Lock down Xbox

THE WALKTHROUGH

Go down the list.

Tap a step’s number to check it off. Your progress stays on this device.

0 of 7 steps done

1. 01

   Secure your own account first

   Your Microsoft account is the key to every family setting, so protect it. At account.microsoft.com/security, select Manage how I sign in, then under Additional security > Two-step verification choose Turn on. On the console, go to Profile & system > Settings > Account > Sign-in, security & PIN > Create my PIN, then set Change my sign-in & security preferences to Ask for my PIN or Lock it down.

2. 02

   Create the child account

   On the console, sign in, then go to Profile & system > Settings > Account > Family settings > Manage family members > Add to family > Add new. Use your child’s real birth date. To verify, choose This Xbox or Their phone/PC and give consent. You can’t give consent in the Xbox Family Settings app, and a child account without consent is deleted after 14 days.

3. 03

   Set content and web limits

   In the Xbox Family Settings app, open your child’s Settings > Content restrictions and pick an age under Apply age filters. On the console, go to Profile & system > Settings > Account > Family settings > Manage family members, choose your child, and set Access to content and Web filtering. If you grant a game exception, pick Just this once. Always can’t be revoked.

4. 04

   Set a screen time schedule

   The console can’t set screen time. In the Xbox Family Settings app, select your child’s tile > Screen time > Schedule, then edit the days, time limit, and time range. On the web, go to account.microsoft.com/family, select your child > Screen time, pick a device, and choose Turn limits on. Use one schedule on all devices keeps Windows PCs on the same limits.

5. 05

   Control spending

   Ask to buy is on by default for child accounts. Check it in the Xbox Family Settings app: your child > Spending > Ask to buy. Gift cards and money already in the account skip approval, so add a set amount as an allowance. If a card is saved on your child’s account, sign in to it at account.microsoft.com and remove the card under Payment & billing > Payment options.

6. 06

   Set chat and multiplayer

   In the app, open your child’s Settings and review the Social, Multiplayer, Cross-network play, and Clubs tiles. On the console, go to Family settings > Manage family members > your child > Privacy & online safety > Xbox privacy > View details & customize. Set Others can communicate with voice, text, or invites to Friends, and review You can see and upload community creations under Game content.

7. 07

   Filter messages and practice reporting

   With your child signed in, open Profile & system > Settings > Account > Privacy & online safety > Message safety. Friendly blocks the most text, and Block all is available for media and web links. Then practice together: open the guide, select People, choose a player, and select Report or block. For voice, Parties & chats > Report in-game voice chat saves the last 30 seconds.