Managing child account restrictions for WhatsApp on iOS 26

Hello,

Yesterday evening, my 12-year-old daughter decided to upgrade her phone to iOS 26. After the update, she became quite upset because many of her apps, especially WhatsApp, were no longer available to her.

I understand this is due to the new parental control features. In the App Store, she couldn’t even download WhatsApp. We managed to submit an approval request for me to allow the download, but the app still won’t open—it just says “restrictions apply,” without any guidance for parents on what to do next.

I eventually upgraded my own phone and tried to adjust the restrictions, even removing them all just to get things working—but that’s definitely not what I want! Ideally, I’d like to choose which apps are allowed, or at least remove restrictions just for WhatsApp and a few others. Could you please share some resources or links to help me understand the new family restrictions and how to use these features?

Also, it would be great if iOS could require parental permission before allowing a child to upgrade their device. Last night was quite dramatic for us!

Thank you so much for your help!


[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: iOS26 child account restrictions whatsapp

iPhone 13, iOS 26

Posted on Sep 20, 2025 11:27 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Oct 5, 2025 2:46 PM

Hi, I just had the same issue, but I think I’ve managed to sort it now on my daughter’s phone. I clicked on settings, screen time, content & privacy restrictions, App Store, media, web & games, apps, age rating (select age rating) if it’s not selected as 13+ then they won’t be allowed to use WhatsApp etc. also, go back one and select age ratings for movies, tv shows etc

Hope this helps someone

1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Oct 5, 2025 2:46 PM in response to gibri999

Hi, I just had the same issue, but I think I’ve managed to sort it now on my daughter’s phone. I clicked on settings, screen time, content & privacy restrictions, App Store, media, web & games, apps, age rating (select age rating) if it’s not selected as 13+ then they won’t be allowed to use WhatsApp etc. also, go back one and select age ratings for movies, tv shows etc

Hope this helps someone

Managing child account restrictions for WhatsApp on iOS 26

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