How do I install the *Beta* kid app on my kid's device?

Screenable requires two different apps: one for parents, one for kids. To get the kid app for the Beta program, you will first need to have the Screenable Beta parent app installed on your own (the parent's) device. Learn more about the Beta program.

For kids 13 and older

  1. In the Screenable Beta parent app, start the process of adding a new device for your kid.
  2. Scan the QR code using the camera on your kid's device. This will install TestFlight on your kid's device and allow them to download the Screenable companion/kid app.
    • If their camera is broken or otherwise can't scan the QR code, you'll need to get the TestFlight link to their device, e.g. via email or Messages. If those don't work, the easiest way to get the link is to AirDrop it to their device from your device. Just open the original TestFlight link we sent you using Safari on your (the parent's) device or a Mac, choose the Share icon in the corner, select AirDrop, and look for your kid's device.
  3. Use the TestFlight app on your kid's device to install the Screenable app.

For kids younger than 13

We no longer recommend installing the Screenable Beta app for kids under 13, because Apple makes it incredibly difficult. So, now that we're live in the App Store, just get it directly from there.

I really want to install the Beta app for my kid under 13

Ok great, let's do it! But firstly a heads up: if your kid is under 13 years old, there is one major annoyance of this process, which is that it breaks "Ask to Buy" (i.e. where kids can request to download apps or make in-app purchases through a notification sent to you).

Instead, while you're in our Beta program, whenever your kid wants to download a new app or make an in-app purchase, you will have to enter your iCloud password manually on their device. (Sorry! This is a hugely annoying restriction by Apple that unfortunately there's no way around, since TestFlight is bafflingly not allowed for kids under 13.)

Here's how you install the app on your kid's device:

  1. First make sure your kid is signed into their own iCloud account on their device. (This is a requirement by Apple for Screenable to work – find out why.)
  2. Next, on your kid's device, sign yourself into its "Media & Purchases" section, while leaving your kid signed into their own iCloud account for the rest of the device. Here's how:
    1. On your kid's device, go to the Settings app.
    2. Tap your kid's name at the top.
    3. Tap Media & Purchases, then tap sign out.
      • If this doesn't appear to work, it might not have updated its status. Just tap the back arrow and then tap your kid's name again.
    4. Tap Media & Purchases again, then tap Not [kid name]?, and then sign in with your own (the parent's) Apple/iCloud email & password.
    5. You are now signed into Media & Purchases, so downloads/purchases made through this device will go through your iCloud account. (And you can still use Family Sharing and Purchase Sharing with all your family members in the same way.)
  3. Since this disables Ask to Buy, you'll probably want to make sure apps can't be downloaded without your approval. Here's how you do that:
    1. Still on your kid's device, go back to Settings.
    2. Scroll down and tap Touch ID & Passcode or Face ID & Passcode.
      • If you don't see either of these options, then it means they've been disabled in Apple Screen Time. To fix this, in your own phone, go to Settings > Family > Choose your kid > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Passcode & Face ID, and change it to Allow. Then wait a minute or two and resume these steps.
    3. Make sure iTunes & App Store is OFF, so that it will require your own (the parent's) iCloud password to download an app or make an in-app purchase, instead of using TouchID or FaceID.
    4. Then go back to Settings again, and again tap your kid's name at the top.
    5. Tap Media & Purchases again, and tap Password Settings.
    6. Make sure Always Require Password is ON.
    7. Make sure Free Downloads Require Password is also ON.
  4. Now you are ready to follow the same instructions at the top (for kids 13 and older).

If you have any problems, please contact us and we'd be happy to walk you through it. Thank you for your patience!

When your kid turns 13 (or is done with the Screenable Beta program)

You just need to reverse the steps you did above. Here's what you do:

  1. On your kid's device, go to Settings.
  2. Tap your kid's name at the top.
  3. Tap Media & Purchases, then tap Sign out.
  4. Tap Media & Purchases again, then tap Continue. You may need to enter your kid's iCloud username and password.
  5. Delete the TestFlight app from your kid's device.
  6. Download the Screenable kid app from the App Store this time (instead of TestFlight) on their device. It's called the "Companion app for Screenable". This will overwrite the TestFlight version.
    • You may need to reenable the App Store temporarily to do so. To do that, from the Screenable parent app on your own device, go to their device's settings and turn the App Store back on, then force-sync from their device to apply the changes immediately.
    • Alternatively, if they're done with Screenable entirely, delete the Screenable kid app from their device.