Meta Quest for kids: how to set up parental controls

A Meta Quest can be a great gift for a child aged 10 or over, but it's worth setting it up before you hand it over. Meta has a system of parent-managed accounts that lets you decide which apps your child uses, how long they play and who they can talk to. Here's how it works and what to check.

Before you start: ages

• Under 10: children can't have a Meta account or use Quest headsets.
• 10 to 12: parent-managed account. Supervision is mandatory.
• 13 and over: teens manage their own account, with supervision on by default that they can turn off.

The exact age range may vary by country. Preteen accounts work on Meta Quest 2, 3 and 3S, and can't be used with other Meta apps such as Instagram or Facebook.

What you need

• Your own Meta account (the parent's or guardian's).
• The Meta Horizon app on your phone (iPhone or Android). You can also use Meta's Family Center website.
• A credit or debit card to verify you're an adult. Meta makes a small charge and then refunds it.

How to create your child's account

There are two ways:

1. Together, on the headset. Your child starts the setup on the Quest and, when asked, hands you the headset or you get a notification on your phone. You approve the account and choose the privacy settings.
2. Separately, from your phone. In the Meta Horizon app, go to the supervision section and add your child's account. You can also do this from Family Center.

Your child picks a username and display name, which don't need to be real (better if they aren't). Their profile is private and can't be made public.

What you can control

Apps and purchases

You approve or deny every app they want to download, buy or use, and you can see all the apps they own. Card purchases, including Meta Credits, also need your approval.

Screen time

You can see how much time they spend on the headset overall and in each app, set daily limits (different for each day of the week) and schedule breaks, for example so it isn't used at night.

Contacts

You can approve contacts. Preteens can only chat with, call or invite to multiplayer games the people you've approved, and you can remove them at any time.

Privacy

From the app or Family Center you manage their account's privacy settings, such as hand and body tracking or the data shared with Meta.

What changes at 13

About a month before their 13th birthday, Meta notifies both parent and child. From then on, the teen manages their account, password and settings, no longer needs approved contacts and can turn off supervision. It's a good moment for a family chat about how to use it.

Closed games or games with chat

Even with parental controls set up properly, the best protection is choosing games carefully:

• Closed games: only your child plays. No chat, no strangers. The calmest way to start.
• Online games with other people: can be fine, but check whether they have voice chat, who can talk to your child and whether it can be limited to friends.

Prepare the play space

• Play in a clear space, with no furniture, stairs or open doors nearby, and nothing hanging at hand height.
• Set up the safety boundary (Guardian) every time you change rooms, and leave a margin around it. It doesn't detect everything, so stay alert.
• Keep pets and other children out of the play space.
• If the game allows it, playing seated is best.

Keeping the headset clean

If several people use it, clean the headset and controllers between uses with non-alcohol, non-abrasive wipes. Wipe the lenses only with a dry microfibre cloth, no liquids. Don't share it with anyone who has an eye or skin infection. A silicone face cover is easier to clean than the original foam.

Which Quest to choose?

Best valueMeta Quest 3SMid-range

Full VR with no phone or PC. Meta says 10+ with a parent-managed account (varies by country)

View on Amazon ↗

If you want the bestMeta Quest 3High-end

The sharpest Quest experience for the whole family (same ages as the 3S)

View on Amazon ↗

For a child who's just starting, the Quest 3S is usually enough: it has the same parental controls and costs quite a bit less. The Quest 3 looks sharper, and you notice the difference most when reading text.

Checklist

• Parent-managed account created and approved from your phone.
• Apps reviewed: only the ones you've approved.
• Daily time limit and a night-time break.
• Approved contacts (or none, to start with).
• Clear play space and safety boundary set up.
• Short first sessions with an adult nearby.

Frequently asked questions

Can my child use my Meta account?

It's not recommended: Meta asks everyone to use an account that matches their age, and with yours they wouldn't have any of the controls for minors.

Do parental controls cost anything?

No. Parent-managed accounts and supervision are free. The card is only used to verify you're an adult, with a small charge that Meta refunds.

Can I set different limits at the weekend?

Yes. Daily time limits can be set per day, and you can also schedule breaks, for example at night.

Sources

1. Meta: create and manage a Meta account for your child on Meta Horizon
2. Meta: parent information for Meta Quest
3. Meta: parent-managed Meta accounts for families
4. ConnectSafely: parent's guide to parent-managed Meta accounts
5. Meta (Oculus): health and safety warnings, official document

Checked against official websites on the review date. Details may change: always check the source. (16 Oct 2026)