Nintendo Switch parental controls: how to set them up on your kid's phone?

Modak
April 23, 2025

Main takeaways

đź”’ Easily set time limits, block content, and manage online features right from your Switch or the parental controls app.

👶 Customize restrictions based on your child’s age and gradually adjust them as they grow.

📱 Monitor your child’s gaming activity in real time through the app to stay in the loop.

Are you a parent concerned about how to keep your kids safe while using their Nintendo Switch? You’re not alone. Many parents want to ensure that their children enjoy their gaming experience responsibly, and one of the best ways to do that is by using Nintendo Switch parental controls. But how do these parental controls work, and what steps can you take to ensure your child’s gaming experience is safe and appropriate?

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about setting up and using parental controls on the Nintendo Switch, including how to adjust time limits, block content, and more. We’ll also explore how Modak’s app can help kids build good money habits through fun, interactive challenges.

How do Nintendo Switch parental controls work?

Nintendo Switch offers a robust parental control system that allows parents to manage their child's gaming experience, from setting time limits to blocking specific content. The parental controls can be accessed via the Nintendo Switch console itself or through the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app, which is available for both iOS and Android devices.

These controls give you the ability to:

  • Set daily playtime limits
  • Restrict specific games or content based on ratings
  • Block access to online interactions, including social media
  • Monitor activity through the app to see what games and features your child is using
Group of teenagers playing videogames

How to turn on parental controls on Nintendo Switch

To turn on parental controls on the Nintendo Switch, follow these simple steps:

Using the Nintendo Switch console

  1. Go to the System Settings menu on the home screen.
  2. Scroll down and select Parental Controls.
  3. Choose Parental Controls Settings and follow the prompts to create a PIN. This PIN is used to lock your settings and prevent your child from changing them.
  4. From there, you can adjust settings such as screen time limits, game ratings, and whether online interactions are allowed.

Using the parental controls app

The easiest way to manage parental controls remotely is through the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls App. Here’s how:

  1. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play.
  2. Link the app to your Nintendo account and the Nintendo Switch console.
  3. Use the app to set daily time limits, check your child’s activity, and adjust restrictions based on the content they’re accessing.

Can you set parental controls on Nintendo Switch to limit screen time?

Yes, you can set a time limit on how long your child can play each day. If your child reaches the set time limit, the system will send them a notification, and they won’t be able to continue playing until the following day.

Here’s how to set time limits on the Nintendo Switch:

  1. Go to System Settings > Parental Controls > Daily Play Time.
  2. Set the desired amount of playtime (e.g., 1 hour per day).
  3. You can also set a time for the system to send reminders when the time limit is about to be reached.

This feature is especially useful for parents who want to ensure their kids don’t spend too much time in front of the screen.

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🚶 Earn while staying active with features like “Walk to Earn,” where kids get rewarded just for reaching daily step goals.

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How to childproof a Nintendo Switch

Childproofing a Nintendo Switch involves more than just setting time limits. Here are a few additional steps you can take to make the device safer for your child:

1. Restrict YouTube on Switch

You can limit access to YouTube by using the content restrictions in the Parental Controls settings. Simply block YouTube or other apps that you feel are inappropriate for your child’s age.

2. Block or restrict specific games

If there are games you don’t want your child to play, you can restrict access based on the game’s age rating. This ensures they only play age-appropriate content.

3. Limit online interaction

You can disable online interactions such as voice chat or communication with other players to protect your child from inappropriate conversations.

Can you monitor your child’s Nintendo Switch?

Yes, you can monitor your child’s activity on the Nintendo Switch through the Parental Controls App. The app gives you a detailed breakdown of what games your child has played, how long they’ve played them, and whether they’ve accessed online features.

This allows you to stay informed about your child’s gaming habits and make any necessary adjustments to the controls based on their activity.

Nintentdo switch and zelda

How to adjust parental controls on Nintendo Switch

Adjusting the parental controls is simple and can be done at any time:

  1. Open the Parental Controls menu from the System Settings or the app.
  2. Enter your PIN (if required).
  3. Make the desired changes, whether it’s adjusting time limits, restricting games, or managing online interactions.
  4. Save your settings, and you’re all set.

Remember, you can adjust the controls at any time as your child grows older and their gaming needs change.

How to set parental controls on Nintendo Switch for different age groups

Setting up appropriate controls for different age groups is essential. For younger children, you may want to limit their gaming to only a few hours per day, block certain games, and restrict online communication. As they get older, you can relax the controls gradually, while still keeping a close eye on their gaming habits.

How to get past parental controls on Nintendo Switch

Sometimes, parents may forget the PIN used for parental controls. If this happens, Nintendo provides a way to reset the PIN:

  1. Visit the Nintendo Parental Controls website and select “Forgot PIN”.
  2. You will be asked to provide a secret answer that you set when first configuring the controls.
  3. If you didn’t set a secret answer, you’ll need to verify your identity through your Nintendo account.

By following these steps, you’ll be able to regain access to the parental controls and make any necessary changes.

How Modak can help kids earn and learn

While managing screen time and content is essential for your child’s online safety, it’s equally important to encourage healthy habits outside of gaming. That’s where Modak comes in.

Modak is a fun, interactive app that helps kids build smart money habits while earning rewards. Kids can earn MBX points2 by completing challenges in the app, including the “Walk to Earn”3 feature, where they earn points just by walking to reach daily step goals. These points convert into pocket money (USD)2, helping your child learn how to manage their earnings, set goals, and develop good financial habits.

With Modak, kids are learning important lessons about money management through gamification, all while earning rewards that can be used for real-life activities. As they complete challenges, they earn points that can be converted into rewards, such as pocket money. This system allows children to understand saving and goal-setting, but it is important to note that rewards and point conversions depend on completing specific tasks and are subject to change.

Young girl hold visa debit card while smiling

Conclusion

Setting up parental controls on the Nintendo Switch is a great way to ensure your child’s gaming experience remains safe, fun, and appropriate for their age. By adjusting the time limits, blocking inappropriate content, and monitoring their activity, you can feel confident that your child is playing responsibly.

Additionally, if you’re looking for a way to help your child build smart money habits while having fun, Modak is the perfect app. Through its gamified features, your child can learn to manage money, track savings, and earn pocket money—all while engaging in challenges that promote healthy behavior.

By combining parental controls and smart money management tools like Modak, you can help your child navigate the digital world in a responsible and engaging way.

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  1. Checking account and the Modak Visa® debit card issued by Lewis & Clark Bank, Member FDIC. Funds deposited into checking account may be eligible for up to $250,000 of FDIC insurance. The FDIC’s deposit insurance coverage only protects against the failure of an FDIC-insured depository institution.
  2. 100 MBX = $1(as of June 2024). This is an approximation and not a guaranteed result. For more information on MBX, visit: Click here for more information on MBX
  3. Walking 5,000 steps a day gives users 10MBX (as of June 2024). This is subject to change at Modak’s discretion
  4. Fees for expedited or premium services may apply. Find out more in our Cardholder agreement.

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