How to setup xbox live for my child

Everything parents need to know about Xbox One: Accounts, safety, restrictions and more

Thankfully, Microsoft and Xbox provide some incredible tools to help control and monitor your kid's experiences on Xbox Live, which can be a little chaotic at times.

Here are some tips and tricks for getting the most out of Xbox for parents and those of us buying consoles for younger relatives! Do note, most of these restrictions will carry across to Windows 10 PCs as well when connected to the child's Microsoft account.

Related: How to clean Xbox controllers properly

Consider updating it before gifting it

First thing's first, you'll need to update that Xbox One! Providing the child in question won't mind, I highly advise anyone buying Xbox consoles this year to carefully remove it from the box and connect it to your home internet, following the instructions bundled in the box.

The Xbox One has been continuously updated since launch, and the unit you receive might not be fully up to date. The patches can be gigabytes in size, and give your new console tons of extra features, but it can take a long time to update and install, especially if you're on a slower connection.

To make sure the day isn't spoiled by long update times, consider setting it up early, then re-boxing it after the updates are complete.

Set up Microsoft Accounts for you and the lucky kid(s)

To ensure you're ready to go on Xbox Live, make sure you create a Microsoft Account for you and your child. If you have an Xbox 360 account, an Outlook.com account, or a Hotmail.com account, you already have a Microsoft Account ready to go. Follow the steps below for a guide on how to set-up a new child under your Microsoft Account.

1. Navigate to the Microsoft Account Family Center using this link.
2. Sign in using your Microsoft Account that you intend to use on your Xbox.
3. Select Add a Child and sign in using their email address. Note: You can create a Microsoft Account for your child at this link.

4. Once added, you can now customize their experience across the Windows 10 device family. From here, you can select the child and place various restrictions to tailor their experience on Xbox and Windows 10.
   • Select Activity Reporting to be sent emails detailing how your child uses their Xbox and other Windows 10 devices.
   • Select Web Browsing to blanket block all adult websites in Microsoft Edge, or go even further and allow only specific websites to work.
   • Select Apps, Games & Media to tailor what age-rated content to which your child has access.
   • Select Screen Time to schedule and limit the amount of time your child can spend with their devices.
   • Select Purchase & Spending to add credit to your child's account so that they can spend it on approved content on Windows 10 and Xbox.
   • Select Find Your Child to track the location of a Windows 10 Mobile device connected to their account.

Set up an Xbox Profile for your child

Before we can customize your child's experience on Xbox Live's social features, you will need to sign in to your new Xbox console as the parent.

When booting up your console for the first time, it will prompt you for your email and password, create a Gamertag for you, and you'll be ready to go. In case you didn't know, Gamertags are your username on Xbox Live. You can use this username to share an anonymized identity online, which is ideal for youngsters on the network. To get your child signed into your new Xbox console, follow these steps.

1. Press the Xbox button at the top-center of your controller to open the Guide menu.
2. Navigate with the right bumper across to the cogwheel icon.

3. Select settings.Note: "A" on the Xbox controller is near-universally considered the select button, whereas "B" will take you back to the previous option if you make a mistake.
4. Select Family under the Account section.
5. Select Add to Family
6. Select Add New.
7. Sign in with your child's Microsoft Account and password. You will then be prompted to sign in as the parent.
8. Sign in with your Microsoft account and password.Once the parent account has been signed in, your child will be designated a random Gamertag and offered security settings:
   • No barriers allows anyone to sign in as the child, which might be less than ideal in scenarios with multiple children sharing the same Xbox.
   • Ask for my passkey allows a child to set up a 6-figure code for buying things and changing settings. Parents still have ultimate control.
   • Lock it down allows the child to require their Microsoft Account password for signing in, changing settings, and spending Xbox credit.

