How to set up Apple Watch for kids with Family Setup

Give a child an Apple Watch and you add a layer of safety along with tools that nurture independence within clear, supervised boundaries. Family Setup lets the child use the watch without an iPhone, while parents manage the device remotely.

Confirm device compatibility

To set up Family access, you’ll need an Apple Watch with cellular, such as Apple Watch SE, Series 6 or newer. Make sure the watch is on the latest watchOS and the iPhone is running the current iOS. If the watch isn’t new, reset it to factory settings via Settings → Reset before pairing it to a new user.

Create an Apple ID for your child

Each child needs a separate Apple ID to keep data, messages, and activity goals distinct. If they don’t have one, the Apple Watch app will prompt you to create it during pairing. The child’s Apple ID is tied to Family Sharing, allowing the parent to manage permissions, approve contacts, and view location.

Add your child to Family Sharing

In Settings → Family Sharing, select Add Member, link your child’s Apple ID, and become the organizer. That role lets you oversee purchases, communication, and other features without getting in the way of everyday use.

Pair the watch with Family Setup

Turn on the Apple Watch and bring it near the iPhone. If no prompt appears, open the Apple Watch app and go to All Watches → Add Watch → For a Family Member. Use the iPhone camera to scan the pairing animation on the watch face. Then set up your child’s profile: choose the wrist they’ll wear the watch on, create a passcode, enable location sharing, and set activity goals. The process is straightforward and sets the tone for healthy, supervised autonomy.

Manage the watch from your iPhone

The Watch app becomes your control center: Screen Time for limits on communication and apps; Contacts so the child can call and message only approved people; Location to see where they are and get arrival or departure alerts for chosen places; and Schooltime and Focus modes to block distractions during class or before bed.

Safety features

SOS is available for emergency calls, with a notification to a designated contact. In the Medical ID, list allergies, conditions, and other key details that first responders may need.

Privacy and app restrictions

Apple Watch handles data locally to help protect a child’s privacy. Parents can restrict app access, remove or hide notifications, and control how location services are used. It’s a sensible balance: useful freedom for the child, clear boundaries for peace of mind.

Apple Watch for kids is more than an accessory; it’s a practical way to build independence and safety. With Family controls in place, parents get reassurance while kids enjoy the watch within the rules you set together.