How to 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’s age-rating restriction you set for them in Screen Time. If you approve an exception, you can remove it later.
How app exception requests work
If your child tries to download an app with an age rating higher than the app age-rating restriction that you set for them, they will see a message that says content restrictions are enabled. If they ask for an exception, you’ll receive a message in the Messages app. You can approve or decline the request directly from the message notification or in the Messages app.
Depending on your state, country or region, you may have to approve an app again if the app makes a significant change (for example, it gets a higher age rating or introduces a new feature).
Respond to an app exception request
You can respond to an app exception request on your device, straight 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 will open. 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 should 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 Exceptions list, your child can’t use it. It’s hidden but not deleted from their device.
Open Settings (or System Settings on Mac), then tap or click Screen Time.
Tap or click Content & Privacy Restrictions.
Tap or click App Store, Media, Web & Games.
Tap or click Apps to show a list of App Exceptions.
To remove an exception, tap or click the Remove button, then confirm.
If you can’t respond to your child’s exception request
When your child sends a request for you to approve, you will get a message in the Messages app.
If you don’t get a message, check the following:
Update your iPhone or iPad to the latest software. You need the latest software version to respond to some requests from your child. To make sure Screen Time settings and other parental controls work as intended, keep all of the devices in your Family Sharing group updated.
Add your Apple Account email address to iMessage. Make sure you can send and receive messages using iMessage from your Apple Account email address.
Use iMessage regularly. To get these requests via Messages, you need to have sent and received messages using iMessage in the last 30 days.
Turn on notifications for Messages. To get a notification when you receive a request, turn on notifications for the Messages app.
Sync your iCloud contacts to your device. Make sure your iCloud contacts sync to the device where you want to receive these requests.