● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportLow impact1 neutral
WhatsApp Adds Dedicated Parental Controls Section to iPhone App
Key points
- WhatsApp added a dedicated "Parental controls" section to its iPhone app.
- This section simplifies setup for parent-managed accounts.
- Parent-managed accounts restrict features like Channels and Status.
- Parents can view new contacts, blocked users, and profile updates.
Dedicated Parental Controls Section on iPhone
WhatsApp has rolled out a dedicated "Parental controls" section within its iPhone application settings. This new section is designed to streamline the process for parents to find and configure parental control features for accounts used by underage individuals. The update follows a similar implementation on the Android version of the app.
Functionality of Parent-Managed Accounts
Parent-managed accounts, initially launched in March, allow a parent or guardian to control who can contact the managed account and which groups it can join. These accounts also restrict access to certain features, such as Channels and Status updates. Parents maintain visibility into specific account activities, including new contacts, blocked users, and profile changes.
Simplified Setup Process
The new "Parental controls" section on iPhone presents a guided setup screen. Parents are instructed to use the child's phone while keeping their own device nearby to link accounts by scanning a QR code or accepting an invite. The process is designed to be user-friendly, requiring no technical knowledge to complete the configuration.
Age Verification and Privacy
Parent-managed accounts are available for users below the minimum age requirement for WhatsApp in their respective regions. Depending on local legal requirements, Meta may receive the child's age range directly from Apple, rather than requiring the parent to provide it during the setup process. Parental controls and settings are protected by a parent PIN on the managed device, ensuring only parents can modify privacy settings.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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Reporting from
WhatsApp has introduced a dedicated "Parental controls" section for its iPhone application, making it easier for parents to set up and manage accounts for underage users. This update mirrors a similar feature recently rolled out on Android, simplifying the process of configuring parental controls for features like contact management and group access.