How To Install Parental Controls on Your Child's Computer (and Other Devices)

Parental controls can help set appropriate boundaries for device and internet usage for your children. This article will guide you on how to set up and use built-in parental controls on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. If you need more robust features, we also share the best parental control apps.

How to enable parental controls on a device

Parental controls let the adults decide appropriate online boundaries for children. Here are a few things a parent could manage.

• Block access to specific websites
• Filter explicit content
• Prevent app downloads
• Set time limits on device usage
• Disable in-app purchases
• Stop unauthorized changes to privacy settings
• Monitor app usage
• Track a device's location

Parental controls can be put on a phone, tablet, or computer. There are even modern routers that have built-in parental controls. The exact process to set up parental controls in a router will vary by device.

The process generally looks like this.

1. Connect the router to the internet.
2. Go to the router's settings page.
3. Enter the admin username and password.
4. Click on Parental Controls.
5. Adjust settings to desired preference.

When you are setting up parental controls on a computer or phone, the process will also vary depending on the device and which parental control software you are using. Let's take a better look at the general process of setting up parental controls on common devices.

Windows

Newer versions of Windows have built-in parental controls. To set it up, follow these steps.

1. Go to the Windows search bar and enter Family options.
2. Click on that option under Settings.
3. Create a profile for your child.
4. Enable parental controls.

By default, parental controls will automatically set the Microsoft Edge browser to strict search results that will stop adult content from appearing. It will also disable the ability for a child to browse privately.

If you decide to use third-party software for parental controls, then refer to its instructions on how to install and use it on Windows.

MacOS

For a MacOS, you need to create a standard account for your child and get them a separate Apple ID. You want to make sure they don't have administrator access to prevent them from changing settings.

If your child is using a macOS Ventura (or newer) device, then follow these instructions.

1. Go to System Settings by clicking on the Apple menu.
2. Select Users and Groups.
3. Choose Add Account.
4. Enter the administrator password.
5. A pop-up window appears to create a new account.
6. Select Standard.
7. Choose the name and password for the child's account.
8. Click Create User.
9. Log out of the account or restart your device.
10. Log in to the child's account.
11. Follow the instructions to continue setting up the account.

Once your child's account is ready, you can enable Family Sharing. Add your child's profile, and you can adjust parental controls to set time limits, restrict content, or set communication limits.

Alternatively, you may decide to use third-party software for parental controls. In that case, refer to its instructions on how to install and use it on macOS.

Android

There are many parental control apps available on Android. However, there is also a built-in option. Google Play can help you manage your child's app usage. Here are the steps to take to enable parental controls on Google Play.

1. Open Google Play.
2. Click on the profile image in the upper right corner.
3. Select Settings.
4. Choose Family, and then tap Parental Controls.
5. Enable Parental Controls.
6. Create a PIN that your child doesn't know.
7. Modify the parental controls to your preference.

Google Play isn't a robust parental control method though. It doesn't offer content filtering on search results, for example. You may want to install a third-party app for more parental control options.

iOS

Setting up parental controls on an iPhone is similar to setting it up on an iPad. Each of these devices has built-in parental controls. To enable them, follow these steps.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Screen Time.
3. Choose your child's name.
4. Select Content & Privacy Restrictions. You may need to enter the Screen Time passcode.
5. Modify parental controls to your preference.

Built-in parental controls let you prevent app store purchases, prevent explicit content, restrict Game Center, and more. You may consider installing a third-party app for additional parental controls if the built-in features don't satisfy your needs.

The best parental control apps

Popular operating systems have built-in parental controls. However, sometimes their features are limited. You may want additional parental controls to ensure your child's safety.

We did extensive research and testing to find the best parental control apps on the market. Bark is the best overall, with its affordable price and extensive monitoring features that cover text, app, and social media. But there are many others that may also fit your family’s needs.

FAQs

Bottom line

Many operating systems have built-in parental control features. However, you may find that these parental controls lack some tools like content filtering or the ability to monitor text messages. Using one of the best parental control apps can help ensure your child has age-appropriate boundaries with the internet that can keep them safe.