9. Once you have selected security settings, Microsoft offers some information about Gamerpics and Gamertags, before allowing your child to customize their Xbox's accent color.
10. You will then be offered the option of purchasing Xbox Live Gold, which is required for online play, receiving discounts, in addition to four free games per month. You can also decline.Note: Only one signed-in user needs an Xbox Live Gold subscription for everybody on that Xbox to enjoy the benefits. It's probably best to manage this on your parental account.
11. The child can now sign-in by tapping the Xbox button to open the Guide, and moving to the far left by using the left bumper button.
12. Select the child's profile with the "A" button to sign in.

Before creating their Gamertag, let's switch back into your parent account to double-check that your child's privacy and access settings have been correctly configured.

Customize your child's Xbox privacy and content settings

Your child's Microsoft Account will sync settings that you've set up previously on the web in the first section, and if you need to make further changes, you can do it either via your Xbox One or via the Microsoft Account Family settings found here . Be sure to bookmark it!

Alternatively, follow the steps below for information on how to customize your child's experience on Xbox Live.

1. Sign in with your parental Microsoft Account (if you're already signed in, skip to Step 5).
2. To do this, press the Xbox button at the top-center of your controller to open the Guide menu.
3. Navigate to the sign-in menu at the top using the left bumper.
4. Select your profile with the "A" button, then hit Switch profile.
5. Press the Xbox button to open the Guide menu.
6. Select the Settings cogwheel at the far right with the right bumper.
7. Select Settings.
8. Select Family under the Account page.

9. Select manage familly and find the child account you wish to customize.
10. From here, you can cycle through various menus to fully customize what your child can do on their Xbox.
    • Select Privacy & Online Safety then Xbox Live privacy to choose between Child, Teen, and Adult presets. The Child setting blocks non-friends from contacting the user, and the parent must approve friend requests. Teens can choose who they contact, while Adults have full access. Each setting gives more detail over what they do, but you can go nuclear by selecting View & Customize, giving you access to various new menus for blocking different Xbox Live features.
    • Select App privacy to tailor what permissions apps have over your child's content on Windows 10 devices.
    • From the main Privacy & Online Safety settings menu, select Access to content to decide what age-rated content your child can access.
    • Select Web filtering to choose what websites children can access on Microsoft Edge on Windows 10 devices they are signed in to. You can further tailor these settings on the Microsoft Account Family settings page online.

Once you're happy with your child's privacy settings, it's time to move on to the next section and give them a Gamertag and a Gamerpic!

Create a Gamertag and set up a Gamerpic

Image 1 of 2

With the boring stuff out of the way, you should encourage your child to select a Gamerpic and Gamertag of their own on the system. Depending on the privacy settings you've tailored above, the Gamertag will be used as their method for connecting with friends and sharing content on Xbox Live. The first change is free, but subsequent Gamertag changes cost money, so choose wisely!

1. Sign in with your parental Microsoft Account (if you're already signed in, skip to Step 5).
2. To do this, press the Xbox button at the top-center of your controller to open the Guide menu.
3. Navigate to the sign-in menu at the top using the left bumper.
4. Select your profile with the "A" button, then hit Switch profile.
5. Press the Xbox button to open the Guide menu.
6. Select My Profile.
7. Select Customize Profile.
8. Select your child's randomly generated Gamertag to create a new one.
9. From this menu, you can also edit:
   • Your location.
   • A brief biographical description.
   • Your Xbox color.
   • You can also create a 3D Avatar and select a Gamerpic.

Note: You can return to this page at any time to change these settings.

Xbox Family Settings mobile app

Microsoft has also recently introduced into preview the Xbox Family Settings app for iPhone and Android. The Android version can be downloaded by anyone from the Google Play Store while the iPhone version was only opened up to the first 10,000 applicants through Testflight.

It doesn't do anything you can't already do through the web portal as detailed above, but what it does (or will do when it's fully released) is allow you to apply and monitor settings and activity from your smartphone, removing the need to be in front of a PC.

It's still a work in progress but it's a pretty handy thing to have, and in conjunction with the main Family Safety app which is also in preview gives you access to everything you need wherever you are.

