WhatsApp has started rolling out parent-managed accounts to help families use the messaging platform safely for children under 13 (or the local minimum age). These accounts allow parents or guardians to control their child’s WhatsApp experience while keeping personal conversations private and encrypted.
Key Features: Parent-managed accounts
- Parental control: Parents can manage who their child contacts, which groups they can join, and review message requests from unknown users.
- Privacy protection: All chats remain end-to-end encrypted, ensuring that neither WhatsApp nor third parties can access conversations.
- Parent PIN: A 6-digit PIN restricts access to account settings, giving only parents the ability to adjust privacy or communication permissions.
- Limited functionality: Child accounts are restricted to messaging and calling only.
- Gradual rollout: The feature is being introduced in stages and may not yet be available in all regions.
These features let parents safely oversee their child’s messaging activity, control contacts and group participation, and ensure personal conversations remain private, while still allowing pre-teens to stay connected with family and friends.
Setting Up a Parent-Managed Account
Requirements:
- Parent or guardian 18+
- Latest version of WhatsApp installed on both parent and child devices
Steps:
- Download and install WhatsApp on your child’s phone from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Open WhatsApp on the child’s device and select More options → Create a parent-managed account.
- Enter your child’s phone number and birthday to confirm their age.
- On your device, open WhatsApp and scan the QR code displayed on your child’s phone.
- Verify that you are an adult on your device.
- Create a 6-digit parent PIN to control your child’s privacy settings.
- On your child’s device, enter the parent PIN to complete setup.
- Let your child add their name and profile photo.
Note: Depending on local regulations, app stores may share your child’s age range with WhatsApp. You can check or adjust this in Apple or Google device settings.
Availability
Parent-managed accounts are rolling out gradually. Availability may vary by region and local regulations.