- [Support](https://www.t-mobile.com/support) - [Get started](#) - [New to T-Mobile?](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/new-to-tmobile) [Switching is easy](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/new-to-tmobile/family-freedom) [Set up your device](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/new-to-tmobile/device) [Using the app](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/plans-features/t-mobile-app) [All get started topics](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/new-to-tmobile) - [Account resources](#) - [Ways to pay your bill](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/account/pay-your-bill) [All about your bill](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/account/whats-impacting-your-bill) [Line permissions](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/account/set-online-permissions) [Your T-Mobile ID](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/account/set-up-and-manage-your-t-mobile-id) [Your PIN/Passcode](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/account/update-your-customer-pinpasscode) [All account resources topics](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/account) - [Network & roaming](#) - [T-Mobile network](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/coverage/t-mobile-network) [In-flight texting and Wi-Fi](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/coverage/t-mobile-in-flight-texting-and-wi-fi) [Wi-Fi Calling](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/coverage/wi-fi-calling-from-t-mobile) [International roaming](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/coverage/international-roaming-services) [Mobile Without Borders](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/coverage/mobile-without-borders) [All network & roaming topics](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/coverage) - [Plans support](#) - [Find the right plan](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/plans-features/find-the-right-plan-for-you) [Netflix on Us](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/plans-features/netflix-on-us) [HotSpot plans](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/plans-features/mobile-internet-plans-for-hotspots) [Voicemail](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/plans-features/voicemail) [Use Mobile HotSpot](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/plans-features/smartphone-mobile-hotspot-wi-fi-sharing--tethering) [All plans support topics](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/plans-features) - 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[Get started](#) - [New to T-Mobile?](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/new-to-tmobile) - [Switching is easy](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/new-to-tmobile/family-freedom) - [Set up your device](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/new-to-tmobile/device) - [Using the app](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/plans-features/t-mobile-app) - [All get started topics](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/new-to-tmobile) - [Account resources](#) - [Ways to pay your bill](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/account/pay-your-bill) - [All about your bill](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/account/whats-impacting-your-bill) - [Line permissions](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/account/set-online-permissions) - [Your T-Mobile ID](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/account/set-up-and-manage-your-t-mobile-id) - [Your PIN/Passcode](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/account/update-your-customer-pinpasscode) - [All account resources topics](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/account) - [Network & roaming](#) - [T-Mobile network](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/coverage/t-mobile-network) - [In-flight texting and Wi-Fi](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/coverage/t-mobile-in-flight-texting-and-wi-fi) - [Wi-Fi Calling](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/coverage/wi-fi-calling-from-t-mobile) - [International roaming](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/coverage/international-roaming-services) - [Mobile Without Borders](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/coverage/mobile-without-borders) - [All network & roaming topics](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/coverage) - [Plans support](#) - [Find the right plan](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/plans-features/find-the-right-plan-for-you) - [Netflix on Us](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/plans-features/netflix-on-us) - [HotSpot