Portable monitoring

Xbox Family Settings preview

A convenient way to manage your family settings

Still in preview, this app from Microsoft will allow you on-the-go access to your family settings without the need to be at a PC.

Further information

For more information on how to use your Xbox One, refer to the guide below!

• Tips and Tricks for new Xbox One owners

Xbox

Main

• What is Xbox Game Pass?
• Best 4K TVs for Xbox Series X and S
• Must-buy Xbox One Headsets
• Our Favorite Xbox One Wireless Headsets
• Best Upcoming Xbox Games for 2021
• Xbox One X vs. Xbox Series S

Get the best of Windows Central in in your inbox, every day!

Richard Devine is an Editor at Windows Central. A former Project Manager and long-term tech addict, he joined Mobile Nations in 2011 and has been found on Android Central and iMore as well as Windows Central. Currently you'll find him covering all manner of PC hardware and gaming, and you can follow him on Twitter and Instagram.

Everything parents need to know about Xbox One: Accounts, safety, restrictions and more

Thankfully, Microsoft and Xbox provide some incredible tools to help control and monitor your kid's experiences on Xbox Live, which can be a little chaotic at times.

Here are some tips and tricks for getting the most out of Xbox for parents and those of us buying consoles for younger relatives! Do note, most of these restrictions will carry across to Windows 10 PCs as well when connected to the child's Microsoft account.

Related: How to clean Xbox controllers properly

Consider updating it before gifting it

First thing's first, you'll need to update that Xbox One! Providing the child in question won't mind, I highly advise anyone buying Xbox consoles this year to carefully remove it from the box and connect it to your home internet, following the instructions bundled in the box.

The Xbox One has been continuously updated since launch, and the unit you receive might not be fully up to date. The patches can be gigabytes in size, and give your new console tons of extra features, but it can take a long time to update and install, especially if you're on a slower connection.

To make sure the day isn't spoiled by long update times, consider setting it up early, then re-boxing it after the updates are complete.

Set up Microsoft Accounts for you and the lucky kid(s)

To ensure you're ready to go on Xbox Live, make sure you create a Microsoft Account for you and your child. If you have an Xbox 360 account, an Outlook.com account, or a Hotmail.com account, you already have a Microsoft Account ready to go. Follow the steps below for a guide on how to set-up a new child under your Microsoft Account.

1. Navigate to the Microsoft Account Family Center using this link.
2. Sign in using your Microsoft Account that you intend to use on your Xbox.
3. Select Add a Child and sign in using their email address. Note: You can create a Microsoft Account for your child at this link.

4. Once added, you can now customize their experience across the Windows 10 device family. From here, you can select the child and place various restrictions to tailor their experience on Xbox and Windows 10.
   • Select Activity Reporting to be sent emails detailing how your child uses their Xbox and other Windows 10 devices.
   • Select Web Browsing to blanket block all adult websites in Microsoft Edge, or go even further and allow only specific websites to work.
   • Select Apps, Games & Media to tailor what age-rated content to which your child has access.
   • Select Screen Time to schedule and limit the amount of time your child can spend with their devices.
   • Select Purchase & Spending to add credit to your child's account so that they can spend it on approved content on Windows 10 and Xbox.
   • Select Find Your Child to track the location of a Windows 10 Mobile device connected to their account.

Set up an Xbox Profile for your child

Before we can customize your child's experience on Xbox Live's social features, you will need to sign in to your new Xbox console as the parent.

When booting up your console for the first time, it will prompt you for your email and password, create a Gamertag for you, and you'll be ready to go. In case you didn't know, Gamertags are your username on Xbox Live. You can use this username to share an anonymized identity online, which is ideal for youngsters on the network. To get your child signed into your new Xbox console, follow these steps.

1. Press the Xbox button at the top-center of your controller to open the Guide menu.
2. Navigate with the right bumper across to the cogwheel icon.

