How to set up a smartwatch for a child

Step by step

1. 1 min

   Create the child's Apple ID

   On your iPhone, navigate to Settings > [Your Name] > Family Sharing > Add Member > Create Child Account. Follow the on-screen prompts to establish the child's credentials and link them to your primary account for administrative control.

   Note: Ensure you have your payment method verified for the Family Sharing group before beginning.
2. 3 min

   Pair the watch using Family Setup

   Power on the child's watch and hold it near your iPhone. When the configuration prompt appears, select Set Up for a Family Member. Follow the pairing animation and choose the child's profile to link the device to your account.

   Note: This process automatically enables Family Setup features without requiring the child to own an iPhone.
3. 1 min

   Configure Screen Time and restrictions

   In your iPhone Watch app, select the child's watch, then navigate to Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions. Enable these settings to limit app installs, prevent explicit content access, and set downtime schedules for school hours.

   Note: Use Downtime to prevent the watch from distracting the child during class periods.
4. 1 min

   Manage communication safety

   Within the child's watch settings in the Watch app, tap Contacts. Define the list of approved individuals who are permitted to call or message the device. Enable 'Restrict Contacts' to ensure the child cannot communicate with unknown numbers.

   Note: This prevents unsolicited calls or messages from reaching the watch.
5. 1 min

   Activate location tracking

   Open the Find My app on your iPhone. Locate the child's watch in the devices list and enable location sharing. You can now set up geofenced alerts by tapping Add > Notify Me to be alerted when the child arrives at or leaves specific locations like school or home.

   Note: Location services must be enabled in Privacy settings for accurate monitoring.