Manage app exceptions for your child
With Ask to Buy turned on, your child can request to download an app with an age rating higher than the app age rating restriction set for them. If you approve an exception, you can later remove it.
How app exception requests work
Your child can't download an app with an age rating higher than the app age rating restriction set for them. Instead, they see a message that tells them that content restrictions are enabled. Then they can ask for an exception to get the app.
If they ask for an exception, you'll receive a message from them in the Messages app — just like an Ask to Buy request. You see the app name, the cost to purchase (if any), and the age rating. You can approve or decline the request right from the message notification or in Messages.
What you need to approve an app exception request
Update your device and your child's device to the latest software version.
In Settings, tap Family. Then tap your child's name and make sure that Ask to Buy is turned on.
In Screen Time, use Content & Privacy Restrictions to set an App Age Rating Restriction.
Respond to an app exception request
You can respond to an app exception request on your device, right from the notification or message. If your child is nearby, you can respond directly on their device.
On your device: When you tap Review the request, the app's page opens. You can approve or decline the exception, or view the app's Age Rating Details.
On your child's device: Open the App Store (or where they made the request) and find the app. You see a message that a request has been sent and is awaiting approval. In that message, tap "approve in person."
View and remove approved app exceptions
In Screen Time, you can see a list of all app exceptions that you've allowed. If you change your mind, you can remove your child's access to an app at any time.
When you remove an app from the App Exception list, your child can't use it. It's hidden but not deleted from their device.
In Settings (or System Settings on Mac), open Screen Time.
Select Content & Privacy Restrictions.
Select App Store, Media, Web, & Games.
To show a list of App Exceptions, select Apps
To remove an exception, select the Remove button, then confirm.
