How to restrict certain apps on iPhone and iPad

By Luke Filipowicz, Nicolette Roux, Bryan M Wolfe
last updated

Keep your kids' apps under wraps with parental controls.

Parental controls on iPhone and iPad.
(Image credit: iMore)
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Trying to keep close tabs on the features, apps, and content your kiddos can access? Use this nifty guide to control the content your children can see, so you can keep your kids' apps under wraps. 

Parental Controls, also known as Restrictions, let you manage which features, apps, and content your kids can and can't access on the best iPhone or best iPad. It also lets you set Screen Time limits for specific apps that you'd rather your kids not spend all day on. If you want to disable specific apps altogether, here's how!

How to set Restrictions on iPhone and iPad in iOS

Restrictions are located under Screen Time in your Settings. Here's how to get there.

  1. Launch Settings from your Home screen.
  2. Tap Screen Time.
  3. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.

(Image credit: iMore)
  1. Tap the switch next to Content & Privacy.
  2. Tap Allowed apps.
  3. Tap the switch(es) next to the app or apps you'd like to disable.

Adjusting your allowed apps via Parental Controls on iPad and iPhone.

(Image credit: iMore)

These apps will no longer appear on your Home screen. To re-enable them, you'll just have to follow the above steps and turn the switches back on. This is a quick and easy way to control the content your kids can access on their Apple devices. Looking to upgrade your child's iPhone or iPad? Check out the best iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPad deals! 

Luke Filipowicz
Luke Filipowicz
Staff Writer

Luke Filipowicz has been a writer at iMore, covering Apple for nearly a decade now. He writes a lot about Apple Watch and iPad but covers the iPhone and Mac as well. He often describes himself as an "Apple user on a budget" and firmly believes that great technology can be affordable if you know where to look. Luke also heads up the iMore Show — a weekly podcast focusing on Apple news, rumors, and products but likes to have some fun along the way. 


Luke knows he spends more time on Twitter than he probably should, so feel free to follow him or give him a shout on social media @LukeFilipowicz.