3. Select settings.Note: "A" on the Xbox controller is near-universally considered the select button, whereas "B" will take you back to the previous option if you make a mistake.
4. Select Family under the Account section.
5. Select Add to Family
6. Select Add New.
7. Sign in with your child's Microsoft Account and password. You will then be prompted to sign in as the parent.
8. Sign in with your Microsoft account and password.Once the parent account has been signed in, your child will be designated a random Gamertag and offered security settings:
   • No barriers allows anyone to sign in as the child, which might be less than ideal in scenarios with multiple children sharing the same Xbox.
   • Ask for my passkey allows a child to set up a 6-figure code for buying things and changing settings. Parents still have ultimate control.
   • Lock it down allows the child to require their Microsoft Account password for signing in, changing settings, and spending Xbox credit.

9. Once you have selected security settings, Microsoft offers some information about Gamerpics and Gamertags, before allowing your child to customize their Xbox's accent color.
10. You will then be offered the option of purchasing Xbox Live Gold, which is required for online play, receiving discounts, in addition to four free games per month. You can also decline.Note: Only one signed-in user needs an Xbox Live Gold subscription for everybody on that Xbox to enjoy the benefits. It's probably best to manage this on your parental account.
11. The child can now sign-in by tapping the Xbox button to open the Guide, and moving to the far left by using the left bumper button.
12. Select the child's profile with the "A" button to sign in.

Before creating their Gamertag, let's switch back into your parent account to double-check that your child's privacy and access settings have been correctly configured.

Customize your child's Xbox privacy and content settings

Your child's Microsoft Account will sync settings that you've set up previously on the web in the first section, and if you need to make further changes, you can do it either via your Xbox One or via the Microsoft Account Family settings found here . Be sure to bookmark it!

Alternatively, follow the steps below for information on how to customize your child's experience on Xbox Live.

1. Sign in with your parental Microsoft Account (if you're already signed in, skip to Step 5).
2. To do this, press the Xbox button at the top-center of your controller to open the Guide menu.
3. Navigate to the sign-in menu at the top using the left bumper.
4. Select your profile with the "A" button, then hit Switch profile.
5. Press the Xbox button to open the Guide menu.
6. Select the Settings cogwheel at the far right with the right bumper.
7. Select Settings.
8. Select Family under the Account page.

9. Select manage familly and find the child account you wish to customize.
10. From here, you can cycle through various menus to fully customize what your child can do on their Xbox.
    • Select Privacy & Online Safety then Xbox Live privacy to choose between Child, Teen, and Adult presets. The Child setting blocks non-friends from contacting the user, and the parent must approve friend requests. Teens can choose who they contact, while Adults have full access. Each setting gives more detail over what they do, but you can go nuclear by selecting View & Customize, giving you access to various new menus for blocking different Xbox Live features.
    • Select App privacy to tailor what permissions apps have over your child's content on Windows 10 devices.
    • From the main Privacy & Online Safety settings menu, select Access to content to decide what age-rated content your child can access.
    • Select Web filtering to choose what websites children can access on Microsoft Edge on Windows 10 devices they are signed in to. You can further tailor these settings on the Microsoft Account Family settings page online.

Once you're happy with your child's privacy settings, it's time to move on to the next section and give them a Gamertag and a Gamerpic!

Create a Gamertag and set up a Gamerpic

Image 1 of 2

With the boring stuff out of the way, you should encourage your child to select a Gamerpic and Gamertag of their own on the system. Depending on the privacy settings you've tailored above, the Gamertag will be used as their method for connecting with friends and sharing content on Xbox Live. The first change is free, but subsequent Gamertag changes cost money, so choose wisely!

1. Sign in with your parental Microsoft Account (if you're already signed in, skip to Step 5).
2. To do this, press the Xbox button at the top-center of your controller to open the Guide menu.
3. Navigate to the sign-in menu at the top using the left bumper.
4. Select your profile with the "A" button, then hit Switch profile.
5. Press the Xbox button to open the Guide menu.
6. Select My Profile.
7. Select Customize Profile.
8. Select your child's randomly generated Gamertag to create a new one.
9. From this menu, you can also edit:
   • Your location.
   • A brief biographical description.
   • Your Xbox color.
   • You can also create a 3D Avatar and select a Gamerpic.

