Set up Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One parental controls using Microsoft Family Safety, including screen time, content filters, spending limits, and online safety.
Xbox consoles offer robust parental controls through Microsoft Family Safety. This guide covers Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, helping you create a safe gaming environment for your child.
Xbox is popular with tweens and teens. Use Microsoft Family Safety to customize controls based on your child's age and maturity.
Xbox parental controls work through Microsoft Family:
Microsoft Family Safety applies across Xbox, Windows PC, and mobile devices signed into the same account.
If you don't have one, create a Microsoft account at account.microsoft.com.
Online method (recommended): Go to family.microsoft.com and sign in.
Or on Xbox:
Click "Add a family member" → "Create an account for a child"
You'll need:
On the Xbox console:
Sign in with your child's new Microsoft account.
Microsoft offers a powerful mobile app for managing parental controls:
Get "Xbox Family Settings" from:
The app makes management much easier than console-only settings. Download it!
In Xbox Family Settings app or family.microsoft.com:
Configure:
Set different limits for each day:
Block gaming during certain hours:
When time runs out:
Your child can request additional time. You'll receive a notification in the app to approve or deny.
Set maximum age ratings:
| Age Setting | ESRB Rating | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 3+ | EC/E | Educational games |
| 7+ | E | Minecraft |
| 10+ | E10+ | Fortnite (partial) |
| 13+ | T (Teen) | Most shooters |
| 16+ | T/M | Older teen content |
| 18+ | M (Mature) | Call of Duty, GTA |
Many popular online games like Fortnite are rated T (Teen). Setting lower than 13 blocks most multiplayer shooters.
Beyond age ratings, you can block individual games:
Search for and block specific titles your child shouldn't access.
Control:
Multiplayer Gaming
Cross-Network Play Allow playing with players on other platforms (PlayStation, PC, Switch)
Voice & Text Chat
Receive Messages
Open voice chat exposes children to strangers who may use inappropriate language, bully, or attempt grooming. "Friends Only" or "Block" is recommended for children under 13.
Accept Friend Requests From
Share Real Name Always set to "Block" for children.
Control exposure to player-created content:
Options:
Set spending to $0 and use Xbox gift cards to add specific amounts when you want to allow purchases.
Enable notifications to receive alerts whenever a purchase is attempted.
If your family has Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, be aware that your child can access hundreds of games, including some mature titles. Content restrictions still apply.
Xbox browsers and Edge respect Family Safety settings:
Options:
Enable SafeSearch for Bing:
This filters inappropriate search results.
Enable weekly activity reports:
Reports come via email and appear in the app.
Some settings apply to the console itself:
Require a passcode to sign in as a specific profile:
This prevents your child from accessing your adult account.
Disable guest accounts to prevent creating unrestricted profiles:
Even offline, content restrictions apply. However, screen time can only be enforced when online.
Set up Restricted Mode within the YouTube app:
Use each app's built-in parental controls to set appropriate profiles and PINs.
Online multiplayer requires a Game Pass subscription (Xbox Live Gold has been retired):
Without a subscription, online multiplayer in paid games is blocked by default (an extra layer of protection). Free-to-play games like Fortnite and Roblox don't require a subscription for online play, however.
Configure what notifications you receive:
For more granular control, sign into your child's account at xbox.com/settings:
Profile Sharing
Data Collection
Your Xbox is now configured for safe gaming. Use the Xbox Family Settings app to monitor and adjust controls from anywhere.
Follow these steps to configure parental controls. Check off each step as you complete it — your progress stays on this page.