plans](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/plans-features/mobile-internet-plans-for-hotspots) - [Voicemail](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/plans-features/voicemail) - [Use Mobile HotSpot](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/plans-features/smartphone-mobile-hotspot-wi-fi-sharing--tethering) - [All plans support topics](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/plans-features) - [Device assistance](#) - [Tutorials](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/tutorials) - [Troubleshooting](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/phones-tablets-devices/troubleshooting) - [Unlock your device](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/devices/unlock-your-mobile-wireless-device) - [Protect your device](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/devices/protectionandlt360andgt-and-device-protection) - [SIM card & eSIM](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/devices/sim-esim) - [All device assistance topics](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/phones-tablets-devices) - [Business support](#) - [Get T-Mobile for Business](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/business/new-to-business) - [Billing and payments](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/business/billing) - [Manage your account](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/business/account) - [Orders and shopping](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/business/orders-shopping) - [Account Hub registration](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/business/account-hub-registration) - [All business support topics](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/business) [Support](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/) [Plans & features](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/community/plans-features) # FamilyMode app 0 Added! [](https://www.t-mobile.com) ### Manage Links Click any [available links](https://www.t-mobile.com) to add. Click any [added links](https://www.t-mobile.com) to remove. Links with [no highlight](https://www.t-mobile.com) can't be sent. Done (0 Links) Get help with FamilyMode, including how to set it up and use the app's features. [](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/t-mobile-familymode/id1348097043) [](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tmobile.familycontrols) ## On this page: - [FamilyMode requirements](https://www.t-mobile.com#app1) - [First time setup](https://www.t-mobile.com#app2) - [Web browsing filters & history](https://www.t-mobile.com#app3) - [Manage internet usage](https://www.t-mobile.com#app4) - [Pause the internet](https://www.t-mobile.com#app5) - [Location & Safety Areas](https://www.t-mobile.com#app7) - [Send rewards](https://www.t-mobile.com#app8) - [FamilyMode HomeBase management of Unknown Devices](https://www.t-mobile.com#app10) - [Full terms](https://www.t-mobile.com#app11)   ## [](https://www.t-mobile.com)FamilyMode requirements - One parent must be a T-Mobile primary account holder to sign up and create profiles - FamilyMode’s VPN must be enabled on a child’s device for parental controls to work. If the child’s device has low batteries, the VPN may stop operating which will impact performance - Current software versions supported: - iOS version is 13.0 or greater - Android version is 9.0 or greater   ## [](https://www.t-mobile.com)First time setup   ### Sign up for FamilyMode   1. If you use a VPN or VPN app, turn it off while you get set up. 2. Download the FamilyMode app from the [Apple App Store](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/t-mobile-familymode/id1348097043) or [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tmobile.familycontrols&hl=en_US&gl=US). 3. Open the app and select __Get Started__ > __Sign in with your T-Mobile ID__. 4. Sign into your T-Mobile account. You must be the primary account holder. 5. Review the terms and choose __Sign Up__ > __Continue__.   ### Log in on the parent device   1. If you use a VPN or VPN app, turn it off while you get set up. 2. Open the app and select __Get Started__. 3. Select __Sign-In__  > __Sign in with your T-Mobile ID__ 4. Log in using your __T-Mobile ID__.   ### Create profiles for your family   You can add new member later by selecting the __Plus__ icon on the home screen and selecting __Invite Family__. 1. Enter your family member's name and add a photo or select an avatar. 2. Choose if this is an __Adult (Viewer)__ or __Child__ profile. 3. For Child profiles, accept the __Parental Notice__ and set the __Filters__, __Time Limits__, and __Bedtimes__. 4. Add a device to the profile now through Text, Email, or QR code. You can also choose __Skip__ and do it later.   ### Add a device to the profile   You can add devices later by selecting their profile and choosing __Devices__ > __Add device__. 1. Install the FamilyMode app and open it. 2. Select __Get Started__ > __Join Your Family's Account__. 