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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsApple’s redesigned parental controls require every eligible device in your Family Sharing group to run version 27 or later. If your son’s MacBook can’t update—or he won’t update it—you can keep using the previous Screen Time controls or set controls directly on your daughter’s iPhone. First check whether the Mac is actually eligible; its model and installed macOS determine that.
Why one MacBook can affect the new Screen Time experience
Apple’s version 27 requirement applies to the redesigned parental-controls experience across eligible devices in the family group. An older device that cannot update is treated as a Legacy Device. Apple says those devices can continue using the previous Screen Time and Family Sharing settings, but the family will not meet the update prerequisite for the new experience while an eligible device remains below version 27.
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This is a prerequisite for the new family-wide controls, not a claim that Screen Time stops working everywhere. Apple documents two alternatives when the family cannot update every device: keep using the previous controls, or configure controls directly on the child’s iPhone.
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Check which family devices need an update
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On an updated iPhone, iPad, or Mac, open Settings or System Settings, then go to Family > View Family Devices. Apple says this screen separates devices that can be updated from devices listed under Legacy Devices. See Apple’s instructions for updating family devices.
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Find your son’s MacBook in the list. If it appears among devices that can be updated, open System Settings > General > Software Update on that Mac and follow the prompts to install an available update.
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If the Mac appears under Legacy Devices, or Software Update does not offer version 27, use one of Apple’s fallback options below. The title does not identify the MacBook model or its macOS version, so eligibility cannot be determined without checking the device.
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Choose the option that fits your family
| Path | What it means | Best fit |
|---|---|---|
| Update eligible family devices to version 27 or later | Meets Apple’s prerequisite for the redesigned parental-controls experience. | The MacBook and other eligible devices can update, and your family wants the new experience. |
| Continue with the previous Screen Time controls | Apple says older devices can continue using earlier Screen Time and Family Sharing settings. | You prefer not to update every device or a family device cannot update. |
| Set controls directly on your daughter’s iPhone | Apple documents direct setup on the child’s device as an alternative when the family cannot update every device. | You need to configure controls on her iPhone without waiting for the MacBook to update. |
Apple’s instructions establish these options, but do not promise that every individual control behaves identically across all device models and software versions.
Confirm Family Sharing and your daughter’s account
Parent-managed Screen Time depends on Family Sharing and your daughter’s Apple Account being included in the family group. If she is not listed there, confirm that she uses her own Apple Account and that it is part of your Family Sharing group before troubleshooting the version requirement. Apple explains the setup prerequisites in its parental-controls instructions and its guide to using Screen Time to manage a child’s iPhone or iPad.
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Apple identifies the family organizer and a parent or guardian as roles that can manage a child’s device through Family Sharing. See How Family Sharing works.
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