Restrictions Enabled on Adult Apple Account

This has happened to me twice now- once on iOS 18.4 and previously on an older version. I have a child account linked to my Apple Account. The child has their own Apple Account. The child has multiple restrictions and screen time settings. Last night, I placed my phone down and went to bed at 1am. When I woke up 8 hours later, multiple apps have been "restricted" and even my Lock Screen shortcuts were removed. I finally got ahold of Apple Support who asked me to check my own screen time settings. Sure enough, they had been toggled ON. I would never. I didn't even realize you could do that on an adult account. Obviously I know about different DND filters but this is crazy. When I toggled the setting OFF, all my apps came back but they are completely in disarray. All the folders and things? Empty and the apps are spread across multiple (4+) home screens when I only use 2. There is no way I turned this on in my sleep. Let alone- ever. I didn't even know it was a thing.


I can only assume this is happening because of the child account being linked. I do not want to delete my child's account and I can't remove it either because Apple doesn't let you (yes you can transfer).


This is maddening. The last time it happened I did a factory reset. Took hours to do as I have a very large amount of data on my phone. But that did not fix the apps in folders issue. I still had to re-do whatever got messed up. For me that would be these folders: social, health, food, finances, home, entertainment, photography, travel, games, plants, career and fitness. So you can imagine how stressful this was to wake up to. And then to be told that only a device signed in with my Apple Account could have enabled the restrictions. Well, one of those devices hasnt been used in weeks and isn't even charged (MacBook) and the only other device is my phone. So if I didn't do it, who did? There are other users experiencing the same thing- why is this not being addressed by Apple?

iPhone 14 Pro, iOS 18

Posted on Apr 15, 2025 11:38 AM

Reply

Similar questions

4 replies

Apr 15, 2025 12:02 PM in response to victoriamager0213

On your device, go to Settings > [name on top], and scroll to the bottom to see a list of devices that are logged into your account. If there is another device seen there other than the MacBook, then the restrictions placed on that device can be shared to yours.


For your MacBook that isn't even charged, I would still go to  > System Settings > Screen Time on that device, and turn it off completely. You also have the option on your iPhone at Settings > Screen Time > Share Across Devices that can be turned off.

Apr 15, 2025 12:24 PM in response to victoriamager0213

I simply asked you to look for any other devices that could be logged into your account that may be part of the problem and also test by turning off Screen Time on your Mac and Share Across Devices on your iPhone.


Without performing any troubleshooting test on your own to see what works and what does not, you are left following up with Apple or sending Feedback to them here where you can report it as a bug.

Product Feedback - Apple


I have not seen that behavior on my Family Sharing account or seen any reports on this Support Site to refer you to any other recommendations.

Apr 15, 2025 01:24 PM in response to Mac Jim ID

Here's a link to someone else with the exact same issue. I've also posted about it when it happened before. I confirmed there are only 2 devices signed into my Apple Account, including a computer and a phone. I appreciate that you're trying to troubleshoot- but I did provide adequate details. I also mentioned that previous troubleshooting never led to a root cause. I want to find the cause of this issue, not just how to fix it. I don't want it to keep happening.


Restrictions turn on by itself - Apple Community


This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

Restrictions Enabled on Adult Apple Account

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.