3. Enter the invite code or scan the QR code on the parent device. 4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete setup, which may include: - Installing a VPN - Accepting app permissions, like location services - Preventing a child device from deleting the app   ### Multiple Admin Parents   __New Profiles__ – After selecting the profile type (Adult, Child, or Teen), if the user selected an Adult, they will have the option of choosing an “__Admin__” or “__View Only__” Privilege. 1. Admin can manage family account, including add/remove family members, manage parental controls, and change app’s settings. 2. View Only can view all account information, but only manage their own profile. __Existing Profile__ – From the hub screen, the admin parent selects the adult profile. On the Edit Profile screen, there is a field “Profile type.” The admin can select the field and change type to Admin.   ### Restrict app deletion on a child device (iOS)   - iOS 12 and newer: - Before you begin, the child device must have an [Apple ID for children](https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201084) and be set up for [Apple Family Sharing](https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201088). Make sure the child iOS device is using the child’s Apple ID - From your child’s device, select the FamilyMode app notification to finish setting up Advanced Parental Controls and follow on-screen instructions. Parents will need to login with their Apple IDs to authorize parental control restrictions. - iOS 11 and older: - On the child device, select __Settings__ > __General__ > __Restrictions__. - Select __Enable Restrictions__ and enter a passcode. - Select __Deleting Apps__ to turn it on.   ### Restrict app deletion on a child device (Android)   1. Access the __Settings__ app on the child device and find the __Accessibility__ section. 2. Find the __FamilyMode__ app under __Downloaded__ or __Installed__ services. 3. Turn the __FamilyMode services__ on. You can remove this restriction on the Parent’s FamilyMode app. Choose the child’s device to view its details, then select to __Revoke__ __Advanced Parental Controls__.   ### Advanced Parental Controls   __Requirements__ - Child has their own Apple account. - Child is logged into the iOS device running at least 15.1 with the child’s Apple ID. - Child’s Apple ID has been added to the parent’s Apple Family account. __Steps__ 1. From the hub screen, select the child profile. On the Edit Profile screen, select “__Learn how to turn the feature on__” under “__Advanced Parental Controls__.” 2. Select "C__ontinue__" on the Advanced Parental Controls screen. 3. When prompted to allow FamilyMode to manage restrictions on the device, select "__Continue__." 4. On the Parental Approval Required screen, enter the parent’s Apple ID and password. Then select "__Sign in__" from the top right corner of the screen. 5. Once authorization is complete, a FamilyMode Approved to Management Restrictions screen displays. Select "__Done__" to return to the FamilyMode app. 6. Switch to the child’s iOS device there should be a notification to finish setting up Advanced Parental Controls on child’s device. __Update Settings:__ Select child profile and select “__Advanced Parental Controls__." ### Set up a lock code   1. On the parent device, select the menu icon, then choose __Settings__ > __Security (Lock PIN)__. 2. Switch the __Lock PIN__ toggle on. 3. Enter a 4-digit code as the code you would like to use, and then re-enter it to verify that you have the right code in place. 4. If your phone is equipped with Apple Touch ID, a new item will appear in the Lock Code management screen. Turn the toggle ON to enable __Touch ID__ to unlock your FamilyMode app. 5. When you launch the FamilyMode app next, you will get to one of the following screens, depending on whether Touch ID is enabled: - Enter your 4-digit code - Touch ID   ### Recovering a lost or forgotten Lock Code   1. If you lose or forget your Lock Code, remove and reinstall the FamilyMode app on the Parent device. After the reinstall, the Lock PIN will be disabled. 2. Log in with your T-Mobile ID and set up a new Lock PIN or leave it disabled.   ### Biometric login   iOS 1. Open the FamilyMode app and select "__Get started__." 2. Select Sign-In with your [T-Mobile ID](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/account/set-up-and-manage-your-t-mobile-id). 3. Select "__Continue__" on the next screen to verify that you are the [Primary Account Holder](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/account/set-up-and-manage-your-t-mobile-id#heading2). 4. Enter your T-Mobile account ID (email, phone number, or username) and password, and then select "__Log in__." 