Daily TipsiPadiPhone

How to Set Content & Privacy Restrictions in iOS 16, iPadOS 16

With Content & Privacy Restrictions in Screen Time on iOS 16 and iPadOS 16, you can block or limit specific apps and features on your child’s device. 

You can also restrict the settings on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch for explicit content, purchases and downloads, and privacy. To set Content & Privacy restrictions:

  1. Go to Settings and tap Screen Time.
  2. Tap Turn on Screen Time, then tap it again. Choose “This is My [Device]” or “This is My Child’s [Device].”
    • If you’re the parent or guardian of your device and want to prevent another family member from changing your settings, tap Use Screen Time Passcode to create a passcode, then re-enter the passcode to confirm. After you confirm your passcode you’ll be asked to enter your Apple ID and password. This can be used to reset your Screen Time passcode if you forget it. 
    • If you’re setting up Screen Time on your child’s device, follow the prompts until you get to Screen Time Passcode and enter a passcode. Re-enter the passcode to confirm. After you confirm your passcode you’ll be asked to enter your Apple ID and password. This can be used to reset your Screen Time passcode if you forget it. 
  3. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions. If asked, enter your passcode, then turn on Content & Privacy Restrictions.

Make sure to choose a passcode that’s different from the passcode that you use to unlock your device. To change or turn off the passcode on your child’s device, tap Settings > Screen Time > [your child’s name]. Then tap Change Screen Time Passcode or Turn Off Screen Time Passcode, and authenticate the change with Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode.

With iOS 16, while you’re setting up Screen Time for a child’s device, you can set age-related restrictions for content in apps, books, TV shows, and movies. Just follow the onscreen instructions during setup.

(This how-to is based on my experiences and info on Apple’s support pages.)

Dennis Sellers
the authorDennis Sellers
Dennis Sellers is the editor/publisher of Apple World Today. He’s been an “Apple journalist” since 1995 (starting with the first big Apple news site, MacCentral). He loves to read, run, play sports, and watch movies.