How to Turn Off Parental Controls: A Comprehensive Guide

Turning off parental controls can feel like navigating a maze, especially with different devices and apps involved. The specific method varies depending on the platform you’re using – Android, iPhone, or a dedicated parental control app. This guide provides detailed instructions and answers frequently asked questions to make the process as smooth as possible.

The short answer: The method to turn off parental controls depends entirely on the platform or app being used. For Google Family Link, you can end supervision if the child is over 13 or delete the family group entirely. For iOS devices, you’ll need to disable Screen Time restrictions. And for third-party parental control apps, you’ll generally need the administrator password or access to the parent’s account.

Disabling Parental Controls on Android

Using Google Play Store Settings

If parental controls were set directly within the Google Play Store:

1. Open the Google Play Store app.
2. Tap your profile image (top-right corner).
3. Select Settings.
4. Go to Family, then Parental controls.
5. Toggle the Parental controls switch to the “off” position.
6. Enter your PIN when prompted.

Through Google Family Link

If you’re using Google Family Link to manage a child’s account, you have two primary options:

1. Ending Supervision (for children 13+): Once a child turns 13 (or the applicable age in their country), they can choose to end supervision. They’ll receive a notification allowing them to take control of their account. The parent will also be notified.

2. Disabling Restrictions (for supervised accounts):

   • Open the Family Link app on your device.
   • Select the child’s profile.
   • Tap “Manage” or “Controls” (the exact wording may vary depending on the app version).
   • Navigate to “Content restrictions” or similar.
   • Under “Google Play”, you can adjust restrictions for apps, games, movies, TV shows, and books. To completely remove restrictions, select “Allow all” for each category.
   • You can also remove the requirement for app approval by setting “Require approval for” to “No approval needed” or “Paid content only”.

Removing Google Family Link Supervision

Keep in mind that removing Family Link supervision completely removes your ability to monitor and manage the child’s device and Google account. If you’re the family manager:

1. Open the Family Link app on your Android or iOS device.
2. Select the child’s profile.
3. Tap the Menu (three horizontal lines) in the top-left corner.
4. Select Manage Family.
5. Choose Delete Family Group. You’ll need to enter your password to confirm.

Disabling Parental Controls on iOS (iPhone & iPad)

Turning off Screen Time

The primary method for disabling parental controls on iOS involves turning off or adjusting Screen Time restrictions. This requires the Screen Time passcode, if one was set.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Screen Time.
3. Tap Turn Off Screen Time. You’ll need to enter the Screen Time passcode if one was set.
4. Alternatively, if you don’t want to completely disable Screen Time, you can adjust specific restrictions by going to Content & Privacy Restrictions. Here you can toggle off “Content & Privacy Restrictions” altogether, or individually adjust settings for allowed apps, content ratings, web content, and more.

Adjusting Content & Privacy Restrictions

Within Screen Time, you can granularly adjust content and privacy settings:

1. Go to Settings > Screen Time.
2. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.
3. Here, you can toggle off Content & Privacy Restrictions entirely.
4. Or, you can customize individual settings:
   • Allowed Apps: Choose which apps are always allowed, even if the child has reached their time limit.
   • Content Restrictions: Set age ratings for movies, TV shows, apps, books, and music. Also, customize web content filtering.
   • Privacy: Control which apps have access to features like location services, contacts, calendars, and more.

Disabling Third-Party Parental Control Apps

The process for disabling a third-party parental control app varies depending on the app itself. However, the general steps are similar:

1. Locate the App: Find the parental control app on the device.
2. Open the App: Launch the app.
3. Access Settings: Look for a settings menu, often represented by a gear icon or three horizontal lines.
4. Disable or Uninstall: Within the settings, look for options to disable the app, turn off monitoring, or uninstall the app.
5. Enter Credentials: You’ll likely need to enter the administrator password or the parent’s account credentials to proceed.
6. Administrative Privileges: Many parental control apps require administrative privileges on the device. You may need to revoke these privileges before you can uninstall the app. This is usually found within the device’s security settings.
7. Bypass Prevention: Many parental control apps have features to prevent unauthorized uninstallation. Make sure you know the proper procedure to disable these features before attempting to uninstall the app.

FAQs About Turning Off Parental Controls

Why can’t I turn off parental controls?

There are a few reasons why you might be unable to turn off parental controls:

• Incorrect Credentials: You might be using the wrong password or PIN.
• Account Supervision: The account might be managed by Google Family Link or a similar service. You’ll need to remove supervision first.
• Administrator Privileges: The app may have administrative privileges, preventing unauthorized uninstallation. You need to revoke these privileges.
• App Lock: The parental control app may have a feature that locks the settings and prevents changes without the correct credentials.
• Age Restrictions: Some parental control features are designed to remain in place until the child reaches a certain age.

How do I turn off parental permission on Android apps?

To change app permissions on Android:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Apps.
3. Select the app you want to change.
4. Tap Permissions.
5. Adjust the permissions as desired.

How do I change parental approval on apps?

In the Google Play Store:

1. Tap your profile picture/initial > Settings.
2. Tap Family > Manage approval requests.
3. From here, you can approve or deny pending requests. To disable the approval requirement entirely, follow the steps to disable Google Family Link content restrictions mentioned above.

How to turn off asking parents for permission to download apps?

This is usually managed through Google Family Link or similar parental control apps. Refer to the instructions for disabling content restrictions within the relevant app.

Why can’t I delete a parental control app?

Parental control apps often require administrative privileges, preventing simple uninstallation. You must first remove these privileges, usually within the device’s security settings, or disable the app from within its settings using the parent’s credentials.

Can you override parental controls?

While VPNs or other technical workarounds might bypass some restrictions, it’s generally best to communicate with parents or guardians to understand their concerns and find a mutually agreeable solution. Bypassing parental controls without permission can damage trust and create further conflict.

What age does parental control end on an iPhone?

Using Screen Time, it can be set until age 18. However, you can remove your child from your family sharing account so they can manage their own Apple ID.

How to bypass App Store verification?

Ensure your Apple ID payment information is up-to-date. If you’re still having issues, contact Apple support. This issue is not directly related to parental controls.

Why can’t I get on over-18 sites?

Age verification systems may be in place. Follow the instructions provided by the website or service to verify your age. This isn’t always related to parental controls.

Why is restricted mode locked on my phone?

Restricted Mode on platforms like YouTube can be locked by a network administrator or by a parent using the Family Link app. You’ll need to contact the administrator or parent to unlock it.

How do I turn off app approval on Family Link?

1. Open the Family Link app.
2. Select your child’s profile.
3. Tap “Manage” or “Controls”.
4. Tap “Content restrictions”.
5. Tap “Google Play”.
6. Tap “Require approval for”.
7. Select “No approval needed” or “Paid content only”.

Why am I not receiving my child’s app requests?

Ensure you are signed in with the correct Apple ID, that Family Sharing is properly configured, and that you are using a supported device. Check your spam or junk mail folders for notifications.

How do I change parental controls on Android?

See the instructions for managing content restrictions within Google Family Link or the Google Play Store settings outlined above.

Is there a parental control app for Android?

Yes, Google offers a free app called Family Link. It allows parents to set screen time limits, approve or block apps, and monitor their child’s activity.

Why are parental controls on?

Parental controls are designed to protect children from inappropriate content and manage their screen time. They can be used to ensure children access age-appropriate content, set usage times, and monitor online activity. Learning about Games Learning Society will enable you to better select safe and educational apps and games for the children. Games Learning Society also contributes to the conversation about responsible technology use.