5. When prompted to grant permission to access your device location, select "__Allow While Using the App__." If desired, select "__OK__" when prompted to enable Face/Touch ID for FamilyMode login. __Note:__ One of these options is given depending on which authorization method is supported for your iOS device. 6. Face directly at your screen (Face ID) or touch the fingerprint sensor (Touch ID) to log in to FamilyMode. Android 1. Open the FamilyMode app and select "__Get started__." 2. Select Sign-In with your [T-Mobile ID](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/account/set-up-and-manage-your-t-mobile-id). 3. Select "__Continue__" on the next screen to verify that you are the [Primary Account Holder](https://www.t-mobile.com/support/account/set-up-and-manage-your-t-mobile-id#heading2). 4. Enter your T-Mobile account ID (email, phone number, or username) and password, and then select "__Sign In__." If desired, select "OK" when prompted to enable your fingerprint for FamilyMode login. 5. On the screen requesting permission to send you FamilyMode notifications, select "__Allow__." 6. Touch the fingerprint sensor to log in to FamilyMode with your fingerprint. ## [](https://www.t-mobile.com)Web browsing filters & history Changes to settings in the app may take up to five minutes to take effect. You can restart your device to have them take effect immediately   ### Set filters   Choose a profile and select __Filter__ to choose the filter level to start from. You can block or allow specific sites and apps later. - High: Grants access to kid-safe experiences, such as the Education category. - Medium: Grants access to most general-use platforms and categories but filters out mature or adult-oriented content. - Low: Grants access to nearly all platforms, categories, and apps, but explicit content is filtered out by default. - None: No filtering. A child’s filter level must be set to either High, Medium, or Low to view their usage history. It can take up to 5 minutes for content filter changes, including turning on the filter, to take effect on a child’s device. Popular apps, websites, and categories can also be configured individually after selecting a Filter level: - Unmanaged: Usage does not appear on the profile’s history screen - Not Allowed: Access is blocked - Allowed: Access is not blocked   ### View & manage history   - Choose a profile and select __Usage__ to get the total usage time, as well as usage for specific apps/categories. - Select a page on the __Filtered__ tab and choose __Set as Allowed__ to allow access in the future. - Select a page on the __Visited__ tab and choose __Set as Not Allowed__ to prevent access in the future.   ### View & manage custom filters   Choose a profile and select __Filter__ > __Custom Filter__ to view and manage custom filters.  - Select __Add Website__ and enter the URL (web address) to add a new page. - Choose a website from the list to select if it's __Allowed__ or __Not Allowed__. - Select __Edit__ at the top to select websites you'd like to delete, then choose __Done__.   ## [](https://www.t-mobile.com)Manage internet usage Changes to settings in the app may take up to five minutes to take effect. You can restart your device to have them take effect immediately   ### Set a Bedtime   Shut off Internet access during scheduled bedtime so they're not distracted by their device. 1. Choose a profile and select __Bedtime__ > __Set Now__. 2. Select the toggle to turn on the __Weeknight__ or __Weekend__ bedtimes. 3. Enter the desired Bedtime and Awake times, then select __Save__.   ### Set an Off Time   Off Time makes it easy to schedule times throughout the week when the Internet is unavailable so that kids can play, do homework, or just get some plain old family time in. 1. Choose a profile and select __Off Time__ > __Set Now__. 2. Enter a name for the off time and choose the days & hours it applies to. 3. Choose __Save__.   ### Setting Time Limits   Time Limits is a powerful feature that allows you to control how much time your family members spend online. You can limit by day, platform, or by a particular category of website. 1. Choose a profile and select __Time Limits__ > __Set Now.__ 2. Select the __Weekdays__ or __Weekend__ tab. 3. Choose the total amount of time this device can access the internet. You can also choose specific apps & websites to limit them individually. 4. Select __Save__ when complete.   ## [](https://www.t-mobile.com)Pause the internet FamilyMode gives you the power to pause the whole network, individual family members, or even specific devices. In order to pause a whole wireless network or a device connected to Wi-Fi, you need to have the FamilyMode base station installed on your wireless network. Pausing the internet may take up to 5 minutes on a child’s device before the internet stops. Apps that do not require an internet connection, such as games, will not be impacted when the internet is paused.   ### Pause the whole family   1. On the Home Screen, select the __Plus__ icon and choose __Pause Internet__. 