Note: You can return to this page at any time to change these settings.

Xbox Family Settings mobile app

Microsoft has also recently introduced into preview the Xbox Family Settings app for iPhone and Android. The Android version can be downloaded by anyone from the Google Play Store while the iPhone version was only opened up to the first 10,000 applicants through Testflight.

It doesn't do anything you can't already do through the web portal as detailed above, but what it does (or will do when it's fully released) is allow you to apply and monitor settings and activity from your smartphone, removing the need to be in front of a PC.

It's still a work in progress but it's a pretty handy thing to have, and in conjunction with the main Family Safety app which is also in preview gives you access to everything you need wherever you are.

Portable monitoring

Xbox Family Settings preview

A convenient way to manage your family settings

Still in preview, this app from Microsoft will allow you on-the-go access to your family settings without the need to be at a PC.

Further information

For more information on how to use your Xbox One, refer to the guide below!

• Tips and Tricks for new Xbox One owners

Xbox

Main

• What is Xbox Game Pass?
• Best 4K TVs for Xbox Series X and S
• Must-buy Xbox One Headsets
• Our Favorite Xbox One Wireless Headsets
• Best Upcoming Xbox Games for 2021
• Xbox One X vs. Xbox Series S

Get the best of Windows Central in in your inbox, every day!

Richard Devine is an Editor at Windows Central. A former Project Manager and long-term tech addict, he joined Mobile Nations in 2011 and has been found on Android Central and iMore as well as Windows Central. Currently you'll find him covering all manner of PC hardware and gaming, and you can follow him on Twitter and Instagram.

Xbox Consoles Getting Started

Setting Up Your Xbox

Setting up your Xbox is now easier than ever. All you need is a Microsoft account, a broadband internet connection, an HDMI-enabled TV, and an Xbox console.

VIEW XBOX

Download the Xbox app

Get step-by-step setup instructions with the Xbox app and stay connected to your games, friends and entertainment.

One account to manage everything about Xbox

You need an account to play games and access other features of your Xbox console, Windows PC, and Xbox mobile apps. If you don't have an account yet, you can create one for free.

DETAILS

Find and add friends

Search for friends by gamertag or connect to your Facebook account to see gamers. Control the Xbox app or console and chat with your friends.

DETAILS

Control what your kids do on consoles

Xbox consoles have built-in parental controls that let you control screen time, social media usage, online spending, and access to adult content. Easily control what your kids are doing on your kid's console with the Xbox Family Settings app, right on your console or online.

GET APPENDIX LEARN MORE ABOUT RESPONSIBLE GAMING

Explore the Xbox Dashboard

The Xbox Dashboard makes it easy to manage your profile, find and play fun and games, and connect with others. Learn about the latest updates.

DETAILS

Build your own digital game library

Buy and download digital games and content directly from your Xbox console or from Xbox.com.

DETAILS VIEW ALL XBOX 9 GAMES0005

Play with friends

Compete and chat with friends, teammates and rivals in the world's most advanced multiplayer network.

DETAILS FIND MULTIPLAYER GAMES

Play your Xbox games on your phone and tablet

Play your Xbox games on any compatible Android or iOS mobile device with Xbox Remote Play.

DETAILS

Play Games Built for Xbox Series X|S

Games with the Optimized for Xbox Series X|S badge deliver unrivaled load times, visuals, responsiveness, and frame rates up to 120fps.

VIEWING OPTIMIZED GAMES

Take your favorite games with you

Play thousands of backwards compatible 4th generation Xbox games, including games for Xbox One, Xbox 360 and Original Xbox.

DETAILS

Memory management

Xbox consoles come with a 512 GB or 1 TB internal hard drive for saving games and applications. You can get more space by either deleting games you don't actively play, by connecting an external hard drive to your Xbox console, or by adding a Seagate Storage Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S.

