety/approve-childs-purchases-downloads-requests-dq4vly6fq1je/27/web/1.0?utm_source=openai))

Create different schedules for school days and weekends

Screen Time Schedules determine when apps or categories are available. Separate time windows can be created for weekdays, weekends and different parts of the day. A parent might restrict entertainment during school hours, make games available after homework and reduce access again before bedtime. ([apple.com](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/06/apple-previews-new-child-safety-features/?utm_source=openai))

A practical starting schedule could be:

• Before school: Communication, transport and essential school apps only.
• During school: Learning tools and approved contacts.
• After school: Games and entertainment within their Time Allowances.
• Dinner and family time: Pause distracting categories.
• Evening: Reduce social media and entertainment access.
• Weekends: Use longer or differently timed allowances where appropriate.

Schedules should reflect the child’s age, routine and needs rather than acting as a universal rule. Review them whenever school hours, activities or family arrangements change.

Keep essential apps and contacts available

The Always Allowed section can exempt selected apps and people from schedules and Time Allowances. Apple suggests that parents may want to include family members or important tools such as the Health app for emergencies. ([support.apple.com](https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/set-schedules-and-time-allowances-iphb0c7313c9/27/ios/27?utm_source=openai))

Before activating a restrictive schedule, confirm that the child can still contact a parent or guardian and access any necessary health, travel or school tools.

If the new controls do not appear

Start by checking the software version on every device associated with the family—not only the parent’s iPhone. The version 27 Screen Time update requires compatible software throughout the Family Sharing group. ([apple.com](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/09/apples-new-child-safety-features-now-available/?utm_source=openai))

Also verify that:

• The child is signed in with their own Apple Account.
• The account is recognised as a Child Account.
• The child belongs to the parent’s Family Sharing group.
• Screen Time and App & Website Activity are enabled.
• The parent or guardian is correctly assigned within the family.
• The parent is in the child’s contacts for approval requests.

Apple notes that some features may not be available in every region, language or device model. If the accounts and software are correctly configured but an option remains absent, availability or device support may be the reason. ([apple.com](https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/09/apples-new-child-safety-features-now-available/?utm_source=openai))

Review the settings with your child

Technical controls work best when the child understands why they exist. Explain which websites require approval, when extra time may be requested and which apps must remain available for communication or safety.

Review Screen Time reports and allowed websites periodically rather than treating the initial setup as permanent. As the child’s responsibilities and judgement develop, limits can be adjusted without abandoning the protections that still matter.

Sources

1. Apple’s new child safety features now available — https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/09/apples-new-child-safety-features-now-available/
2. Apple previews new child safety features — https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/06/apple-previews-new-child-safety-features/
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17. Apple’s new child safety features now available – Apple — https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2026/09/apples-new-child-safety-features-now-available/?utm_source=openai
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