What a child account is and why you'd create one

A child account in Apple is a separate login that lets your child use an iPhone, iPad, or Mac while you control what they can read, spend, and access. It's not a separate payment method — purchases still run through your adult Apple ID and your payment method — but it gives you visibility and control over what happens on that device.

You create a child account through Family Sharing, which is Apple's system for linking up to six family members under one adult's account. Once set up, you can approve or deny app downloads, set screen time limits, see their location, and review what they're spending. The child gets their own login and their own library of apps and content, but you remain in charge of the spending and safety settings.

This is different from straightforward letting your child use your own Apple ID — with a child account, you have actual controls built in, and Apple keeps a record that the account belongs to a minor.

Key Takeaways

  • Child accounts are created through Family Sharing on an adult's Apple ID, and you need to be the family organizer to set one up.
  • You will need the child's date of birth, and Apple will ask for a payment method on file (though the child won't have direct access to it).
  • The child gets their own Apple ID and password, and can sign in on their own device once the account is created.
  • You can approve or deny app downloads, set spending limits, and control screen time from your own device through the Family Sharing settings.
  • The process takes about 10 to 15 minutes and can be done entirely from your phone or computer without visiting an Apple Store.

What you need before you start

You'll need an active Apple ID of your own, signed in on an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple Watch. This is the account that will become the family organizer — the one in charge of the child's account and spending.

You'll also need the child's date of birth. Apple requires this to set age-appropriate restrictions and to comply with laws about accounts for minors. Have this ready before you begin.

Finally, you need a valid payment method on file — a credit card, debit card, or Apple Gift Card balance. This is where any purchases the child makes will be charged, and it's how Apple verifies you're the account holder. The child won't see this information or be able to change it.

Steps to create the child account on iPhone or iPad

Open Settings and tap your name at the top. Scroll down and tap Family Sharing. If you haven't set up Family Sharing yet, you'll see an option to "Create Your Family Group" — tap that first. If Family Sharing is already active, tap the plus sign or "Add Family Member."

Choose "Create a Child Account." You'll be asked to enter the child's name, date of birth, and email address. The email address becomes their Apple ID — it can be any email you control, or you can create a new one during this step. Write down the email and a temporary password (you can change it later).

Review the Family Sharing terms and tap Agree. Apple will ask you to confirm your payment method. Once confirmed, the account is created. The child can now sign in on their own device using the email and password you just set.

Steps to create the child account on Mac

Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings (or System Preferences on older versions). Click Family Sharing in the sidebar. If Family Sharing isn't set up yet, click "Create Your Family Group." If it's already active, click the plus sign to add a family member.

Select "Create a Child Account." Enter the child's name, date of birth, and email address. The email becomes their Apple ID. You'll set a temporary password during this step.

Confirm your payment method and agree to the Family Sharing terms. The account is now created, and the child can sign in on their device using the email and password you created.

Setting up controls after the account is created

Once the child account exists, you can set restrictions from your own device. On iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, tap your name, then Family Sharing. Tap the child's name and you'll see options for Screen Time, Purchases, and Location.

Under Purchases, you can choose whether the child needs your approval for each app read or if they have a monthly spending limit. Under Screen Time, you can set daily time limits, restrict certain apps, and block adult content. Under Location, you can see where the child's device is at any time.

These controls take effect when ready. The child will see a prompt asking for your approval the next time they try to read an app or make a purchase.

What happens when the child tries to read or buy something

If you've set the account to require approval for each purchase, the child will see a message saying "Ask to Buy" when they try to read a free app, a paid app, or in-app content. A notification will appear on your device asking you to approve or deny it.

You can approve or deny from the notification, or you can go to Settings > Family Sharing > [Child's Name] > Purchases and review pending requests there. You have up to 24 hours to respond, though most parents respond much faster.

If you've set a monthly spending limit instead, the child can read and buy freely up to that limit. Once the limit is reached, further purchases are blocked until the next month.

Changing the child's password and email later

The child can change their own password once they're signed in on their device. They go to Settings > [Their Name] > Password & Security > Change Password. They'll need to enter the old password first.

If you need to change the email address associated with the account, you'll need to do that from your own device through Family Sharing settings. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Family Sharing > [Child's Name], then tap Edit and update the email. This is a less common change and takes a bit longer to process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I create a child account without Family Sharing?

No. Child accounts only exist within Family Sharing. You must set up Family Sharing first, which takes about five minutes. Once it's active, creating the child account is the next step.

What email should I use for the child's Apple ID?

You can use any email address you control — a Gmail, Outlook, or iCloud address you already have. You can also create a new iCloud email during the setup process. The child will use this email to sign in, so pick something you'll remember.

Can the child change their own password?

Yes, once they're signed in on their device. They go to Settings > [Their Name] > Password & Security and can change it themselves. You won't need to approve the change.

What happens to the child account when they turn 18?

The account doesn't automatically change. You can keep it as a child account, or you can convert it to a regular adult account through Family Sharing settings. Apple will send you a notification as the child approaches the age of majority in your region.

Can I remove a child from Family Sharing later?

Yes. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Family Sharing > [Child's Name] and tap "Remove from Family." The child's account will still exist, but they'll no longer be part of your family group and you won't be able to see their location or approve their purchases.