DETAILS

Share your favorite gaming moments

Use the dedicated Share button on your new Xbox controller to capture a screenshot and post it directly to a popular social network.

DETAILS

Enjoy 4K entertainment

Access your favorite entertainment apps and 4K video streaming from Disney+, Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Microsoft Movies & TV and more. Movies and TV shows can also be purchased directly from your Xbox console.

VIEWING ENTERTAINMENT APPS

Take your game to the next level with Xbox Accessories

All Xbox gaming accessories work on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.

VIEW ALL ACCESSORIES

Xbox Elite Series 2 Wireless Controller

DETAILS

Xbox Rechargeable Battery + USB-C Cable

DETAILS

Seagate Memory Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S

DETAILS

Xbox Mobile App

Easily share game clips and screenshots, chat, and receive notifications on your mobile phone and tablet. Also, play games from the console.

DETAILS

Xbox Family Settings app

A convenient way to manage your child's Xbox gaming activities with their phone and in real time.

DETAILS

Xbox Game Pass app

Set up alerts for new games, explore the Xbox Game Pass catalog, and download games to your console or PC anytime, anywhere.

How to enable parental controls on Xbox One

UNCACHED CONTENT

Parental Controls allows you to restrict child accounts on Xbox One. You can restrict access to games, media, and apps by age rating, filter the internet, and manage your online privacy and chat features. This works similarly parental controls in Windows 10 .

This feature depends on your children having their own accounts. Unlike on PlayStation 4 , there is no way to set parental controls at the console level.

How Microsoft defines child and adult accounts

RELATED: How to add and control a child account in Windows 10

Please note that Microsoft accounts are always considered adult accounts if they are at least 18 years old (20 in Japan and South Korea). You will not be able to manage an account if the user is 18 years old. When a child account turns 18, all restrictions are automatically lifted and it has full access to manage any child accounts in the family.

If you need to update and correct the age on your account, you can go to Microsoft account website , log in with this account and go to the link "Your details" > "Edit personal information". Here you can change the account age.

Add one or more child accounts to your family

You will need to add separate accounts for your children on Xbox One if you haven't already. Press the Xbox button in the center of the controller to go to the control panel, then press left on the joystick or navigation pad to open the menu. Scroll down to the gear icon and select "All settings" using the A button.

Go to Account > Family on the settings screen.

Select "Add to Family" to add a child account to your family.

You will see a list of accounts enabled on your Xbox One. If your child already has an Xbox One account, select it. Otherwise, select Add.

Here, the child must sign in to their Microsoft account. If the child doesn't already have their own Microsoft account, you can select Get a new account and create one. You can also just create a Microsoft account online and log in with it here.

You'll see the "Ask your parents to sign in" screen if you're logging into a minor's account. Select "I'm an adult". You will then need to select your parent account and provide its password to complete adding the minor user.

You'll then go through the usual account setup screens: privacy policy, sign-in and security options, personalization, Kinect setup (if you have Kinect), and Xbox Live Gold setup. You may want lock your Xbox profile with a PIN for more security.

After adding an account, you will be asked if you want to add it to your family. Select Add to Family.

This is the same Family account group used on Windows 10 PCs. You can manage your family online , too.

Set up parental controls for each child account

Any accounts you add to your family will appear under Settings > Family. Select an account on this screen to manage it.

Here you will see several categories of settings: online privacy and security, content access, and web filtering. You can also remove a user account from your Xbox One or family group from here.

The Online Privacy & Security screen allows you to configure your privacy and online security settings. You can choose from Child Defaults, Teenage Defaults, or Adult Defaults. You can also select "View details and customize" to customize the settings in more detail.

These settings allow you to manage many privacy settings. For example, you can control who can see when an account is online, what they watch or listen to, their Xbox profile, history of games played and apps used, and what videos the account has watched.

The Content Access screen lets you control which games, media, and apps an account can play. This uses the age ratings of games, movies, TV shows, music and applications.

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