Short on time?
Heres how to set parental controls on Xbox:
Xbox has free built-in parental controls.
In fact, confusingly, it has two options Microsoft Family Safety and Xbox Family options.
These two parental controls share many of the same features.
They let you set screen time limits and content filters and manage your childs spending on the Xbox store.
I like using third-party parental controls alongside built-in parental controls because they provide more granular control.
Unfortunately, most parental control apps dont work on the Xbox console.
My favorite parental control app that does work on Xbox is BarkHome.
Using Bark with Microsoft Family Safety lets you set better web and app filters and a more specific schedule.
TRY BARK HOME
Are Xboxs Built-In Parental Controls Good Enough in 2025?
Xboxs built-in parental controls are excellent especially Microsoft Family Safety.
Its a really impressive package considering its completely free.
But theres still some room for improvement.
Bark is one of the only parental controls that do work on Xbox.
Bark also cant supervise your childs Xbox store spending.
To create a Microsoft account for yourself, go to account.microsoft.com, selectSign in, and then chooseCreate one.
Step 1.
Add Your Child to Your Family
Step 2.
If not, connect their account to an Xbox unit by going to their Xbox console.
go for the Xbox button, pressSign in, and thenAdd new.
Sign in with your childs Microsoft account to complete the process.
Step 3.
Set Time Limits
To start setting rules for your childs Xbox, tap on your childs profile.
Youll be taken to an overview page with all the tweaks you’re free to change.
From there, selectScreen timeon the left side menu.
Step 4.
Set Content Filters
From the overview page, selectContent filtersfrom the left side menu.
Here, you could also blacklist and whitelist specific websites.
In theApps and gamestab, there are convenient filters that block apps and games rated over a certain age.
Once you pick a certain age, it automatically generates a list of blocked apps below.
Step 5.
Manage Your Childs Microsoft Store Spending
From the main menu, punch your childs profile.
Then, selectSpendingon the left side menu.
Step 6.
Manage Your Childs Privacy & Online Safety parameters
From the overview page, scroll down and selectReview Xbox parameters.
Then, log into your Microsoft account.
To verify the changes take effect, your child needs to drop off and log into their account.
Its apps also have a slightly different layout and a few different features.
But overall, the setup process for Family prefs is very similar.
To create a Microsoft account for yourself, go toaccount.microsoft.com, selectSign in, and then chooseCreate one.
Do the same for your child if they dont have an account.
you might also create an account for your child through the Xbox Family parameters app.
From there, just follow the on-screen instructions to finish the account creation process.
Step 2.
Youll be taken to an overview page with all the configs you’re able to change.
From there, selectScreen time.
it’s possible for you to also limit how much they can use their Xbox each day.
you’re free to also use thePause nowbutton to stop counting screen time.
Step 3.
Unfortunately, you cant filter websites or search results via the Xbox Family configs app.
If you want that feature, consider using Microsoft Family Safety instead.
Step 4.
Step 5. you might findContent Restrictions,Spending, andScreen Timesettings here.
But there are also some unique things you might configure.
Extra Step.
Tried Setting Up Xbox Parental Controls, But Theyre Not Working?
Try These Troubleshooting Steps
Can Kids Get Past Parental Controls on Xbox?
Theres an option to block proxy sites, too, that allow your child to circumvent web filters.
Barks restrictions apply to children of any age, which is great.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Xbox have a parental control app?
Yes, Xbox has built-in parental control apps, Microsoft Family Safety and Xbox Family configs.
Microsoft Family Safety is better overall, as it has more features.
For better protection,I recommend pairing the built-in controls with a third-party parental control applike Bark.
How do I block inappropriate content on Xbox?
To block inappropriate content on Xbox, use the built-incontent filters.
If youre looking for more granular content filters, consider gettingBarkHome.
Can you put a time limit on Xbox?
Yes, Xboxs built-in parental controls let youset time limits on your childs Xboxin 30-minute increments.
Whats the best parental control app for Xbox?
Plus, its completely free.
However, the built-in controls arent perfect.
I recommend getting a third-party control app like Bark to use alongside it.
Bark gives you more control over your web and app filters and your childs schedule.
For example, it allows you to create different rule sets for different times of the day.
Together with the built-in controls, itll provide you with the most comprehensive protections for your child.
