WhatsApp has introduced Accounts managed by parents to help families allow children under 13 (or local minimum age) to use the messaging platform. This feature allows parents to oversee their child’s WhatsApp experience by keeping end-to-end conversations encrypted and private. Here is a step-by-step guide to create a parentally managed account on WhatsApp.
How to set up a parentally managed account on WhatsApp parentally managed on WhatsApp
Before setting up your account, make sure the following conditions are met:
- Parent or guardian must be 18 years of age or older
- Both parent and child phones must have the latest version of WhatsApp installed
- The child must have his own phone number
- Both devices must have internet access during setup
Step by step guide
Step 1: Install WhatsApp on the child’s phone
Download and install WhatsApp on the child’s device from:
- Google Play Store (Android)
- Apple App Store (iPhone)
Open the application after installation.
Step 2: Select “Create a Parent-Managed Account”
On the child’s phone:
- Open WhatsApp
- Tap “More options”.
- Select Create a parent-managed account
Step 3: Enter the child’s details
WhatsApp will ask:
- Phone number
- Date of birth
This helps confirm that the account belongs to a pre-teen user who requires parental supervision.
Step 4: Scan the QR code using the parent’s phone
A QR code will appear on the child’s device.
On the parent’s phone:
- Open WhatsApp
- Scan the QR code displayed on the child’s device
- Confirm you are an adult guardian
Step 5: Create a Parent PIN
The parent will need to create a 6-digit Parent PIN.
This PIN allows parents to:
- Check your privacy settings
- Manage contact permissions
- Adjust account restrictions
Only parents will be able to change settings using this PIN code.
Step 6: Complete the setup on the child’s device
Enter the parent’s PIN on the child’s phone to complete the setup process.
Once done, the child can:
- Add their name
- Set a profile picture
The account will now function as a parent-managed WhatsApp account.
What parents can control
After setup, parents can manage certain aspects of their child’s messaging experience.
- Contact management: Control who your child can send messages to and review requests from unknown users
- Batch controls: Approve or restrict which groups the child can join
- Privacy settings: Adjust account permissions using the parent’s PIN
What can children use?
Parent-managed accounts have limited functionality to maintain security.
Children can use:
- The message
- Voice calls
- Video call
All conversations remain end-to-end encrypted, which means that even WhatsApp cannot read the messages.
The Parental Managed Accounts feature is rolling out, so it may not be available in all countries or regions yet. Parents should ensure that their WhatsApp app is updated to access the feature when it becomes available.
