Setting up an iPad for your child is more than downloading a few apps. The right setup helps your kid stay safe, avoid surprise purchases, and build healthier screen habits.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to lock down the basics, create a child Apple ID, turn on Family Sharing, and configure Screen Time the right way.
We’ll also cover content filters, location settings, and kid-friendly safety features so the iPad works for learning and fun without constant worry.
Start with the Basics: Create a Passcode and Decide “Kid iPad” vs “Shared iPad”
First, add a strong passcode so settings can’t be changed without you. Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode) and set a code your child won’t guess. If the iPad supports it, enable Face ID or Touch ID for you, not for your child, so parental changes stay protected.
Next, decide whether this is a kid-only iPad or a shared family iPad. A kid-only setup is simpler for Screen Time and restrictions. A shared iPad can work, but it needs tighter controls and clear rules about switching users. If you’re repurposing a hand-me-down device, check uses for an old iPad before you finalize how you’ll set it up.
Create a Child Apple ID and Add It to Family Sharing
Create an Apple ID for a Child (Under 13)
A child’s Apple ID lets you manage downloads, Screen Time, and privacy from your own device. On your iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > [your name] > Family > Add Member > Create Child Account. Follow the prompts to enter your child’s birthday, name, and a new email, or use the iCloud option Apple provides. Create a strong password, then save the login details somewhere secure.
Set Up Family Sharing and Add Your Child
Family Sharing connects your child’s account to yours so you can approve purchases and manage settings remotely. In Settings > [your name] > Family, confirm Family Sharing is on. Then select your child’s profile to review sharing options like Purchase Sharing and Screen Time. Once added, sign in on the iPad using your child’s Apple ID so their apps, restrictions, and usage reports stay tied to the right account.
Lock Down Purchases: Ask to Buy, App Store Controls, and Subscriptions
Turn On Ask to Buy for Downloads and In-App Purchases
Ask to Buy prevents surprise charges and gives you control over every download. On your device, go to Settings > [your name] > Family, tap your child’s name, then enable Ask to Buy. Now, when your child tries to install an app or make an in-app purchase, you’ll get a request to approve or decline before anything happens.
Limit Installs, Deletes, and Subscription Changes
Next, tighten App Store rules so your child can’t add or remove apps freely. Go to Settings > Screen Time > [child] > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases. Set Installing Apps and Deleting Apps to Don’t Allow, and restrict in-app purchases if needed. Also block account changes so subscriptions can’t be started, upgraded, or canceled without you.
Set Up Screen Time the Right Way (Downtime, App Limits, and Communication Limits)
Create Downtime and a Daily Schedule
Downtime blocks most apps during school, homework, meals, and bedtime. Go to Settings > Screen Time > [child] > Downtime and set a daily schedule. Keep it consistent on weekdays, then loosen it slightly on weekends if needed. Make sure only a few essential apps are allowed.
Set App Limits by Category (Games, Social, Video)
App Limits stop binge sessions before they start. In Settings > Screen Time > [child] > App Limits, add limits for categories like Games, Entertainment, and Social Networking. Start with small limits, then adjust after a week based on behavior, not complaints.
Use Communication Limits for Calls and Messages
Communication Limits help you control who your child can contact. Go to Settings > Screen Time > [child] > Communication Limits and set rules for During Screen Time and During Downtime. For younger kids, limit contacts to family only. For older kids, allow approved contacts and review changes regularly.
Block Inappropriate Content: Content & Privacy Restrictions, Safari Safety, and Location
Turn On Content & Privacy Restrictions
Content & Privacy Restrictions are the core safety controls for a child’s iPad. Go to Settings > Screen Time > [child] > Content & Privacy Restrictions and turn it on. Then set age-appropriate limits for apps, movies, TV shows, and music. You can also block explicit content, restrict account changes, and limit features like AirDrop or Siri web results if they cause issues.
Make Safari Safer and Manage Location Sharing
For safer browsing, open Content Restrictions > Web Content and choose Limit Adult Websites, or use Allowed Websites Only for younger kids. Consider blocking downloads if it becomes a problem. For location, review Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services and turn off location access for apps that don’t need it. If you use Family Sharing, manage location through Find My and share it only with trusted family members.
Device Safety for Kids: Guided Access, Find My, Backups, and Volume Limits
Use Guided Access for Younger Kids (One-App Mode)
Guided Access is perfect for toddlers and younger kids because it locks the iPad to one app. Turn it on in Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access, then set a passcode. When your child is in an app, triple-click the side or top button to start Guided Access, and end it the same way when you’re done.
Turn On Find My and Enable iCloud Backup
To locate a lost iPad, enable Find My in Settings > [child’s name] > Find My and turn on Find My iPad. Next, protect schoolwork, photos, and app data with backups. Go to Settings > [child’s name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup, switch it on, and run a backup over Wi-Fi.
Set Safer Volume and Hearing Settings
For headphones, use Settings > Sounds & Haptics (or Sounds) to keep volume reasonable. If available, set Headphone Safety limits in Settings > Sounds & Haptics > Headphone Safety to reduce hearing risk during longer sessions.
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