Switch 2 Parental Controls will help you have a better overview of what your kids are doing or can do on their console.

You have two options to set up Parental Controls, either on an app on a smart device or through the console itself. Either way, you'll find options to monitor their gaming time and activities to make sure they're safe on their Switch 2.

On that note, here's how to set up Parental Controls on Switch 2, including Parental Control options explained.

On this page:

• How to set up Parental Controls on Switch 2
• Switch 2 Parental Controls explained

How to set up Parental Controls on Switch 2

To set up Parental Controls on Switch 2 you need to download the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app on either IOS or Android or use the Parental Controls in the System Settings of the console itself.

Phone App

Once you've downloaded the app, load it up and you'll need to sign in with your Nintendo Account that you've used on the console you want to apply Parental Controls to. You will need the console with you to do this, so you can't set this up ahead of time.

It's important to note that, upon completing the Parental Controls registration, a Pin will be automatically set for you. This Pin will be provided via email and should not be seen by your child as it is part of the process for accessing the Parental Controls at a future date.

When you first log into the app, you'll be given a registration code which you then need to enter into the console. Let's take a look at where you do that!

Console

To set up Parental Controls on the console itself you need to head into System Settings and scroll down until you find 'Parental Controls'.

Here you'll be able to both watch an introductory video about the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app and access the 'Parental Controls Settings'.

Selecting this second option will take you a screen where you can either download the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app or choose 'If You've Already Downloaded the App' if... well... I think you get it.

After selecting this option, you then need to continue following the on-screen instructions and, when prompted, enter the registration code on your phone. This will lead to the phone app and console being linked, allowing you to freely apply Parental Controls to your child's Switch 2. Finally, return to your phone and complete the instructions for the controls.

Remember - a Pin will be automatically set for you. It will be provided via email and, since it controls access to the Parental Controls, should not be seen by your child.

Switch 2 Parental Controls explained

Let's take a look at the various Parental Controls the Switch 2 offers:

Alarm and Suspend Software

You can set up an alarm that lets you set a limit for how long your child is playing their Switch for and, when that set time is up, they'll get a notification appear on their console telling them their time is up. You can also check in to see if they're sticking to their time limit or not.

If they're not then you can use the Suspend Software feature. Turning this on in Parental Controls will put the Switch 2 into sleep mode once the time limit is reached and they've been notified that the time is over.

Chat Features

There are some games (even without GameChat) some games on the Switch do come with features that let you speak to other people by exchanging messages or photos. These features can be restricted on either a game by game basis or completely using Parental Controls - however GameChat settings are a separate thing.

GameChat Parental Controls

Speaking of GameChat, here we are - now as explained in our GameChat page, you can play with friends that you've added and approved of on your Switch 2. However, there are more restrictions you can apply to make sure your child is safe.

If anyone under the age of 16 wants to use GameChat then a parent or guardian needs to allow them to use the feature in Parental Controls on the app.

A compatible Camera accessory can be used to video chat with friends while using GameChat, but permission is also needed to be able to use this feature and this can be granted or restricted through the Parental Controls app too. When a child attempts to use this feature to start a video call with friends, a notification and permission request will be sent to the app.

You can also use the app to track the conversations your child has taken part in and you can check who they've been talking to.

Monitoring What They Play

You can also use the Parental Controls app to monitor what kinds of games your child is playing and how long they've spent on them. On the app, you'll get a summary each month about your child's activity on the Switch 2 and a brief overview of what they've been interested in.

Age Restrictions

Through Parental Controls you can also put a restriction on the kinds of games and things your child can access based on their age.

You can choose from, Teen, Child, and Young Child presets. If none of these suit your requirements, you can choose to make a custom restriction where you have more control over exactly what's restricted.

These are all the features that can be restricted:

• Games - Ensures children aren't playing games that are rated older than the set age rating.
• Communication - Who they can message and talk to, or even if they can do this at all depending on their age. This doesn't include the Nintendo Switch App or voice chat on the console. This does not apply to GameChat.
• VR Mode - As it says on the tin, it allows, disallows, or restricts the use of VR mode and 3D visuals.

That's all for now! If you're looking for more content, check out our pages showing you all Switch 2 Day One games, which SD cards to use with Switch 2, and all Switch 2 accessibility features.

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