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# How to set up Screen Time on iPhone and iPad: downtime, app limits, communication and Ask to Buy
- URL: https://devicedaddy.mymagic.page/iphone-ipad-screen-time/
- Published: 2026-11-09T16:21:04.000Z
- Updated: 2026-11-09T16:21:04.000Z
- Description: Set up Apple Screen Time with Family Sharing in about 25 minutes: downtime, app limits, Communication Safety and Ask to Buy.
- Author: Philip Nixon
- Tags: Guides, iPhone, #Import 2026-11-09 16:04

✅

**Verified:** Last checked on **5 October 2026** against Apple Support (UK) for Screen Time and Family Sharing. Covers iPhone and iPad. Apple refreshed Screen Time for iOS 27 / iPadOS 27 — older software may show the previous menu layout. We checked Apple's written instructions, not a device.

**⏱ Time:** 20–30 minutes | **🔧 Difficulty:** Medium

## What you'll need

- Your Apple Account (family organiser or parent/guardian)
- A Child Account for your child in Family Sharing
- Your iPhone, iPad or Mac, and your child's device
- A Screen Time passcode your child doesn't know

## Step-by-step

1. **Set up Family Sharing.** On your device: *Settings → Family → +*, then create a Child Account or invite them. Don't share your Apple Account with your child.  
\[Screenshot: Family Sharing add member screen\]
2. **Turn on Screen Time.** *Settings → Family → \[child\] → Screen Time*. Follow the setup and create a Screen Time passcode on *your* device.  
\[Screenshot: Screen Time passcode step\]
3. **Set Downtime and app limits.** Choose school-night and weekend schedules, then set daily budgets for Games, Social Networking and Entertainment. Keep Phone and family Messages under Always Allowed.
4. **Lock down communication.** Set Communication Limits to Contacts Only (and Specific Contacts during Downtime). Keep Communication Safety on — Apple turns it on by default for under-18s in many regions.
5. **Content restrictions and Ask to Buy.** Turn on Content & Privacy Restrictions, set age ratings, keep Limit Adult Websites on, and confirm Ask to Buy is enabled.  
\[Screenshot: Content & Privacy Restrictions\]
6. **Test it.** Ask your child to open a blocked app and request an App Store download. You should get the approval prompts.

## ⚠️ Watch out

- Mixed iOS versions in the family group can break syncing — update every device if you can.
- The Screen Time passcode must be different from the device unlock code.
- Communication Limits don't cover WhatsApp, Snapchat, Discord or game chat.
- Ask to Buy doesn't cover gift cards or money already sitting in an app.
- If you're worried about contact from someone, block them and report to [CEOP](https://www.ceop.police.uk/?ref=devicedaddy.mymagic.page) if needed.

## Related guides

- Android Family Link \[link to add\]
- YouTube supervised accounts \[link to add\]
- Instagram supervision \[link to add\]
- WhatsApp privacy settings \[link to add\]

🔁

**Spotted a change?** Apple updates iOS regularly. If a menu looks different, [tell us](#) your device and iOS version, and we'll re-check the guide.

Sources (checked 5 Oct 2026): [Apple: Screen Time for your child](https://support.apple.com/en-gb/108806?ref=devicedaddy.mymagic.page) · [Set up Screen Time on iPhone](https://support.apple.com/en-gb/guide/iphone/ipha200da319/ios?ref=devicedaddy.mymagic.page) · [Family Sharing (UK)](https://www.apple.com/uk/family-sharing/?ref=devicedaddy.mymagic.page)