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How to Set Up Parental Controls for App Downloads and Purchases

LookedApp provides a step-by-step guide for parents to manage their child's app downloads and in-app purchases on Android and iPhone devices, utilizing platform-specific tools like Google Play's content restrictions, Family Link, Screen Time, and Ask to Buy.

By LookedApp · Updated · 8 min read

Introduction to App Download Controls

Managing the applications a child can download and the purchases they can make is an important aspect of digital parenting. These controls help ensure that children engage with age-appropriate content and prevent unintended spending. Platforms like Google Play and the App Store offer built-in features to assist parents in setting these boundaries.

By implementing parental controls, parents can filter content based on maturity ratings, require approval for new downloads or purchases, and manage overall device usage. This guide outlines the necessary steps for configuring these settings on both Android and iPhone devices.

LookedApp recommends reviewing these settings regularly to adapt them as a child grows and their needs evolve. Utilizing these tools effectively contributes to a safer and more controlled digital environment for younger users.

Understanding Content Ratings

Content ratings provide a standardized way to determine the suitability of apps and games for different age groups. These ratings are assigned by industry bodies and are prominently displayed on app store listings.

On Google Play, ratings include categories such as 'Everyone', 'Everyone 10+', and 'Teen'. For instance, YouTube Kids is rated 'Everyone', indicating it is suitable for all ages, while Roblox carries a 'Teen' rating due to its diverse user-generated content and interactions. Minecraft is rated 'Everyone 10+', suggesting it is appropriate for users aged ten and older. These ratings help parents make informed decisions about what content is appropriate for their children.

Similarly, the App Store uses ratings like '4+', '9+', and '12+'. PBS KIDS Games and ABCya! Games are both rated '4+', designed for younger children. Minecraft, on the App Store, has a '9+' rating, and Roblox is rated '12+', reflecting content that may be suitable for children aged twelve and above. These ratings serve as a primary filter when setting up parental controls on either platform.

Setting Up Google Play Content Restrictions (Standard Accounts)

Parents can configure content restrictions directly within the Google Play app on an Android device to control what can be downloaded or purchased. These restrictions are device-specific, meaning they need to be applied on each Android device used by a child.

The system uses a PIN to prevent unauthorized changes to these settings. This PIN is integrated with Android device-level parental controls, ensuring consistency across the device's management features. If a parent has previously set a Google Play content restrictions PIN, it will continue to be used. New users will default to the Android parental controls PIN.

  1. Open the Google Play app on the Android device.
  2. Tap the profile icon located at the top right of the screen.
  3. Navigate to 'Settings', then select 'Family', and finally 'Content restrictions'.
  4. Tap 'Go to Parental controls' and then 'Set up a parental controls PIN', followed by 'Next'.
  5. Create a PIN that the child does not know.
  6. Select the desired content type filters, such as 'Apps & Games'.
  7. Choose how to filter or restrict access based on content ratings.

Managing Google Play Controls with Family Link

For children whose Google Accounts are managed through Family Link, content restrictions can be set from a parent's device using the Family Link app. These settings apply to any Android device where the child is signed in with their Google Account, offering centralized control.

A parent in the family group must use their Google Account password to set up or modify these content restrictions. This ensures that only authorized adults can make changes to the child's settings. Family Link also allows for management of screen time limits, though the primary focus here is on app downloads.

For example, a parent could restrict Roblox, which has a 'Teen' rating on Google Play, or allow YouTube Kids, which is rated 'Everyone', based on their child's age and maturity. Parents can also manage these settings directly through the g.co/YourFamily website.

  1. Open the Family Link app on the parent's device.
  2. At the top left, select the child's profile.
  3. Tap 'Controls', then 'Google Play'.
  4. Tap the type of content to filter, such as 'Apps & Games'.
  5. Choose how to filter or restrict access by selecting the highest content rating allowed.

Parental Controls on iPhone with Screen Time

Screen Time on iPhone and iPad provides comprehensive parental controls, allowing parents to manage apps, websites, communication, and device usage. To access the most current parental control features, all devices within the Family Sharing group should be updated to iOS 27 or later.

Parents can set up these controls from their own iPhone or iPad, provided they are the Family Sharing organizer or a designated parent/guardian. This system allows for monitoring activity, approving apps and websites, and adjusting content and privacy restrictions.

For example, a parent can choose to allow PBS KIDS Games and ABCya! Games, both rated '4+' on the App Store, while potentially restricting apps with higher age ratings like Minecraft ('9+') or Roblox ('12+'), depending on the child's age and the parent's preferences.

Managing App Downloads and Purchases on iPhone with Ask to Buy

Ask to Buy is a core feature within Screen Time that gives children the freedom to explore the App Store while requiring parental approval for all downloads and purchases. When a child wishes to download a new app or make an in-app purchase, a request is sent to the parent.

