Technology

WhatsApp introduces new parental controls for iPhone users

09:25

By: Azzat Manal

Zoom

WhatsApp has begun rolling out a new parental controls section for iPhone users, giving parents a simpler way to manage their children’s accounts and review privacy and safety settings.

The feature is being distributed gradually through Apple’s App Store and has appeared in version 26.30.77 of the iOS application. However, the rollout remains limited, meaning that some users may not see the new controls immediately after updating the app.

The introduction of the iPhone feature follows the launch of similar parental controls for Android devices. WhatsApp has been working to make account supervision easier for families as concerns over children’s use of social platforms continue to grow.

The new Parental Controls section provides parents with guided instructions throughout the setup process. To establish the connection, a parent must use the child’s phone while keeping the parent’s iPhone nearby.

The two accounts can then be linked by scanning a QR code or accepting an invitation. Once the devices are connected, parents can complete the remaining configuration steps directly on the child’s phone.

WhatsApp, which is owned by Meta, has designed the process to be accessible without requiring advanced technical knowledge. The company’s approach is intended to make parental supervision easier for families who may be unfamiliar with account-management tools.

As part of the setup, parents are asked to provide the child’s date of birth. WhatsApp says this information remains private and is used to determine which features and restrictions are appropriate for the child’s age.

The system can also track the account holder’s age over time, including when the user reaches 18, allowing the account to be handled differently once the user becomes an adult.

The new controls are being released in stages through the App Store, so availability may vary between users and regions. WhatsApp has not yet provided a definitive date for a worldwide rollout, but the feature is expected to reach more iPhone users progressively.

The update reflects the broader shift among social and messaging platforms toward stronger family-safety tools. As children increasingly use digital communication services, parents are seeking simpler ways to help manage privacy, security and online interactions without having to navigate complicated technical settings.