How to Protect Your iPhone or iPad from Your Children

Hey, Dad! Can I use your iPad?

There are a lot of articles out there on keeping kids safe while while they use mobile devices. But I'm guessing even more parents want to know how to keep their iPhones and iPads safe from their kids! Here are a few tips:

Related: Forgot Your Restrictions Passcode? How to Reset It Without Restoring Your iPhone or iPad

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Protect Your iDevice

You could always make your iDevice off limits; but lets be honest, sometimes you just need your kids to stay out of your hair for a few minutes and iDevices make great temporary babysitters. If you're in the habit of keeping your small child occupied by handing over your iPhone or iPad, investing in a rugged, waterproof case is a good idea. Even older kids sometimes think nothing of enjoying sticky snacks while playing on an iPad or throwing an iPhone down when frustrated. A protective case will protect your children from your future wrath.

Control Access to Your iDevice

Is your tween or teenager being unusually affectionate while you are using your iPhone, willingly sitting next to you and even hugging you of her own accord? Beware, she's actually trying to catch you in the act of entering your security code so she can bypass TouchID and play games on your phone when you're not looking. Avoid using your security code in her presence, make sure your code is not easy to guess, and change it regularly.

Enable Restrictions

You can restrict your child's access to certain applications and features and prevent them from deleting and installing apps, making in-app purchases, changing privacy settings, and more. To do this:

  • Go to Settings.
  • General.
  • Restrictions and select Enable Restrictions.

* This article is from our Tip of the Day newsletter. . *

  • You will need to enter a passcode.

How do you keep your iDevices safe from your kids?

Top image: Zurijeta/Shutterstock

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Author Details

Sarah Kingsbury's picture

Author Details

Sarah Kingsbury

As the Editorial Director at iPhone Life, Sarah Kingsbury manages the online editorial team and oversees all website content. She is a long-time Apple enthusiast who never goes anywhere without her Apple Watch and owns way too many HomePods. Since joining iPhone Life in 2013, Sarah has done everything from writing hundreds of how-to articles to founding the Daily Tip newsletter. She even co-hosted the early episodes of the iPhone Life Podcast. When not at work, Sarah can be found hiking in the mountains and canyons around Las Vegas, where she lives with her partner and dogs.