How to Set Up Parental Controls on iOS and Android - Talkmobile's 2026 Guide

Key Points:

• Parental controls help to keep your child safe when using a smartphone by limiting what they can do and see via apps and websites.
• There are fast and efficient methods for both iOS and Android devices that enable remote locks, screen time monitoring, and app/website restrictions.
• Effective cyber safety training should be taught to your child alongside blocks and enforcement settings. You should be an active participant in your child's online safety.

Learning how to enable parental controls for an Android or iOS phone is essential information to keep your child safe when browsing online with their handset tied to a Talkmobile SIM Only plan. In 2026, it's simple and easy to monitor what your children are doing, with smart, unobstrusive options for the types of media your kids can consume, the websites that they can access, and permissions available across the handset. This guide comes in the wake of the announced social media ban for children under 16 years old, which is billed to "give kids their childhoods back". The way we consume media is changing, as the next generation now needs to be more mindful than ever. Our easy, fast guide goes through everything you need to know.

You can set up parental controls on Apple smartphones (and other iOS devices like an iPad) via the Screen Time and Family Sharing settings. This is the fastest and easiest way in 2026.

• Open Settings and find Family Sharing
• Tap on Add Member and choose Create an Account for a Child to follow the on-screen directions
• In Settings, find Screen Time and enable it under the new child's account
• Secure the Screen Time settings with a PIN/passcode - This should be a four-digit code that the child does not know or have access to
• Configure Downtime and App Limits - You have control over which websites and apps to block, disabling in-app purchases, and age-gating content

While each manufacturer is different with their own wrapper (custom UI), parental controls on Android devices are handled above this, via a Google account or Google Family Link. 

• Download Google Family Link from the Google Play Store 
• Open Family Link, then add (or create) the Google account associated with your child 
• Configure the child's Android phone with Settings in the Parental Controls and log in with their account to link your phone to theirs (parent to child) 
• On the master/parent account, configure Daily Limits and Bedtime, which can automatically lock the phone at night 
• Under Content Restrictions, find Google Play, then select that parental approval is required for "All Content" meaning they cannot purchase items without permission 
• Use Google Chrome (or any other web browser) to whitelist and blacklist any websites when logged in with this Google account / Gmail 

Establishing parental controls isn't about controlling your child; it's making sure that they're safe and responsible with what they do online and what they are exposed to. Cyber training and limiting exposure to potentially harmful content, applications, and media can be damaging, and it's more important than ever to be aware of it. A few reasons to use parental controls include:

• Keeping your bank account safe: Children do not understand the damage of microtransactions available in apps and games.
• Promoting good sleep: Excessive screen time is a hard habit to break among today's always-online adults, let alone developing children who need sleep to grow and develop.
• Filters extreme content: The unfiltered internet can be a harsh and brutal place. Basic web filtering (such as SafeSearch) is a good first step, but you must be vigilant, too.