Xbox Live
Family settings, communication controls, screen time
Last updated: March 2026
Download the Xbox Family Settings App
On your phone (iOS or Android), download the free "Xbox Family Settings" app from the App Store or Google Play. Sign in with your Microsoft account. This app gives you full control from your phone, so you don't need to be near the console. You can also manage settings at xbox.com/family.
Create a Family Group and Add Your Child
In the app, tap "Set up your family" or go to family.microsoft.com. Create a child account with their real age if they don't already have one. Add them to your family group as a member. Make sure your account is designated as "Parent/Organizer." Your child will need to accept the invitation.
Set Content Restrictions by Age Rating
In your child's profile in the Family Settings app, tap "Content restrictions." Set the age rating limit for games, apps, and media. For example, setting it to "Age 10" will block games rated for older audiences (T, M, and AO ratings). You can also block specific games individually. Your child will see a message that they need parental approval to access blocked content.
Block Communication from Non-Friends
Go to "Online safety" in your child's profile. Under "Communication & multiplayer," set "Others can communicate with voice, text, or invites" to "Friends only" or "Block." Set "Others can see your Xbox profile" to "Friends only." This prevents strangers from sending your child messages, game invites, or voice chat requests.
Set Screen Time Limits
In the Family Settings app, go to "Screen time." Toggle on screen time limits. Set allowed hours for each day of the week (for example, 4 PM to 8 PM on weekdays, 10 AM to 9 PM on weekends). Set a maximum daily play time (for example, 2 hours). When the time is up, the console will notify your child and they'll need your approval to keep playing. You can approve or deny extra time requests right from your phone.
Pro Tips
- •The Xbox Family Settings phone app sends you real-time notifications when your child requests access to blocked content or extra screen time. Keep notifications enabled.
- •Even with communication blocked, your child can still play multiplayer games. They just won't be able to chat with strangers.
- •Review the "Activity report" in the app weekly. It shows what games your child played and for how long.
What This Doesn’t Cover
- •Xbox communication controls don't apply to third-party voice chat apps (like Discord or party chat through games).
- •If your child plays at a friend's house on a different Xbox, their restrictions should follow their account, but always verify.
- •Screen time limits apply to the Xbox console only. They don't limit time spent on other devices.
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