Losing my mind with HomePod Minis for the kids

(I’d really appreciate any and all advice on this problem before I go insane. I’ve used Apple devices for 40 years and am generally competent with them.)

1 - I set up a kid with his Apple ID and screen time restrictions for no explicit music, and I confirmed that explicit music was blocked on his iPhone

2 - I set up a HomePod Mini two different ways, both using my account and adding him as primary user, and using his account to set it up from the start

3 - In both cases, he can get explicit music on his HomePod, AND ALSO NOW ON HIS PHONE, even though the screen time explicit music restriction is still on.

WHAAAAT IS HAPPENING?

[Edited by Moderator]

HomePod mini

Posted on Aug 17, 2025 04:19 PM

4 replies

brbo

Level 8

38,017 points

Aug 18, 2025 08:50 PM in response to mattyo

Re: Explicit content: HomePod Minis for the kids:

Apple support's online article:Change HomePod settings - Apple Support

Eg: says:

"Disable explicit content

You can disable playback of explicit content for a specific HomePod user in your home. When that person makes a request, HomePod will not play songs, albums or podcast episodes that contain explicit content.

Go to the Home app on your iPhone or iPad.
Tap , then tap Home Settings.
Note: If you have more than one home, you see settings for your current home (based on your location). To edit a different home tap Homes, then tap the home you want to edit.
Tap a user, then turn off Allow Explicit Content."

Re: I’ve used Apple devices for 40 years and am generally competent with them

Sure! The Home app hasn't been around that long though, and seems to be still evolving, with new features..

Also: There are now more sources of explicit content, other than music,

HomePod User Guide - Apple Support

brbo

Level 8

38,017 points

Aug 19, 2025 02:27 PM in response to mattyo

Thank you, all the best with trying that!

Re: Any idea why it would also lead to circumventing of the Screen Time setting on the phone?

Sorry that knowledge is beyond mine ... may have something to do with allowing access to the HomePod for multiple users, who may or may not have screen=time restrictions set.

mattyo Author

Level 1

7 points

Aug 19, 2025 08:36 AM in response to brbo

Thanks I’ll try that. Any idea why it would also lead to circumventing of the Screen Time setting on the phone?

Vancouver22

Level 8

37,118 points

Aug 20, 2025 01:58 AM in response to mattyo

See: Set or change parental controls in Apple Music on the web - Apple Support

Losing my mind with HomePod Minis for the kids