This buried Apple feature turns the iPhone into the perfect dumb phone for kids

It’s called assisted access. Introduced with iOS 17, Apple designed it for those with cognitive disabilities. If you’ve never encountered it or encountered it before, it’s a distinct iOS experience: fewer options, more focused features, and easier navigation. The aesthetic is perfect for kids: large, app-friendly squares replace the smaller icons of Apple’s “regular” interface.

Here’s how to set it up: Head to Settingshandle accessibilityscroll down to general Section at the very bottom, then click Assistant access. Now, press Set up assisted accessthen He continues. You will then be asked to select your preferred appearance: rows or grid. I suggest choosing the network. This is how you get those extra large tiles. The operating system will now ask you to select allowed apps — click on the green plus icon next to the apps you want to allow.

Most importantly, unlike standard kids screen time restrictions imposed by Apple, you can choose to block web browsing completely by disallowing Safari, Chrome, or any other similar app. And unlike those screen time restrictions, if someone sends a link to your child, it won’t work. Why? Assisted Access is designed to prevent accidental navigation, so the system restricts unexpected web browsing.

Although Assisted Access on Apple devices allows Internet access, it is severely restricted by design, and is turned off by default. In this mode, the phone treats any link in the message as plain text, preventing the user from accidentally leaving the simplified interface.

Designed specifically for caregivers or trusted supporters, the user should specifically add Internet-enabled applications such as Messages, Safari, or third-party web applications to the assisted access interface. Once you add messages or calls, for example, you can then choose whether your child can call, be contacted by everyone, just their contacts, or just select favorites.