Are you concerned about your children spending too much time on YouTube while using their iPhones or iPads? As much as kids love watching videos on YouTube, it’s important to ensure their safety and limit their screen time. In this article, I will show you how to block YouTube access on your child’s device without the need for third-party apps. Let’s get started!
Block the YouTube App
If you haven’t already done so, enable the Content & Privacy Restrictions in Screen Time. To turn on Screen Time, go to Settings > Screen Time and tap Turn On Screen Time. Simply follow the onscreen instructions and specify whether it is your device or your child’s.
With Screen Time activated, you can block YouTube by setting restrictions based on appropriate age ratings. Here’s how you can do it:
- Tap Settings > Screen Time.
- Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions and turn it on.
- Enter your passcode when prompted and tap Content Restrictions.
- Tap Apps.
- Select 12+.
By choosing the 12+ age rating restriction, your device will only display apps with ratings of 12 and below. This will effectively remove the YouTube app from your child’s device. Keep in mind that this method will also block other 17+ rated apps you may have on your device. If this is not suitable for you, let’s move on to the next option.
Alternatively, you can delete the YouTube app altogether and restrict the installation of new apps to prevent your kids from reinstalling it. Follow these steps:
- Remove the YouTube app from your device by touching and holding the YouTube icon, then tap Remove App.
- Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases (enter your passcode) > Installing Apps.
- Select Don’t Allow.
With the YouTube app gone and new app installations restricted, you can have peace of mind knowing that your kids won’t be able to access YouTube anymore.
If you encounter any issues with Screen Time, check out the article “Screen Time Not Working, Fix” for solutions.
Block the YouTube Website
Blocking the YouTube app is just one part of the equation. Kids can still access YouTube through web browsers like Safari. Let’s ensure that they can’t access it that way either. Follow these steps:
- Tap Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Content Restrictions > Web Content.
- Select Limit Adult Websites. Although YouTube is not classified as an adult website, this option will unlock additional settings.
- Under Never Allow, tap Add Website.
- Enter the URL for YouTube (YouTube.com) and tap Done.
- Exit Settings.
Now, attempting to open the YouTube website will be blocked on the device. However, please note that this does not mean that nobody can access the YouTube website. Individuals will need to enter the Screen Time passcode to gain access. If you want to access it, click Allow Website and enter your passcode.
For more information and helpful articles, visit Mr Reviews.
Remember, it’s crucial to prioritize your children’s safety and manage their screen time effectively. By blocking YouTube access on their iPhones and iPads, you can ensure a safer and more balanced digital experience for your kids.
