How To Set Up WhatsApp Parental Controls

This tech guide was updated on **March 18, 2026.**

WhatsApp is a free messaging system currently owned by Meta. It allows users to send unlimited text messages, voice messages, and video calls, as well as images, documents, and other media to other WhatsApp users around the world. Users can access the app through mobile devices and desktop computers — all they need is a cell phone number. WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging apps in the world and is available internationally, with over a billion users worldwide.

Users must be 13 to use WhatsApp, but they recently introduced parent-managed accounts for preteens. To learn about WhatsApp and find out if it's safe for your child, you can check out our WhatsApp app review, which covers harmful content, predation, privacy, and more. But this tech guide will detail the steps to set up parental controls for your child's WhatsApp account. Let's jump in!

How To Set Up A Parent-Managed Account

Parent-managed accounts on WhatsApp allow parents to do the following:

• Decide who can contact the account.
• Decide which groups they can join.
• Review message requests from unknown contacts.
• Manage the child's privacy settings.

These accounts also come with a parental PIN code, which is required to change any privacy settings on the child's account. This is a huge win for parents, as they can be confident their settings won't be changed or toggled off after setup.

First, on your child's device:

1. Download WhatsApp to your child's device.
2. Tap More Options
3. Select Create a parent-managed account.
4. Register and verify your child's phone number.
5. Enter your child's birthday and confirm their age.
6. Tap Continue.

Now, on your device (the parent's):

1. Download WhatsApp to your device.
2. Scan the QR code displayed on your child's device with your phone's camera and tap the link.
3. Tap Agree and Continue.
4. Verify you're an adult.
5. Create a 6-digit parent PIN (this PIN number is required to make any changes to settings — make sure your child can't guess it!)
6. Confirm the PIN, tap Next.
7. Tap Done.

Privacy Controls WhatsApp Setup

How to block someone

1. In the bottom-right corner of the app, tap Settings.
2. Tap Account.
3. Next, tap Privacy.
4. Tap Blocked, and add who you’d like to block. Blocked contacts will no longer be able to call you or send your child messages.

How to turn off visible public information

1. In the bottom-right corner of the app, tap Settings.
2. Tap Account.
3. Next, tap Privacy.
4. Up top, you can edit the following four items and select who can see what on your child’s profile:
   1. Last Seen: When your child was last using the app
   2. Profile Photo: Your child’s photo
   3. About: Your child’s mini bio
   4. Status: What they’re currently doing

How to turn off Live Location

1. In the bottom-right corner of the app, tap Settings.
2. Tap Account.
3. Next, tap Privacy.
4. Tap Live Location and select the chats from which you’d like to remove.

How to report safety and security issues to WhatsApp

1. In the bottom-right corner of the app, tap Settings.
2. Tap Help.
3. Then tap Contact Us to send a message.