Xbox parental controls for apps do not work effectively

Alteromihi · Apr 11, 2022

Hello,

I'm trying to set up parental controls for my Xbox Series X. I've set up a child account so that I can use content filters. The problem is that there are a lot of apps that are rated "E" that also allow unrestricted access to the internet (and you know this because right next to the rating in the Microsoft store it says "unrestricted internet").

Now, I think it's charming that no Microsoft employee has ever accessed the internet, apparently, but fyi there is a lot of stuff on there that isn't "E for everyone". The problem is that all these apps are rated E, so there is literally no way I can see to choose a content filter that will filter them out. I would have to ban them individually, which would mean knowing what all of them are ahead of time.

Is there a way to have an opt-in app system where only whitelisted apps can be used? (Similar to one of the possible settings for the Edge browser).

:)

XBF - Drew

Hi Alteromihi,

Are you already using the Family Safety App? According to this article about filtering inappropriate websites and searches, the family safety app allows you to turn on the filter for inappropriate websites and the feature works with Xbox console apps as well. Check out this article for more information.

In addition, we also have an article for filtering apps and games provides steps on how to designate age limits for specific content found in the store which will allow you to block certain apps.

Let me know if this answers your question.

XBF Drew

XBF - Drew

Hi Alteromihi,

Feel free to leave your feedback on the Windows Feedback Hub (Win key + G). Make sure you select the Gaming and Xbox category, this will allow others to see your feedback.

Thanks for sharing your perspective.

XBF Drew

Alteromihi

Yes, but the family safety app only works *if they are using the edge browser*, and it doesn't prevent them from downloading apps that have other browsers that family safety doesn't filter. As far as blocking individual apps, I explain why that is a bad solution in the second paragraph of my original post.

WellmaxxBR

Hello, this problem is usually related to parental control, you can try to disable the family control settings, normally this already works.
If the problem does not resolve immediately after disabling "parental control", you can clear the Xbox cache and then restart for the changes to take effect.
Well, I hope this helps to fix it

NathanielLarson

I think the parental control takes effect over all the accounts on the xbox. without the password for the parental controls you can't get access to mature content.

Xbox parental controls for apps do not work effectively