The hidden iOS 27 iPhone setting every parent needs to turn on right now

Apple has recently introduced a host of new parental controls in iOS 27, designed to make managing an iPhone for a child far simpler. The updated guided setup assistant allows parents to easily apply restrictions and customize the device to suit a younger user.

When setting up a child's account, it's recommended to create the account through Family Sharing. Navigate to Settings, select Family, and then the Add Member icon in the top-right corner. Enter the child's name and date of birth, then create a child account. You'll be asked to agree to Apple's family privacy disclosure for children and create a password.

Once the child account is set up, access the controls by opening Settings and selecting Family. Next, choose the child account you wish to control. To set an app age range, go to Age Range for Apps and select Confirm Age. You can choose to always share the age range, ask first, or never share it. This determines how and when the child's age is shared with apps.

For limiting a child's usage, tap ScreenTime and look under Limit Usage. Select Downtime to block access to most apps and notifications during specified hours. Set the time period and frequency, or customize the days. You can also turn on Block at Downtime to block the iPhone during the specified time.

To set app time limits, tap App Limits, add a limit, choose an app category, and set the time period. You can choose to block the app at the end of the time limit or alert the child. If there are certain apps you want your child to have access to at all times, such as the Phone app, tap Always Allowed and select those apps.

Communication limits can be set by selecting Communication Limits on the main Screen Time settings screen. This allows you to determine which contacts are allowed during Screen Time and Downtime, and who is in the contacts list.