Mac OS · macOS
Set up parental controls with Screen Time on Mac
Source-checked About 10 minutes
Answer
Use Family Sharing and the child's own account, open Screen Time for that child, turn it on, set a Screen Time passcode, then configure Downtime, App Limits...
Check prerequisites and the intended result
Before changing Mac parental controls, identify the child account, family organizer, Screen Time passcode, devices sharing settings, and the narrow behavior being limited. Write down the current value before changing it so you can restore only that setting if the intended result does not appear. Keep the relevant account, app, or system version available if official support is needed. Confirm the saved choice after closing and reopening the relevant settings panel.
Use the supported method
Change the relevant Downtime, App Limit, Communication, Content & Privacy, or purchase control instead of disabling all protections.
Use the child's account
Create or select the child's Apple Account in Family Sharing and make sure the child uses their own Mac user account.
Open Screen Time
Choose Apple menu > System Settings > Screen Time and select the child from the Family Member menu.
Turn on and protect settings
Turn on Screen Time and set a Screen Time passcode that differs from the device passcode.
Set schedules and limits
Configure Downtime, App Limits, Always Allowed and Communication options appropriate for the child.
Set content restrictions
Open Content & Privacy, turn it on, and review Store, web, Siri, Game Center and privacy changes.
Check that the change worked
The child account follows the intended rule after synchronization while unrelated apps, privacy, and purchase authentication remain protected.
Troubleshoot Mac parental controls
If the passcode is forgotten, Family Sharing does not sync, a school profile applies, or an app has its own separate parental control, stop broad resets and return to the last known state. Capture the exact error, versions, device or account scope, and failed step before using the linked official support channel.
Video walkthrough
Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: macOS.
Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.