How to Restrict Apps and Other Mature Content on an iPod Touch, iPhone or iPad

Certain applications on the iPod Touch, iPhone or iPad feature content that you may not want younger members of your household to access. This can be anything from a specific program altogether (like one allowing users to view mature videos), or even the ability to use the device’s built-in Web browser. You don’t have to uninstall these applications from the device completely to prevent younger children and teens from using them, however. Instead, you can just set restrictions on your device. This requires you to enter a passcode whenever you want to use a particular restricted app. If you don’t want someone to be able to access the application, don’t give them the passcode.

Step 1

Open the application labeled “Settings” on your iPod Touch, iPhone or iPad. By default, this icon will be on the main page of installed applications. If you have moved this application at any time, navigate to its current location and open it now.

Step 2

Tap “General.” This will load a new page of options. From the list on screen, tap “Restrictions.”

Step 3

Tap “Enable Restrictions.” If this is the first time you’re enabling restrictions on your device, you will be forced to enter a four digit passcode. This can be any four digit code you are comfortable with, and should be one that you can remember. Enter the code now to continue.

Step 4

Select the application or applications that you want to restrict. This can be any application on the device, including ones like YouTube and Safari that come pre-installed and can’t be completely removed. Tap the “ON” button next to a particular application to toggle the restrictions on and off as needed.

Step 5

Scroll down to the “Allowed Content” portion of the window on screen. This allows you to specify what types of media content a person can view. For example, if you don’t want a young child to be able to watch R-rated movies from the iTunes Store, you can restriction access to such content in this portion of the window.

Press the “Home” key to exit the “Settings” application when finished. Anytime a person tries to view content that has been restricted, they will be automatically prompted to enter the passcode. If they cannot provide the passcode, they will be unable to view the content.