iOS: Understanding Restrictions

Summary

You can enable Restrictions, also known as Parental Controls, on an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to prevent access to specific features. Learn more about the types of Restrictions that are available, as well as how to enable or disable Restrictions on your device.

Products Affected

iPad, iPhone, iPod touch

You can enable and adjust Restrictions or on your device to prevent access to specific features or content on the device. Locate these settings by tapping Settings > General > Restrictions.

Using Restrictions

To Enable Restrictions, tap Enable Restrictions and enter a passcode. The passcode will be required to make changes to these settings or to disable restrictions.

You can choose to restrict access to the following applications and features on the device:

  • Safari
  • YouTube
  • Camera (also disables FaceTime)
  • FaceTime
  • iTunes
  • Ping
  • Installing apps
  • Deleting apps
  • Multiplayer games in Game Center
  • Adding friends in Game Center

You can choose to prevent changes to the following settings/accounts:

  • Location Services
  • Accounts (disables changes to Mail, Contacts, Calendars, iCloud, and Twitter accounts)

In addition, you can choose to prevent access to specific content types:

  • Ratings (select the country in the ratings section to automatically apply the appropriate content ratings for that region)
  • Music and podcasts
  • Movies
  • TV shows
  • Apps
  • In-App Purchases

You can also adjust the time necessary before a password is required to purchase content.

Additional Information

If your iOS device is missing a particular application or if a certain feature is not available, ensure that Restrictions are not enabled. Symptoms can include:

  • App missing from the Home screen (Safari, Camera, or YouTube for example)
  • Feature or service unavailable (Siri, Ping, Location Services, and so on)
  • Setting missing or grayed out (such as Mail, Contacts, and Calendar; iCloud; Twitter; FaceTime)

Important: Restrictions can also be enabled or enforced using a profile (typically installed when using the device for business or education purposes). You can check for installed profiles in Settings > General > Profiles. For additional information, contact the administrator or the person who installed the profile.

Find information on using Parental Controls for iTunes.

Important: Information about products not manufactured by Apple is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute Apple’s recommendation or endorsement. Please contact the vendor for additional information.
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