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Older iPads can be given a new lease of life by setting them up for your kids. With the right steps, you can ensure that the tablet is safe and kid-friendly, with parental controls in place to protect your little ones from inappropriate content and unauthorized purchases. Here are the essential steps to follow:
Wipe the iPad Clean
The first step to setting up an old iPad for your kids is to wipe it clean of your data. Go to Settings, select General, scroll down and choose Restore, then Erase All Content and Settings. This will delete all your data from the device, enabling you to start afresh.
Set Up Parental Controls
iOS offers many options for disabling Safari, YouTube, iTunes, and Ping, as well as preventing users from installing and removing apps. Moreover, you can restrict app and media downloads based on the age rating. To enable parental controls, launch Settings and tap General and then Restrictions. Click ‘Enable Restrictions’ and enter a 4-digit passcode. From here, you can enable or disable specific apps and features.
You can get a free email address from Gmail or Yahoo for your child. However, make sure they are responsible enough to handle an email account, as you cannot put any restrictions on the addresses from which they can receive or send emails on an iPad.
Access Codes
To prevent children from accessing your iPad, set up a device password by opening Settings, tap ‘Touch ID & Passcode,’ then turn ‘Passcode On.’ Select your entry code and choose a 4-digit or a more complex alphanumeric code.
Apps
If you want full control over the apps, enable and disable the restrictions, sit down with your kids and choose suitable apps. Enable restrictions, and toggle the ‘Install apps’ option from green to white to prevent your child from installing apps.
For younger children, it’s better to purchase and download apps from your personal account. For older kids, you can create an individual Apple ID.
Put a Strong Case on It
We recommend that you put a sturdy case on the iPad to keep it protected.
The Conversation
Before giving the iPad to your kids, sit down and have a conversation with them about responsible usage and the risks associated with providing personal information online.
FAQs
1. What is the best-suited age for giving an iPad to a kid?
There is no specific age limit; it solely depends on the level of responsibility and understanding that your kid has. Nevertheless, it is essential to have parental controls to keep them safe.
2. Can you block inappropriate content on an iPad?
Yes. You can block inappropriate content using parental controls that limit access to certain features and apps on the iPad.