Apple’s system is designed with privacy-first defaults, which includes occasional prompts or reminders to users that they’re sharing their location — especially indefinitely. These prompts may appear:
- After major iOS updates or device restarts
- When the system detects location sharing without recent interaction
- As part of a “privacy suggestion” encouraging users to review long-term location sharing settings
Even though you’ve set up Family Sharing, iOS treats location sharing as a personal, per-device, per-user setting — and users can be prompted to revoke it, even under Screen Time restrictions.
Why Screen Time Isn’t Blocking It
While Screen Time > Content & Privacy > Location Services can restrict access to changing the Location Services toggle, it does not restrict:
- Tapping prompts like “Stop Sharing Location” that appear as banners or alerts
- Responding to iOS privacy suggestion pop-ups
These prompts are built into iOS’s user-facing consent model and can override Screen Time limitations, unfortunately.
What You Can Do
1. Enable “Share My Location” via Family Sharing Instead of Manual Share
Since they’re part of your iCloud+ Family Group:
- On their device: Settings > [name] > Family Sharing > Location Sharing
- Tap your name and select “Share My Location”
- This method is sometimes more persistent than doing it via iMessage
2. Disable Significant Location Prompts (Limited Impact)
On their devices:
- Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > System Services
- Turn off “Location-Based Alerts” and “Location-Based Suggestions”
This reduces the likelihood of location-related pop-ups
3. Train for “Ignore” vs “OK”
Create a simple, visual guide (screenshots or printed reference) that shows them what to tap (or not tap) if a location-sharing prompt pops up.
4. Use Find My Network for Items Only
If part of the goal is to track devices or AirTags, ensure that those are added directly under your account where possible — not shared manually by them.
Bottom Line
iOS will occasionally prompt users to review location sharing for privacy reasons, and unfortunately, this can’t be completely disabled — even with Screen Time. The best workaround is to use Family Sharing’s built-in location sharing, minimize system prompts, and provide your parents with a clear guide on how to respond if they see a pop-up.
