Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more

On an iPhone, “Restrictions” usually means Content & Privacy Restrictions, a set of Screen Time controls for limiting apps, websites, purchases, content, privacy permissions, and changes to settings. Find them at Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions; turn the feature on to use its controls. The available options and labels can vary by iOS version and device setup.

What iPhone Restrictions can control

Apple describes the feature as a way to restrict access to apps, features, websites, and App Store purchases. Depending on the iPhone’s software and configuration, the controls can cover:

  • Installing or deleting apps and making in-app purchases.
  • Built-in apps and features, plus age-rated apps and media.
  • Website access, including limiting adult websites or allowing only approved sites.
  • Privacy permissions, such as whether apps can request access to the camera.
  • Changes to certain settings and other device features.

Not every category or label will necessarily appear on every iPhone. See Apple’s iPhone guide to blocking apps, downloads, websites, and purchases and its guide to App Store settings and restrictions for documented controls.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Where to find Restrictions on your iPhone

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap Screen Time.
  3. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.
  4. Turn on Content & Privacy Restrictions to access the available controls.

Within the screen, look for categories covering purchases, allowed apps or features, content ratings, web content, privacy, and changes to settings. Apple documentation may call the purchase section “iTunes & App Store Purchases”; use the labels shown on your own device if they differ. Apple’s iPhone instructions and App Store restrictions guide describe the route and settings.

#1 Best Overall
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
  • Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
  • The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
  • Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.

How website restrictions work

Apple’s parental-controls guidance lists three web-content choices: Unrestricted, Limit Adult Websites, and Only Approved Websites. The first allows unrestricted web access; the other choices apply progressively narrower access. In the adult-site limiting mode, Apple’s iPhone guide also describes adding specific URLs to a Never Allow list. See Apple’s parental-controls guide and iPhone guide.

These settings can block legitimate pages as well as unwanted material. If a site a child needs is blocked, review the selected mode and any entries in the Never Allow list; for a tightly managed browsing experience, consider whether Only Approved Websites better fits the child’s needs.

Rank #2
Sale
Apple iPhone 16, 128GB, Pink - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, Dolby Vision, 1000nits (typ), 2000nits (HBM), 2556x1179px at 460ppi, 3561mAh Battery
  • 128GB 8GB RAM, Apple A18 (3nm), Hexa-core (2x4.04 GHz + 4x2.20 GHz), Apple GPU 5-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
  • Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide + 12MP, f/2.2, ultrawide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18, upgradable to iOS 18.5
  • 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/12/13/14/17/18/19/20/25/26/28/29/30/32/34/38/39/40/41/42/48/53/66/71, 5G: n1/2/3/5/7/8/12/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/40/41/48/53/66/70/71/75/76/77/78/79 - Dual eSIM
  • Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Sprint., Etc.

How app downloads and purchases differ

Screen Time offers controls for app installation, app deletion, and in-app purchases. These are different from requiring a password or having a parent approve a child’s request: a restriction blocks a category of activity, a password setting adds an authentication step, and Ask to Buy sends eligible child-account purchase requests to a parent or guardian for review. Apple’s instructions for turning off in-app purchases cover that specific restriction; its parental-controls guide discusses purchase approvals.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

For broader App Store restrictions and related settings, consult Apple’s App Store settings guide. The controls you see can depend on the iOS version and whether the iPhone is configured as a child’s device.

Rank #3
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • 6.1inch Super Retina XDR display. Aluminum with color-infused glass back. Ring/Silent switch
  • Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU
  • Advanced dual-camera system. 48MP Main | Ultra Wide. Super-high-resolution photos (24MP and 48MP). Next-generation portraits with Focus and Depth Control. 4X optical zoom range
  • Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
  • Up to 26 hours video playback. USB C, Supports USB 2. Face ID

Restrictions on your iPhone versus a child’s device

You can configure Screen Time on the iPhone in your hand. For a child in Family Sharing, a family organizer or designated parent or guardian can manage the child’s Screen Time and parental controls through the family setup. Apple documents controls for content, app use, purchases, communication, and web access in this context. Start with Apple’s guide to setting up Screen Time for a child or its Family Sharing parental-controls guide.

Apple says Communication Safety and web-content limits are on by default when setting up child accounts under 18, with age-related variation by country or region. The family controls and defaults may therefore differ by location and account setup. Details are in Apple’s child Screen Time setup guide.

Rank #4
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
  • There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
  • This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
  • Product may come in generic Box.

What happens when you restrict a built-in app

Restricting a built-in app or feature temporarily hides it from the Home Screen; it does not delete the app. It can be shown again when that app or feature is allowed. This is distinct from deleting a downloaded app. Restrictions can also control whether apps may request access to privacy-sensitive information. Apple explains these behaviors in its iPhone restrictions guide and parental-controls guide.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Choosing the right level of control

  • For a single device: set the restrictions in that iPhone’s Screen Time settings.
  • For a child in Family Sharing: use the family’s Screen Time and parental-control settings so the parent or guardian can manage the child’s setup.
  • For browsing: choose unrestricted access, adult-site limiting, or approved-sites-only access based on the intended level of filtering.
  • For purchases: decide whether to block an activity, require authentication, or use purchase approval where available.
  • For apps and features: distinguish hiding a built-in app from deleting it, and consider whether a restriction could interfere with something the user needs.

Menu names and available controls vary across iOS versions and family configurations. Apple’s guides describe the documented routes, but do not establish a universal effectiveness rate for these restrictions.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 14, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.; Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
$300.00
Bestseller No. 3
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 15, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
Dynamic Island. A magical way to interact with iPhone. A16 Bionic chip with 5-core GPU; Emergency SOS via satellite. Crash Detection. Roadside Assistance via satellite
$409.99
Bestseller No. 4
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
Apple iPhone 13, 128GB, Midnight - Unlocked (Renewed)
There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.; Product may come in generic Box.
$262.00
Best Value
Apple iPhone 16e, 128GB, Black - Unlocked (Renewed)
  • 6.1" Super Retina XDR OLED, HDR10, 800 nits (HBM), 1200 nits (peak), 2532x1170px at 460ppi, 4005mAh Battery
  • 8GB RAM, Apple A18 6-core CPU (2 performance + 4 efficiency cores), Apple GPU 4-core, 16‑core Neural Engine
  • Rear camera: 48MP, f/1.6, wide, Front Camera: 12MP, f/1.9, wide, iOS 18.3.1, upgradable to iOS 18.5
  • Connectivity: Global 4G LTE, Sub-6 GHz 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, USB-C, Wireless Charging (7.5W). (does not have mmWave 5G or MagSafe or physical SIM card) - Dual eSIM Only
  • Unlocked for freedom to choose your carrier. Compatible with both GSM & CDMA networks. The phone is unlocked to work with all GSM Carriers & CDMA Carriers Including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Straight Talk., Etc.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.