TenMore

iOS 27 parental controls

Updated

Apple’s new Screen Time won’t switch on? Here’s what’s holding it up.

Apple’s redesigned parental controls wait until every device in your Family Sharing group that can update is on version 27. Then a parent still has to finish a setup for each child. Here’s how to find what’s in the way.

See the checklistLimits that work on iOS 18

Why the new controls stay off

Parents keep running into the same four things. If one sounds familiar, the setup isn’t broken. It’s waiting on a step.

01

Every device that can update has to

Apple’s new setup needs each device in the family on version 27 or later, including an Apple Watch or a Mac nobody uses much. A device too old to update is listed under Legacy Devices and keeps the iOS 26 Screen Time settings.

02

The list only appears after you update

You can see which family devices still need version 27 only once your own iPhone or iPad is on it. Until then, there’s no list to check.

03

Updating isn’t the last step

After the devices are updated, a parent goes to Settings, then Family, and taps Get Started. Apple then walks you through a short setup for each child.

04

Your old limits need a second look

If you already had controls set up, Apple asks you to review and update them. Some names changed: App Limits are now Time Allowances, and Downtime is part of your child’s daily schedule.

The checklist

If you want Apple’s new controls, work through these in order.

  1. Update your own iPhone or iPad first.Settings, then General, then Software Update.
  2. See which devices are left.Settings, then Family, then View Family Devices. The list shows the devices that can still be updated.
  3. Update each device on that list.That includes Apple Watch (watchOS 27) and Mac (macOS 27), not just your kids’ iPhones and iPads.
  4. Check Legacy Devices.In View Family Devices, choose Legacy Devices. Those can’t update and keep using the Screen Time settings from iOS 26 or earlier.
  5. Tap Get Started and finish each child’s setup.Settings, then Family, then Get Started. You can transfer your existing controls or set up new ones. If you stop partway, pick it up from Family Sharing settings and your child’s name.
  6. Review the new settings.Check Time Allowances and your child’s daily schedule against what you had before, and set the Screen Time passcode Apple asks for.

Still waiting on a device, or a setup you haven’t had time to finish? Apple’s new controls stay off until the family is updated and each child is set up. You don’t have to wait for that to set a limit tonight.

Limits that don’t wait for the update

TenMore sets limits on your child’s iPhone or iPad running iOS or iPadOS 18 or later. Nothing else in your family needs version 27.

  • Set up with a QR codeInstall TenMore on your device and your child’s device, each signed in to its own iCloud account. Each QR code adds one child.
  • A fair yes that ends on timeDecide when selected apps and categories are available. Give ten more minutes, set an end time, or wind down now.
  • Limits, not surveillanceTenMore can’t read messages, browsing, or location, and doesn’t collect usage history, screen-time reports, or scores.
  • Works alongside Apple’s controlsTenMore doesn’t change Apple’s Screen Time settings. Both sets of rules apply, and extra time in TenMore doesn’t override Apple’s limits.
  • From your wrist, tooOn Apple Watch, answer time requests, give more time, or set an end time.

One price for the household.

Download and set up TenMore for free. The annual plan includes a 14-day free trial, then costs US$39.99 per year. Or choose US$5.99 per month. Every child device in your household is included, and children never pay.

Prices shown in USD. The App Store shows local pricing outside the United States.

Download on the App Store

Questions

Does TenMore replace Apple’s Screen Time?

No. TenMore doesn’t change Apple’s Screen Time settings, and both sets of rules still apply. Use TenMore for shared app and category schedules, and Apple’s Time Allowances only when something needs a separate daily budget. Apple apps such as Safari, Mail, FaceTime, and Camera stay managed in Apple’s settings. Read the TenMore setup guide.

Which devices work?

iPhone and iPad on iOS or iPadOS 18 or later, in an Apple Family Sharing group. Install TenMore on both the parent’s and the child’s device, each signed in to its own iCloud account. Parents can also use TenMore on Apple Watch.

Do you track my kid?

No. TenMore can’t read messages, email, typed content, browsing history, or location, and it doesn’t collect app-usage history or reports. Family settings sync through your iCloud account. Read the privacy policy.

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