How to Set up an iPhone or iPod Touch for Kids

This article explains how to set up an iPhone or iPod Touch for kids in a way that keeps them safe.

Create an Apple ID for Your Kids

The iPhone and iPod Touch require an Apple ID for setup and to allow downloads from the iTunes Store and App Store. An Apple ID is also used for features such as iMessage, FaceTime, and Find My iPhone.

Your child can use your Apple ID, but it's a better long-term plan to set up a separate Apple ID for them (especially if you're using Family Sharing).

After you set up an Apple ID for your child, use that account when setting up the iPhone or iPod Touch for them.

Set up the iPhone or iPod Touch

With the Apple ID created, the next step is to set up the device. The steps to set up the iPhone or iPod Touch are slightly different, but for all devices, you can set up the device on its own or use a computer.

When setting up the device on a shared family computer, sync data specific to the child. If the information is for the entire family, create a special family calendar or make a group of contacts that syncs on the child's device. This ensures that your child's device only has information for them on it and not your business contacts.

Set a Passcode to Protect the Device

A passcode is an important way to protect the contents of an iPhone or iPod Touch from prying eyes. It's a security code that you or your child enters every time the device is used from the Lock screen.

Set a passcode on the iPhone or iPod in case the device is lost or stolen. That way, strangers won't have access to any family information. Be sure to use a passcode that you and your child can remember. It's possible to reset an iPhone or iPod Touch if you've lost your passcode, but you'll lose data from the device in the process.

If the device offers it, use the Touch ID fingerprint scanner or the Face ID facial recognition system for an added layer of security.

Set up Find My iPhone

If your child's iPhone is lost or stolen, you won't need to buy a new one if Find My iPhone is set up. Find My iPhone (which also works for the iPod Touch and iPad) is a web-based service from Apple that uses the built-in GPS features of the device to track and recover it.

You can also use Find My iPhone to lock the device over the internet or delete all of its data to keep it away from thieves.

Once you've set up Find My iPhone​, which can be done as part of the initial setup process or later on, you can use it to locate your iOS device.

Set up Family Sharing

Family Sharing is a great way for everyone in a family to access each other's iTunes, App Store, and Apple Books purchases without having to pay for them more than once. With Family Sharing, you can, for example, buy an e-book on your iPhone and your kids can open their Apple Books app to download the book for free.

Family Sharing lets you save money and make sure everyone has the same content and apps. You don't have to share all of your iTunes downloads with your kids. You have the option to hide content from Apple Family Sharing that you don't want your kids to see.

Set Restrictions on Mature Content

Use the Restrictions tools to protect your kids from inappropriate content and from doing things like having video chats.

The restrictions you enable depend on your child's age and maturity, your values and preferences, and other factors. Consider limiting access to mature content, turning off in-app purchases, and monitoring their iPhone data use.

If your child has their own computer, use the parental controls built into iTunes to prevent them from accessing mature material in the iTunes Store.

Limit Screen Time

Want to make sure your kids aren't staring at the screen 24/7? Use the built-in Screen Time feature to set limits of how long they can use their device each day, how much time they can spend in certain apps, and to get reports on their device usage.

In iOS 13 and up, you can even set limits of who they can call or text with, and set times that communications apps are blocked, while still letting them reach out during emergencies.

Install Some Great New Apps

The App Store is full of educational apps kids can use, plus things like free texting apps for devices without a texting plan, location trackers, homework apps, driving apps for older kids, and apps for your young ones.

There are also a number of apps that can monitor your child's internet use and block them from accessing adult and other inappropriate sites. These apps may have upfront and service fees. Search the App Store with your child to find some options.

Consider a Family Subscription to Apple Music

If you plan to listen to music as a family, or if you have an individual Apple Music subscription, consider a family subscription. With it, your entire can family can enjoy unlimited music for a monthly fee.

On the Apple Music family subscription, you can stream any of the over 60 million songs in the iTunes Store and save them to your device for offline listening when you're not connected to the internet.

This makes for a great way to provide a ton of music to your kids without spending a lot. Plus, since up to six people can share a family subscription, you're getting a great deal.

Get a Protective Case

With a device as expensive as an iPhone, you'll want a good case to protect the device. Buying a good protective case won't prevent your child from dropping their iPod or iPhone, but it may protect the device from damage when it's dropped.

Cases cost between $30 and $100. Shop around for something that looks good and meets your needs and your child's wants. There are also waterproof phone cases and strong OtterBox cases.

Consider a Screen Protector

Most cases don't protect the screen of the iPhone or iPod. That means it can be damaged in falls, or when stored in pockets or backpacks. Consider further protecting the device by adding another layer of defense to the phone with a screen protector.​​

Screen protectors prevent scratches, ​avoid cracks in the screen, and reduce other damage that makes the device hard to use. To get the best protection, ​make sure you apply the screen protector correctly.

A package of screen protectors is between $10 and $15. While not as essential as a case, the low cost of screen protectors makes them a smart investment to keep an iPhone or iPod Touch in good working order.

Consider an AppleCare Extended Warranty

While the standard iPhone and iPod warranty is solid, a child may accidentally do more damage than an adult to an iPhone or iPod Touch. One way to deal with that, and to make sure that your wallet doesn't get damaged at the same time, is to purchase an extended warranty from Apple.

Called AppleCare+, the extended warranty generally costs between $100 and $150 (it differs based on the model you have) and extends the basic 90-day warranty that comes with all iPhones to two years of full repair coverage and technical support.

Many people warn against extended warranties, saying that these warranties are a way for companies to get extra money for services that are often never used. But you know your kid better than anyone. If your child tends to break things, an extended warranty might be a good investment.

Never Buy Phone Insurance

If you protect the phone with a case and buy an extended warranty, phone insurance isn't necessary. Phone companies push phone insurance that adds a small cost to your monthly bill, but it's rarely a good deal. The deductibles for some insurance plans cost as much as a new phone, and many insurance companies replace your new phone with a used one without telling you.

Phone insurance may seem tempting, but it's a wasted expense that will frustrate you in the long run. If you want extra protection for your phone, AppleCare is a better and often cheaper choice.

Learn About and Prevent Hearing Damage

The iPhone and iPod Touch ​can be addicting, and your child may end up using them all the time. This can be a problem, especially for young ears that spend a lot of time listening to music.

As part of giving the gift, learn how using the iPod Touch and iPhone can damage hearing and talk with your kids about ways to avoid hearing loss. Not all uses are dangerous, so pick up some tips and stress the importance of good hearing to your child, especially since their hearing is still developing.

Does Your Child Need an iPhone?

The iPhone and iPod Touch are loved by kids and teens, so they're commonly requested ​​​as holiday and birthday presents. These devices are also appealing to parents as a way to stay in touch with and keep track of their kids. If your kid wants an iPhone or iPod Touch, there are steps you can take to supervise their access to the internet, limit their time on social networking apps, and decide which text messages and calls can be made.