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Child restrictions

S

scottsdomain

macrumors member
Original poster
May 30, 2008
51
2
I have been trying to figure out for while how to disable changing the passcode changing on my child’s device. She has gotten old enough now where she is changing the passcode, but I seem to be unable to figure out how to disable that feature.... Restrictions seems kind of worthless as you have to first log in to the device then login to restrictions... (I am not really sure the point, or security of restrictions?)

I have heard that the “other os” has a way to setup a master login or “parental login” which can be used to over-ride such a problem... However if my child were to decide she does not want to allow me access what are my options? (Note: She has not yet, and hopefully this never happens...)

I am not talking about opening a back door or security whole... this would be preset up then given to child... (Even locking the current passcode would be nice, however have not been able to figure out how to do that even!)

Any thoughts would be nice! Currently using iPad mini 2, with the latest OS. (No intention to jailbreak)
 
I understand the "enable restrictions" does not need to be the same... The login code however can be changed... and my child can change that... If I do not have that I would have to reset the device to recover it... right?
 
scottsdomain said:
I understand the "enable restrictions" does not need to be the same... The login code however can be changed... and my child can change that... If I do not have that I would have to reset the device to recover it... right?
Click to expand...


I don't think I understand the question. - Don't give your child the Restrictions passcode and then your child can't change it.
 
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There are two passcodes in play here:
A) Login -- Turn on the device and login to use it
B) Restrictions -- A separate passcode for restrictions

The question here is about A (Login). There does not seem to be a way (At least that I have found yet) to disable the ability to change A from the Restrictions. As such my child could in fact just change the passcode and refuse to give it to me. (Or course at that point I would take the device away, but...)

About B (Restrictions), agreed do not give the child that code, they are unable to change it! (However if I can not get into the device due to A, I am unable to check/update Restrictions anyway)

I have heard that on the "Andriod" devices there is actually a "Parent login" that can be configured which could still gain access to the device without requiring...
 
There is a section within Restrictions to allow or disallow account changes. If you set it to don’t allow changes, she can’t change the main iPad passcode.
[doublepost=1520867156][/doublepost]We are also all on iOS 11, so maybe that factors in.
 
scottsdomain said:
There are two passcodes in play here:
A) Login -- Turn on the device and login to use it
B) Restrictions -- A separate passcode for restrictions

The question here is about A (Login). There does not seem to be a way (At least that I have found yet) to disable the ability to change A from the Restrictions. As such my child could in fact just change the passcode and refuse to give it to me. (Or course at that point I would take the device away, but...)

About B (Restrictions), agreed do not give the child that code, they are unable to change it! (However if I can not get into the device due to A, I am unable to check/update Restrictions anyway)

I have heard that on the "Andriod" devices there is actually a "Parent login" that can be configured which could still gain access to the device without requiring...
Click to expand...


Right, ok - now I understand. And in that case, @mollyc got you covered
 
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@mollyc perhaps I am missing something very basic, however when I enable account restrictions... exit out...

I am still able to change the passcode without issue! Maybe a bug in IOS?

I have tried that, in the past, which is why I started this thread!

Edit: Just did it on my own phone iPhone 6s running IOS 11.2.6
 
I have it enabled on my phone, and it turns out the account restriction disabled changing the Apple iCloud account.

So yeah, seems like apples does not have a “restriction” on passcode... weird...
 
scottsdomain said:
I have been trying to figure out for while how to disable changing the passcode changing on my child’s device.
Click to expand...
Just so we are using the same words:
Passcode is the gateway into your iPad. It can be 4 digit Numeric, Custom Numeric or Custom Alphanumeric.

To disable Passcode:
Settings > Touch ID & Passcode ( left column ) > Turn Passcode Off.

This will allow her to display the home screen without passcode popping up, but as you have found out, it will allow her to set one.
Couple of options:
1) You set passcode and type it in then hand her the device every time she needs access. She will not be able to reset passcode without knowing it.
2) Use Accessibility > Guided Access to lock her to an app. Once you hand the device over she will not be able to leave that app without your permission.

However if my child were to decide she does not want to allow me access what are my options?
Click to expand...
Restore using iTunes. iPad will be wiped and setup as new. Easy peasy. You will need the current AppleID and Password to reactivate the iPad ( bypass activation lock ).

