Set Parental Controls on MacBook (Screen Time)

This guide walks you through setting up parental controls on a MacBook using Screen Time, the built-in tool that limits app usage, blocks inappropriate content, and schedules downtime. You’ll need the parent’s Apple ID password and, ideally, the child’s own Apple ID to get the most out of the restrictions.

What You’ll Need

A MacBook running macOS Catalina (10.15) or later (Screen Time replaced the old Parental Controls).
The administrator password for the MacBook.
An Apple ID for your child (you can create one during setup if needed).
If the child uses an iPhone or iPad, the same Apple ID will sync the limits across devices.

Step-by-Step

Open System Settings (or System Preferences). Click the Apple menu and select “System Settings” (macOS Ventura and later) or “System Preferences” (macOS Monterey and earlier).
Go to Screen Time. In System Settings, click “Screen Time” in the sidebar. In System Preferences, click “Screen Time” in the main window.
Set up Screen Time for your child. If you haven’t used Screen Time before, click “Set Up for Family” or “Options” and choose “This is My Child’s Mac”. You’ll be prompted to enter your child’s Apple ID and password. If they don’t have one, click “Create Apple ID for Child” and follow the on-screen steps (you’ll need to verify your own Apple ID and agree to the Parent Privacy Disclosure).
Turn on Screen Time if it’s off. In the Screen Time settings, click the “Options” or “Turn On…” button. Make sure the toggle next to “Screen Time” is enabled.
Set Downtime. Click “Downtime” in the sidebar. Toggle it on, then choose a schedule (e.g., 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM). During Downtime, only apps you explicitly allow will be usable. You can also choose “Always” to block all apps except phone calls and messages (if applicable).
Set App Limits. Click “App Limits” in the sidebar. Click “Add Limit” (or the + button). Select categories (e.g., Social Networking, Games) or individual apps, then click “Next”. Set a time limit (e.g., 1 hour per day). You can also set custom days by clicking “Customize Days”. Click “Done” to save.
Block inappropriate content. Click “Content & Privacy” in the sidebar. Toggle on “Content & Privacy”. Then click “Store Purchases”, “Apps”, or “Web Content” to set restrictions:
- Web Content: Choose “Unrestricted”, “Limit Adult Websites”, or “Allowed Websites Only”. The last option only allows sites you add to the list.
- Apps: Set an age rating (e.g., 9+, 12+, 17+).
- Store Purchases: Choose whether to allow installing, deleting, or making in-app purchases.
Prevent changes to Screen Time. In the Screen Time settings, click “Options” (or the lock icon). Toggle on “Use Screen Time Passcode”. Enter a 4-digit passcode that your child doesn’t know. This prevents them from changing the settings or extending limits.
Add a communication limit (optional). In Screen Time, click “Communication Limits”. You can restrict who your child can communicate with during Downtime and throughout the day. This works with Messages, FaceTime, and Phone (if linked).
Review activity. Click “Activity” in the sidebar to see a daily or weekly report of app usage, pickups, and notifications. Use this to adjust limits as needed.

Common Mistakes

Not setting a Screen Time passcode. Without it, your child can simply go to Settings and turn off limits or extend their own time.
Using your own Apple ID for the child. This mixes your data with theirs and makes it impossible to set separate limits. Always create a child Apple ID.
Forgetting to enable “Content & Privacy”. This toggle must be on for web filters and app restrictions to work. It’s easy to overlook.
Setting limits too restrictive. If your child can’t do homework or gets frustrated, they’ll find ways around it (or you’ll turn it off). Start with reasonable limits and adjust.
Not syncing across devices. If your child also uses an iPhone, the limits only apply to the MacBook unless you enable Screen Time on that device with the same Apple ID.

Tips

Use “Ask to Buy” (in Family Sharing) so any app or purchase your child tries to make requires your approval.
Set a schedule for Downtime that matches bedtime. This helps establish healthy sleep habits.
Review the weekly Activity report together. It’s a good conversation starter about screen time.
Use “Always Allowed” in Screen Time to ensure essential apps like Messages or educational tools are available even during Downtime.
Create a separate macOS user account for your child if they share the MacBook. This isolates their files and settings, and Screen Time will apply only to that account.

Troubleshooting

Screen Time won’t turn on or says “This Mac is not managed”. Make sure you’re logged in as an administrator. If you’re using a managed Apple ID (from a school or employer), you may not be able to enable Screen Time. Try logging into a local admin account.

Limits aren’t applying. Check that the child is signed into the correct Apple ID on the Mac. Go to System Settings > Apple ID and verify. Also, ensure Screen Time is enabled for that specific user account (not just yours).

Forgot the Screen Time passcode. You’ll need to reset it. On macOS, you can go to System Settings > Screen Time > Options and click “Change Passcode…” – but you must know the current one. If you’ve forgotten it, sign in with your Apple ID (if you set that as a recovery option) or erase the Mac and restore from a backup (which will remove the passcode).

Web filter blocks a site you want to allow. Go to Content & Privacy > Web Content > Custom. Add the site to the “Always Allow” list. If a site is incorrectly blocked, you can also add it to “Never Allow” to ensure it’s always blocked.

App limits don’t reset at midnight. Screen Time uses a rolling 24-hour window, not calendar days. If you want a fresh start each day, set the limit to “Every Day” and it will reset at midnight (or at the start of your Downtime).

Child can change settings. This means the Screen Time passcode isn’t set. Go to Options and enable “Use Screen Time Passcode”. If the child knows the passcode, change it immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set different limits for different days? Yes. When setting an App Limit or Downtime, click “Customize Days” and set different times or durations for each day of the week.

Will Screen Time block Safari entirely? No, but you can restrict web content. In Content & Privacy > Web Content, choose “Allowed Websites Only” to block all sites except those you add. Or choose “Limit Adult Websites” to filter known adult content.

Does Screen Time work on older macOS versions? The old “Parental Controls” (macOS Catalina and earlier) have been replaced by Screen Time. If you’re on an older system, look for “Parental Controls” in System Preferences. The steps are similar but the interface differs.

Can I monitor my child’s messages or calls? No. Screen Time does not let you read messages or listen to calls. It only shows communication counts and who they contacted, not the content.

What happens if my child tries to bypass the limits? They might try to change the system clock or use a different user account. Screen Time passcode prevents changing settings. Using a separate user account with Screen Time enabled on that account will also block that workaround.

Can I set a time limit for a specific app, like YouTube? Yes. In App Limits, click “Add Limit”, then choose the app (or category). You can set a limit for that app individually.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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