How to Track and Restrict Your Child’s iPhone Using a Mac
So, your daughter has an iPhone 16 and you’re using a Mac. You’re not alone if you’re concerned about how much time she’s spending on her device or what she’s accessing. The good news? Apple has built powerful parental tools right into iOS and macOS that let you keep an eye—and some boundaries—on things.
In this post, we’ll show you how to set up Screen Time, Location Tracking, App Restrictions, and more right from your Mac, without needing an iPhone yourself.
Step 1: Set Up Family Sharing
Family Sharing is the backbone of Apple’s parental controls. It lets you group family Apple IDs and manage them remotely.
✅ Here’s how to set it up:
On your Mac, go to System Settings > Apple ID > Family Sharing.
Click Add Member and send an invite to your daughter’s Apple ID.
Once she accepts, you’ll be able to manage her account under Family Sharing.
Tip: If your daughter is under 13, Apple will automatically recognize the Apple ID as a child account with extra controls.
Step 2: Enable Screen Time for Her iPhone
Once Family Sharing is enabled:
On your Mac, open System Settings > Screen Time.
You’ll see a list of family members. Select your daughter’s name.
Turn on Screen Time and configure:
Downtime (limit phone usage at night or during school hours)
App Limits (restrict time on apps like Instagram, YouTube, etc.)
Communication Limits (limit who she can talk to during certain times)
Content & Privacy Restrictions (block adult content, hide explicit music, restrict purchases)
Step 3: Track Location from Your Mac
Using Find My, you can track your daughter’s iPhone location any time.
To enable location sharing:
On her iPhone: Go to Settings > [her name] > Find My > Share My Location and turn it ON.
From your Mac, open Find My app.
Her iPhone will now appear on the map under People.
Important: Location sharing must be voluntarily enabled on her device—Apple doesn’t allow forced tracking due to privacy regulations.
Step 4: Set Purchase Approvals (Ask to Buy)
Want to avoid surprise in-app purchases or shopping sprees?
In Family Sharing settings on your Mac, select your daughter’s profile.
Turn on Ask to Buy.
You’ll get a notification each time she tries to buy or download something, and you must approve it first.
Step 5: Additional Tips & Recommendations
iCloud Sync: Ensure she’s signed into iCloud on her iPhone. It helps sync Screen Time settings and location data.
Apple Watch Control: If she has an Apple Watch paired with her iPhone, those restrictions apply to the Watch as well.
Education Mode: Great for restricting distractions during study hours.
Review Weekly Reports: Get Screen Time reports emailed to you so you know exactly where time is being spent.
Got Questions? We’re Here to Help.
If you’re stuck setting this up, just book a call or visit our store. We’ll help you configure everything properly so your child stays safe—and you stay sane.
📍 Visit us at NeoStore, Mulund West, Mumbai
📞 Book tech support: support.thegoodmen.in
Let us know if you want us to set it up for you. We don’t just sell Apple—we help you use Apple better.