I turn off Passcode using an MDM. But that is typically too heavy handed for consumers.
 
scottsdomain said:
I have been trying to figure out for while how to disable changing the passcode changing on my child’s device. She has gotten old enough now where she is changing the passcode, but I seem to be unable to figure out how to disable that feature.... Restrictions seems kind of worthless as you have to first log in to the device then login to restrictions... (I am not really sure the point, or security of restrictions?)

I have heard that the “other os” has a way to setup a master login or “parental login” which can be used to over-ride such a problem... However if my child were to decide she does not want to allow me access what are my options? (Note: She has not yet, and hopefully this never happens...)

I am not talking about opening a back door or security whole... this would be preset up then given to child... (Even locking the current passcode would be nice, however have not been able to figure out how to do that even!)

Any thoughts would be nice! Currently using iPad mini 2, with the latest OS. (No intention to jailbreak)
Click to expand...
I have the solution:

Parent: Jane if you change the passcode again your iPad will be erased and you won't be able to get your stuff back

Jane: O.K. Daddy I won't do it again

Problem solved.
 
It’s ridiculous Apple doesn’t have a solution for this.

Having the parent enter the passcode each time to hand the child the iPad is not a good enough way.
 
Hustler said:
It’s ridiculous Apple doesn’t have a solution for this.

Having the parent enter the passcode each time to hand the child the iPad is not a good enough way.
Click to expand...
Apple does have a solution for this.
Parent giving the child the iPad with Guided Access in place. This prevents a child from going anywhere you do not want them to. If you do not want to limit your child, then do not put on a passcode nor start guided access. No worries.

Or did I misunderstand you?
Were you asking for Apple to create a passcode for the passcode?
 
Last edited:
The point here is a 2-3 year old it is fine for guided access... My 7-9 year olds are smart enough to type in the passcode, and not really necessary to use guided mode!

It would be nice to be able to restrict the passcode, however it seems I can pretty much say for sure that is not supported on the apple devices...

I may evaluate Andriod going forward, as I have heard they have much better parental controls! (This is a very sad statement, as I am a die hard apple fan!)

So far however I have had no issues with my kids, and this was really a research project to figure this out in case I wanted to do it!

If really wanted too can use something like:
https://www.parentsaround.com/parental-control-ios.html

However then have to pay extra $$ for something I would expect to be inbuilt... (about $48/year)

Thanks everyone for the assistance!
 
scottsdomain said:
The point here is a 2-3 year old it is fine for guided access... My 7-9 year olds are smart enough to type in the passcode, and not really necessary to use guided mode!

It would be nice to be able to restrict the passcode, however it seems I can pretty much say for sure that is not supported on the apple devices...

I may evaluate Andriod going forward, as I have heard they have much better parental controls! (This is a very sad statement, as I am a die hard apple fan!)

So far however I have had no issues with my kids, and this was really a research project to figure this out in case I wanted to do it!

If really wanted too can use something like:
https://www.parentsaround.com/parental-control-ios.html

However then have to pay extra $$ for something I would expect to be inbuilt... (about $48/year)

Thanks everyone for the assistance!
Click to expand...


Another thing to note though, is that with iCloud associated with the device, i do believe you can change the passcode from iCloud.com
 
You're looking for a tech solution that you don't need. the answer is very simple.
You set the passcode.
You tell your child not to change it.
You tell her if she changes it then A, you will immediately erase it and if she loses game levels, photos etc cause they were not backed up, tough cookies kiddo and B, she loses access to it for a week, this time. she does it again it's a month, she does it again after that it's gone until she's 18 and can buy her own. The only exception will be if her school requires her to have one and in that case nothing that isn't for school will be allowed on it.
you have the balls to keep your word.
 
scottsdomain said:
If really wanted too can use something like:
https://www.parentsaround.com/parental-control-ios.html
Click to expand...
Or you could do it for free with profile manager or many of the other free tools online. Generally, googling something will turn up the product with the best advertising budget, not the best product.

Just as an aside:
Two steps and the child can remove that profile you may have just paid for.

We lock profiles to devices using DEP, which is not available to consumers.

PS. Android will be an exciting and very educational experience for you. I would certainly recommend trying it out.
 
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