Find your child's Screen Time settings in Family on macOS 27

Why it happens

macOS 27 moved the controls for children out of Screen Time and into a new Family pane, so everything for one child sits in one place. It only works when every device in the family runs version 27, including your child's iPhone or iPad. On macOS 26 these limits are still in Screen Time.

How to fix it

1. Open the Apple menu and choose System Settings.

2. On macOS 27, click Family in the sidebar. On macOS 26, click Screen Time instead and pick your child from the menu at the top of the pane.

   macOS 26 Tahoe Screen Time

   macOS 27 Golden Gate Family

3. On macOS 27, click your child's name in the list to open their settings. On macOS 26 there's no list: pick your child from the pop-up at the top of Screen Time, then use Downtime, App Limits and Content & Privacy instead of the controls below.

4. On macOS 27, choose what to change. Screen Time Schedule sets the hours their devices can be used.

   Family

5. Also on macOS 27, Time Allowances sets how long they can spend on apps each day.

   Family

6. On macOS 27, Apps & Websites is where you choose which apps and websites they can use.

   Family

On macOS 26, children's limits are in Screen Time: pick your child from the pop-up at the top, then use Downtime for hours, App Limits for time on apps, and Content & Privacy for apps and websites. On macOS 27 they're in Family, under your child's name, as Screen Time Schedule, Time Allowances and Apps & Websites, and every family device needs version 27.

Still not fixed?

1. If your child isn't in the list, they need to be in your Family Sharing group first. Open Family and use Add Member… to invite them or create a child account.

   Family

2. If the new settings don't show for your child, update every device in the family, including their iPhone and iPad, to version 27. Until then, use Screen Time as before.

3. If your child can change the limits on their own Mac, their account there should be a Standard user. In Users & Groups, click the Info button next to their name and make sure Allow this user to administer this computer is turned off.

   Users & Groups

4. If the limits still don't apply after every device is updated and restarted, contact Apple Support. They can check your Family Sharing setup with you.