2. When prompted, confirm that you would like to pause your internet access. 3. To unpause, select __Resume__.   ### Pause a family member   1. Choose a profile and select __Pause__. 2. When prompted, confirm that you would like to pause your internet access. 3. To unpause the family member, select __Pause__ again.   ### Pause a single device   1. Choose a profile and select __Devices__. 2. Select the device you want to pause, then choose __Pause__. 3. When prompted, confirm that you would like to pause your internet access. 4. To unpause, choose __Pause__ again.   ## [](https://www.t-mobile.com)Location & Safety Areas All devices must be running FamilyMode 3.2 or newer for all services to work.   ### Enable location sharing   First, allow the FamilyMode app access to the device's location. - iOS: 1. Select __Settings__ > __FamilyMode__ > __Location Permission__. 2. Choose __Always__ for __Allow Location Access__ and turn on __Precise Location__. - Android: 1. Access the __Settings__ app and go to the __Apps & Notifications__ section. 2. Choose __FamilyMode__ and select __Location Permissions__. 3. Select __Allow all the time__ for __Location Access for this App__.   Then, tell the FamilyMode app to share the location.  - Parent profile: The family member must access FamilyMode on their own device and edit their profile to enable location sharing. - Child profile: On the parent device, choose a profile and select the __Settings__ gear to enable location sharing.   ### Create a Safety Area   Safety Areas let you know when a child arrives or leaves a specific area. You must have push notifications enabled on the parent device. 1. Choose the __Menu__ icon with two lines, then select __Location Alerts__. 2. Select __Create Safety Area__ and enter a name and address. 3. Select and drag the ring to make it larger or smaller, then choose __Save__. You can also create Safety Areas by selecting a family member’s icon on the Family Map and selecting __Save__.   ### Check In   A child can check in to let you know they’ve arrived somewhere or send an alert to family if they need assistance. 1. In the FamilyMode app, select __Check In__ > __Share With Family__. 2. The check in with your location is sent to family members.   ### SOS Family Alert   1. In the FamilyMode app, select __SOS Family Alert__. 2. Select and hold __Send Now__ for 5 seconds to send the alert.   ### Ring a lost device   As long as the device isn’t in silent or vibrate mode, you can make it ring manually. 1. On a Parental account device, open FamilyMode app and choose a family member. 2. Select __Devices__ and pick the device you want to ring. 3. Choose __Ring__. The device will ring for two minutes. 4. Select __Dismiss__ on the ringing device to stop the ringing.   ## [](https://www.t-mobile.com)Send rewards Rewards are an easy way to send extra online time, and they expire at midnight, so whatever time you added goes back to normal on the following day. You can send as many Rewards as you’d like throughout the day. 1. Select a Profile from the home screen, then choose the star icon or select __Rewards__ from the feature list. 2. Pick the type of Reward you’d like to send: - Extend a Time Limit Today - Disable an Off Time Today - Late Bedtime Tonight 3. Set the Reward based on the existing settings, then select __Send__ to finish.   ## [](https://www.t-mobile.com)FamilyMode HomeBase management of Unknown Devices - By default, the FamilyMode HomeBase device cannot manage Android 10+ and iOS devices because they employ MAC Randomization by default. - Unless the Android 10+ or iOS device settings are changed or the FamilyMode child app is installed on the devices, these devices show up as ‘Unknown Device’ within FamilyMode and cannot be managed. - If you have difficulties with desktop or laptop devices connecting to the internet after installing a Home Base, please change the device status within the Home Base profile from “Unmanaged” to “Home”.   ## [](https://www.t-mobile.com)Full terms __Not compatible with DIGITS__. Qual'g T-Mobile plan, App install on all devices, & iOS/Android device req'd. Filters may not block all content you consider objectionable & may not filter some secured (HTTPS) traffic. __HomeBase:__ Compatible WI-FI router req'd. __Coverage__ may not be available in some areas. Location information provided is approximate & may not always be available. Monitored device must be turned on & have location services enabled. Use FamilyMode as intended; App terms apply. Review __Privacy Policy & Terms and Conditions__ (including arbitration provision) at T-Mobile.com for additional information. FamilyMode is a trademark of T-Mobile USA, Inc. * * * Was this helpful? * * * ## Can't find what you're looking for? - [Contact Us](https://www.t-mobile.com/contact-us) - [Ask our community](https://www.t-mobile.com/community/)