Parental controls checklist: built for your child

By Lewis C. Every step comes from our guides, which are checked against each maker's own instructions (1 October 2026).

1. How old are they?
2. What will they use it on?
3. Which games and apps?

Pick at least one device or app and your checklist appears here.

Before you start

  • Do it before it's unwrapped. Most of these need the device switched on and online.
  • Their own account, every time. On your account, none of these settings apply, and your card is one tap away.
  • A PIN they don't know. Not their birthday.

Want the full detail? The Christmas setup checklist links every guide, and our social media age rules page covers what's changing in 2027.