Xbox Family Settings: A Parent’s Guide to Xbox Parental Controls

Xbox parental controls are tied to your child’s Microsoft account, and the easiest way to manage them is the free Xbox Family Settings app on your phone. It covers screen time, friends, multiplayer and spending, and the same account settings also apply to Minecraft. Checked October 25, 2026.

Before you start

• You need your own adult Microsoft account and a child account in your Microsoft family group.
• The app runs on iOS 13 or later and Android 8.0 or later.
• Your child must sign in to the console with their own account, not yours, or the settings won’t apply.

Step 1: Install the app and add your child

1. Download Xbox Family Settings from the App Store or Google Play.
2. Sign in with your adult Microsoft account.
3. Add your child, or select them if they’re already in your family group.

Step 2: Screen time

• Set a daily schedule for each child.
• Pause play time when it’s time for dinner or homework.
• Approve or decline your child’s requests for extra time from your phone.

Step 3: Friends and multiplayer

• Choose how your child can play with others online.
• Turn on “Ask a parent” so you approve new friends.
• Review and remove friends your child follows.
• If you block online multiplayer, there’s an exception to still allow Minecraft. See Minecraft Parental Controls.

Step 4: Spending

• See your child’s account balance and spending history.
• Add money in set amounts instead of linking a card.
• Get a notification when your child asks to buy something, and approve or decline it.

See In-Game Spending and Loot Boxes for why this matters.

Step 5: Content limits and reports

• Set age-based content restrictions for games and apps in your Microsoft family settings.
• Check daily and weekly activity reports to see time spent and games played.

Quick checklist

• Child signs in with their own account
• Daily screen time schedule set
• “Ask a parent” on for new friends
• Purchases need approval
• Content restrictions match your child’s age

Frequently asked questions

Does this work for games like Fortnite and Roblox?
Xbox settings control the console, friends and Xbox purchases. Games like Fortnite and Roblox also have their own controls, so set both.

Does my child see the limits?
Yes. They get notices as time runs low and can send you requests for more time or new friends.

Do settings apply on a PC?
Microsoft family settings apply to Windows devices and Xbox when your child signs in with their account.

Sources

• Xbox Family Settings App, Xbox, accessed October 25, 2026
• Set screen time limits for your Xbox family group, Xbox Support, accessed October 25, 2026
• Xbox Family Hub, Xbox, accessed October 25, 2026