Parents receive a notification with details about the app and can choose to approve or decline the request. If approved, the item automatically downloads to the child's device. For children under 13, Ask to Buy is typically enabled by default and, in some regions, cannot be turned off if the child is under 18.

This feature applies to all apps regardless of their age rating. For example, if a child wants to download the $6.99 Minecraft app or make in-app purchases within Roblox ranging from $0.50 to $199.99, a request will be sent to the parent for approval. Similarly, for free apps like YouTube Kids or PBS KIDS Games, a request is still sent before download.

  1. Open the 'Settings' app on the parent's iPhone or iPad.
  2. Tap 'Family', then tap the child's name.
  3. Tap 'Apps & Websites', and if prompted, enter the Screen Time passcode.
  4. Tap 'Restrictions'.
  5. Tap 'Ask to Buy', then turn on 'Require Purchase Approval'.

Setting Content and Privacy Restrictions on iPhone

Beyond Ask to Buy, Screen Time offers 'Content & Privacy Restrictions' to manage specific types of content and settings on a child's device. This allows parents to set age-appropriate ratings for apps, music, books, movies, and TV shows.

Many of these settings are applied automatically based on the child's age, but parents can adjust them as needed. For instance, parents can restrict apps with certain ratings or block unrated apps. This ensures that only content deemed suitable for the child's age group is accessible.

These restrictions can also control Game Center features, Siri settings, and privacy access for various apps, providing a comprehensive approach to managing the child's digital interactions.

  1. Open the 'Settings' app on the parent's iPhone or iPad.
  2. Tap 'Family', then tap the child's name.
  3. Tap 'Content & Privacy Restrictions'. If prompted, enter the Screen Time passcode.
  4. Under 'Content Restrictions', select a type of content (e.g., 'Apps').
  5. Choose a setting such as 'Don't Allow', 'Unrated', 'Allow All', or a specific age rating to filter content.

Practical Tips for Device Management

Always obtain apps from trusted sources like Google Play or the App Store. Verify the developer's name, such as 'Roblox Corporation' for Roblox or 'Google LLC' for YouTube Kids, to ensure authenticity and avoid security risks from unauthorized third-party sources.

Review the permissions an app requests during installation. For example, Roblox requests access to Contacts and Camera, while YouTube Kids requests Identity and Microphone. Understanding these permissions helps parents decide if they are comfortable with the access the app requires.

Content restrictions on Google Play are device-specific. If a child uses multiple Android devices, parents must set up the restrictions on each device. However, content restrictions managed through Family Link apply across all Android devices where the child is signed in.

If an app fails to update, it might be due to content restrictions. If a new version of an app has a higher rating than currently allowed, it will not update. Parents can temporarily adjust content restrictions to allow the update, then re-enable the restrictions. Previously downloaded apps remain visible even if their ratings fall outside the set restrictions, but parents can block them if the child's account is supervised with Family Link.

The Ask to Buy feature on iPhone is often on by default for children under 13 and cannot be turned off for those under 18 in certain regions. Parents can also choose another adult in the family group to approve Ask to Buy requests, allowing for shared responsibility in managing a child's downloads and purchases.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if a child tries to download an app that is restricted?

If content restrictions are active on Google Play, users may still be able to see apps and games outside their filter when they search or visit them using a direct link, but access for download or purchase may be restricted. On an iPhone with Ask to Buy enabled, a request will be sent to the parent for approval, which the parent can then approve or decline.

Can parental controls prevent in-app purchases?

Yes, on Google Play, content restrictions can limit purchases made through Google Play’s billing system. On an iPhone, Ask to Buy requires parental approval for in-app purchases, giving parents control over spending within apps like Roblox or ABCya! Games, which offer various in-app purchase options.

Do content restrictions affect apps already downloaded on a device?

No, content restrictions typically do not prevent a child from seeing or using apps downloaded before the restrictions were put in place, even if those apps are outside the allowed rating. However, if a child's account is supervised with Family Link, parents can block these apps on their Android devices.

What should a parent do if they forget their Google Play content restrictions PIN?

If a parent forgets the PIN, they can reset it by clearing the Google Play Store app settings on the device. This process involves navigating to the device's main 'Settings' app, then 'Apps & notifications', selecting 'Google Play Store', and tapping 'Storage' then 'Clear data' or 'Clear storage'. This action will reset content restrictions and allow for the creation of a new PIN.

Can screen time limits be set for apps?

Yes, with Google Family Link, parents can set daily screen time limits for a child's Android device or Chromebook. On iPhone, Screen Time allows parents to set 'Time Allowances' for app categories or individual apps, controlling how long a child can use them.

Related on LookedApp

App details come from the Google Play and App Store listings and from LookedApp's reviews. The steps follow Google Play Help and Apple Support as of the update date above; menus can differ by device and software version.