Why can’t I download apps on my new iPhone in Texas?
Asked by
MellowCedar47
I'm 14, and my brother gave me an iPhone for my birthday. During setup, I accidentally entered an adult age, so I reset the phone and set it up through Family Sharing with my dad. Now every app download says content restrictions prevent it, and the App Store download setting is greyed out with a message saying some options can't be changed because of Texas law. My dad and I aren't sure what to adjust, and the phone feels unusable. How can we set it up correctly?
Answers
The phone probably isn’t broken. Since the account is now a child account in Family Sharing, the family organizer has to approve downloads and set the allowed content ratings. Your dad should check Screen Time, Content & Privacy Restrictions, and Ask to Buy, then make sure your Apple Account birthday is correct. Some controls may remain unavailable because of Texas requirements, so Apple Support may be needed if the settings are still locked.
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A lot of apps include mature content, so age-based restrictions are expected for a 14-year-old account. Have your dad review each app’s age rating and approve the ones that are appropriate instead of trying to remove all restrictions. Also check that the phone is fully updated and that you’re signed into the correct child account.
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Changing the age during setup and then resetting the phone can leave the account and Family Sharing settings out of sync. Your dad should verify that he is the family organizer, that your account is listed as a child account, and that payment and download approvals are configured. If the App Store option is still greyed out afterward, contacting Apple Support together is the safest next step.
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