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iPhone User Guide

Set up a device for a child with Family Sharing on iPhone

With Family Sharing, the organizer, a parent, or a guardian can use Quick Start on their iPhone to set up a new iPhone or iPad for a child and customize parental controls. You can also set up a device for a child without using Quick Start.

If you didn’t sign in to a child’s account when you set up their device, you can do so in Settings with their Apple Account and password, or by using proximity sign-in with a nearby iPhone or iPad.

Note: If the child already has an Apple Account, make sure they’ve been added to your Family Sharing group. If the child doesn’t have an Apple Account and they’re under 13 (this age varies by region), you can create an Apple Account for them while adding them to the group.

Use Quick Start to set up an iPhone or iPad for a child

Note: Requires iOS 16 or later. Bluetooth® must be turned on.

  1. Go to the Settings app 👁 Image
    on your iPhone.

  2. Make sure you’re signed in to your Apple Account on your iPhone.

  3. On the new iPhone or iPad you want to set up for your child, press and hold the side button or top button until the Apple logo appears.

  4. Bring your iPhone next to the new device.

  5. Select an age range for your child.

    👁 The Age Range setup screen. Three age ranges are listed: Child (12 or younger), Teen (13 to 17), and Adult (18 or older).

  6. Tap Connect Now.

  7. Follow the onscreen instructions to finish setting up your child’s device.

Set up an iPhone or iPad for a child without using Quick Start

  1. Turn on the new device.

  2. When the Quick Start screen appears, tap Set Up Without Another Device, then follow the onscreen instructions.

    If your child is 12 or younger, their iPhone will need to be connected to a parent or guardian’s device.

    Note: Exact age ranges may vary based on country or region.

  3. Continue to follow the onscreen instructions to complete the setup.

Set up an iPhone or iPad for a child in Settings

If you didn’t sign in to a child’s account during setup, do the following:

  1. Go to the Settings app 👁 Image
    on your iPhone.

  2. Make sure you’re signed in to your Apple Account on your iPhone.

  3. Do one of the following to sign in to the child’s account:

    • Sign in with an email address or phone number and password: Tap Sign in Manually, then tap “Sign in a child in my Family.”

    • Sign in with a nearby iPhone or iPad: Tap Use Another Apple Device, then follow the onscreen instructions. If you already have a child in your family group, tap their name, then tap Get Started. If you need to create a new Apple Account for a child, tap Create New Child Account.

  4. Continue to follow the onscreen instructions to complete the setup.

You can turn on safety features for your child such as Content & Privacy Restrictions, Communication Limits, Screen Distance, and Communication Safety. See Set up Screen Time for a child for more information.

Note: Screen Distance is available on supported models.

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