WhatsApp is rolling out an improved system for parents to manage their child’s account, with the new process now available for iPhone users. Following a similar change previously introduced for Android devices, the app has added a specific area in the Settings section for parental control setup. This update is aimed at making the experience more accessible for parents, as reported by 9to5Mac, by streamlining the process of managing a child’s account through dedicated tools.
Setup requires both phones
When a parent accesses the new parental controls section on their iPhone, WhatsApp guides them through a straightforward process to connect their phone with the child’s device. The setup starts by scanning a QR code or accepting an invitation, after which the parent must switch to the child’s phone to complete the configuration. The interface is designed to be user-friendly, avoiding technical language and ensuring the setup can be completed on any standard iPhone without difficulty.
What parents can control
With a parent-managed account, certain features such as Status and Channels are restricted. Parents have the ability to control who can message the child, and they can keep track of account activity, including who is blocked, who is added as a new contact, and changes to the profile. A secure PIN is used to lock the parental controls, and only the parent can access or modify privacy settings. The availability of this feature depends on the legal age requirements for using WhatsApp in the specific region. In some cases, Apple may directly supply the child’s age range, rather than relying on the parent to provide it during setup.
These parent-managed accounts are exclusively for users below the legal age to use WhatsApp in their country or region. For a more detailed explanation of how these accounts work, parents can visit the official WhatsApp support section.