Controlling screen time on an Apple Watch belonging to a family member is managed through the Watch app on your paired iPhone, allowing you to configure specific restrictions and limits for their usage. This feature is particularly useful for parents looking to manage their children's device usage or for caregivers overseeing family members' device habits.
Prerequisites for Setting Up Screen Time
Before you can control screen time for a family member's Apple Watch, ensure the following:
- Family Setup: The Apple Watch must be set up for a family member using Family Setup, which allows you to pair an Apple Watch to your iPhone for a family member who doesn't have their own iPhone.
- Watch App on iPhone: All configurations are done through the Watch app on your iPhone.
- Software Updates: Ensure both your iPhone and the Apple Watch are running the latest compatible software versions.
Step-by-Step Guide to Control Screen Time
Follow these precise steps to configure Screen Time settings for a family member's Apple Watch:
- Open the Watch App: On your iPhone, open the Watch app.
- Select the Family Watch: From the main screen, tap on My Watch. Then, under the "Family Watches" section, tap on the specific watch belonging to your family member that you wish to manage.
- Confirm Selection: Tap Done to proceed with the selected watch.
- Access Screen Time Settings: Scroll down and tap on Screen Time.
- Initiate Setup: Tap Screen Time Settings, then tap Continue to begin the configuration process.
- Configure Options: On the subsequent screens, you will be guided through various settings to establish limits and restrictions:
- Allowable Content: Set guidelines for age-appropriate content, explicit language, web content, and more.
- Communication Safety: Manage settings related to monitoring incoming and outgoing sensitive photos and setting limits on who the family member can communicate with.
- Time Away From Screens (Downtime): Schedule specific periods when the Apple Watch will only allow access to pre-approved apps and phone calls.
- App and Website Limits: Set daily time limits for categories of apps or specific apps and websites.
- Create a Screen Time Passcode: To prevent your family member from changing the settings you've established, you will be prompted to create a unique Screen Time passcode. Make sure this passcode is different from your device's passcode.
Key Screen Time Features Explained
Understanding the options available within Screen Time helps you tailor the experience to your family member's needs.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Allowable Content | Control access to movies, TV shows, music, books, apps, and web content based on age ratings and explicit material. |
| Communication Safety | Tools to help protect children from viewing or sharing sensitive photos and manage who they can communicate with. |
| Time Away From Screens | Also known as Downtime, this feature allows you to schedule periods during the day when only pre-selected apps and phone calls are allowed. |
| App and Website Limits | Set daily time limits for categories like "Games" or "Social Networking," or for specific apps and websites. When a limit is reached, the app is blocked. |
| Screen Time Passcode | A four-digit code set by the parent or guardian to secure Screen Time settings, preventing unauthorized changes by the family member. |
By leveraging these Screen Time controls, you can effectively manage and encourage healthy digital habits for family members using an Apple Watch.
