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How to Restrict iMessage (on an iPod touch or iPad)

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[Updated December 2012   December 2015  October 2016 with a step-by-step video]

iMessage logo

You CAN restrict iMessage

Contrary to popular belief and contrary to my earlier version of this article, you CAN restrict iMessage on an iPod touch or iPad.  I did not find this documented on the Apple web site, or anywhere else on the internet.  I discovered this by accident after updating to iOS 6.

Setting parental controls for iMessage is a 2-step process:

  1. Disable iMessage (Turn it off).
  2. Lock the ability to change account settings.  This is done under Restrictions settings. By doing this, your child cannot turn iMessage back on.  Only those with the Restrictions password (mom or dad) can do so.

This method should work with iPods or iPads running iOS 6, 7, 8, or 9.  The video and screenshots from an iPad mini with iOS9.

Turn Off iMessage

1. Go to SettingsMessages.

Settings - Messages on iPad

2. Turn iMessage off.

iMessage turned off in iOS Settings

 

Lock Ability to Change Account Settings in Restrictions

1. Go back to Settings > General and select Restrictions.

Settings - General - Restrictions in iPad

If you’ve already set up restrictions, you’ll be prompted for the passcode.  If not, choose Enable Restrictions and enter a passcode.  Be sure to use a 4-digit passcode that you will remember and your kids will not guess.

2. Scroll down to Allow Changes: and select Accounts.

Set restrictions for Accounts under Allow Changes

 

3. Select Don’t Allow Changes.

 

Don't Allow Changes selected under Accounts, in iPad Restrictions Settings

Confirm that iMessage is not allowed

Now navigate back to the Home screen.  You will still see the icon for Messages.  When your offspring attempts to get in to the Messages app, they’ll see a warning. It seems like they’ll be able to enter their Apple ID to get back in, but those options are actually greyed out and you can’t type into those boxes, which is hard to tell from this screenshot.

iMessage is now blocked

 

What happens if someone tries to iMessage my child?

When their iMessage is turned off, a message sent to them will not go through.

Why would I want to restrict iMessage?

This all depends on your reasons for giving your child an iDevice in the first place.  If the main intent is to listen to music and play games, or if your child is very young,  you may want to restrict messaging. If that’s the case you may also want to restrict installing apps, or allowing apps over a certain age rating. Keep in mind that there are other messaging and chatting apps available on the App store.

So that’s the scoop.  You can disable iMessage on the iPod touch or iPad by preventing account changes.

 


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