Before you start
- You are the organizer, a parent or a guardian in an Apple Family Sharing group.
- Your child has their own Apple Account in your family, not a shared one.
- Both iPhones have a current iOS version.
- You have discussed which times and apps should be managed.
For children under 13 (this varies in some countries), you create the Apple Account for your child yourself through Family Sharing.
Step by step
1. Open Family Sharing
On your iPhone, open “Settings > Family” and tap your child's name.
2. Turn on Screen Time
Choose “Screen Time” and follow the assistant. It guides you through age ratings, Downtime and App Limits.
3. Set Downtime
Set when only allowed apps and phone calls are available, for example from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. (20:00–7:00).
4. Set App Limits
Limit categories such as “Social” or “Games” to a daily amount of time that suits your child's age and routine.
5. Always Allowed
Choose apps that should always work, such as Phone, messages to the family or Maps.
6. Restrictions
Under “Content & Privacy Restrictions” you manage age ratings, web content, purchases and installations.
7. Screen Time passcode
Set a passcode that your child doesn't know so that settings can't be changed.
8. Turn on Ask to Buy
Under “Settings > Family > [child's name] > Ask to Buy” you will approve downloads and purchases from now on.
Menu names may differ slightly depending on the iOS version. You can find the current instructions in the linked Apple Support articles.
Common mistakes
- The child uses a parent's Apple Account. Then family rules don't take effect.
- The Screen Time passcode is the child's device passcode or is easy to guess.
- Limits that are too strict without a conversation. This tends to lead to attempts to get around them rather than understanding.
- Rules are never reviewed and no longer fit after a year.
Taking it further with Kydly
Kydly uses the same Apple interfaces and turns them into everyday rules such as School mode or Bedtime. In their own view, your child can ask for more time and give a reason. You select the affected apps together on your child's iPhone.
Frequently asked questions
Can I set up my child's Screen Time from my iPhone?
Yes, if your child is in your Family Sharing group with their own Apple Account. You'll find the settings under “Settings > Family > [child's name] > Screen Time”.
What's the difference between Downtime and an App Limit?
Downtime blocks everything except allowed apps at set times. An App Limit restricts the daily usage time of certain apps or categories.
What should I do if my child knows the Screen Time passcode?
Change the passcode through Family Sharing on your device and talk openly about why the rules apply.
Get to know Kydly
Try Kydly first with sample data in the demo, or download the app. The basic features for one parent and the first child are free.
Sources and further information
This guide is published by the provider of the Kydly app. It does not replace individual legal, medical or educational advice. Information about Kydly describes the app as of the date stated; the Privacy Policy, the Terms of Use and the terms Apple displays before purchase are binding. Legal documents (privacy policy, terms of use, legal notice) are available in German and English.