Answer a few questions to get personalized guidance on app age rating settings
Tell us what is happening on your child’s phone or tablet, and we’ll help you understand which app content ratings fit your child’s age, where to tighten restrictions, and how to make age limits harder to bypass.
01
Why app age ratings matter
App age ratings can help parents filter out content that is too mature, but they are only useful when the settings match a child’s age and the device is configured correctly. Many parents are unsure whether the current rating level is too strict, too loose, or easy to work around. This page is designed to help you understand app content ratings for kids and take the next step with confidence.
02
What parents usually need help with
1Choosing the right rating level
Parents often search for the best age ratings for kids apps because store labels do not always explain what is actually inside an app. The right setting depends on your child’s age, maturity, and how independently they use their device.
2Blocking apps above a certain age rating
If you want to know how to block apps above age rating thresholds, the key is using built-in device restrictions and store settings together so your child cannot easily download more mature apps.
3Setting limits correctly on phones and tablets
Many families need step-by-step help with age rating settings for child apps, especially when switching devices or managing both iPhone and Android in the same home.
03
How age rating controls work on common devices
1On iPhone and iPad
Parents can set age limits for apps on iPhone through Screen Time and Content & Privacy Restrictions. This can restrict app installs and hide apps above the selected age rating when configured properly.
2On Android devices
To set age limits for apps on Android, parents usually use Google Play parental controls along with device-level supervision tools. This helps limit what can be browsed, installed, or viewed in the app store.
3With family supervision tools
Parent controls for age rated apps work best when paired with account supervision, purchase approval, and a passcode your child does not know. That combination reduces the chance that settings will be changed or bypassed.
04
What personalized guidance can help you decide
1Which ratings fit your child
Get guidance based on your child’s age, device type, and current app habits so you can choose age ratings that are realistic and protective without overblocking everything.
2Where your current setup may be weak
If the current age rating settings are too easy to bypass, personalized guidance can highlight common gaps such as shared passcodes, unrestricted app stores, or missing content restrictions.
3What to change next
Whether you want parental controls for app age ratings, need to restrict apps by age rating on phone, or want help reviewing app content ratings for kids, the next steps should be clear and specific to your family.
05
Frequently asked questions
What do app age ratings actually tell parents?
App age ratings are meant to indicate the maturity level of content in an app, such as violence, sexual content, language, or gambling features. They are a useful starting point, but parents should still review the app’s purpose, social features, ads, and in-app content.
Can I block apps above a certain age rating on my child’s phone?
Yes. On many devices, parents can restrict apps by age rating on phone settings using built-in parental controls. The exact steps differ between iPhone and Android, but both platforms offer ways to limit app downloads and visibility based on content ratings.
How do I set age limits for apps on iPhone?
You can set age limits for apps on iPhone through Screen Time by turning on Content & Privacy Restrictions and choosing allowed app ratings. For best results, use a parent-only Screen Time passcode and review App Store purchase settings too.
How do I set age limits for apps on Android?
To set age limits for apps on Android, open Google Play parental controls or use a supervised child account if available on the device. This can help filter app content ratings for kids and reduce access to apps above the selected maturity level.
Why can my child still find mature apps even with age ratings turned on?
This can happen if restrictions were only set in one place, if the child knows the passcode, if another app store is available, or if an app’s rating does not fully reflect all of its features. Stronger parental controls for app age ratings usually require both store-level and device-level settings.