Getting your device ready

A few simple steps before your appointment help everything go smoothly. It usually takes about ten minutes. Don't worry if something looks unfamiliar; we're happy to help with anything tricky when you come in.

Please note: we don't set up brand-new devices or transfer your information from one device to another, so your device should arrive already set up. If a new iPhone or Android is still in the box, we can skip through the setup screens to the home screen so we can do the install, but full setup and data transfer is up to you.

During installation, we sign out of all email accounts on the device. You can sign back in once the filter is installed, so please have your email passwords with you.

iPhone or iPad

1. Have your credentials ready

Device passcode
Apple ID and password
Screen Time passcode (if you use one)

On iOS 18 and newer, we temporarily remove your passcode and Face ID to install the filter. This also removes Apple Wallet cards and downloaded Apple Music; you can add them back afterward.

2. Turn off Stolen Device Protection and Find My iPhone

Stolen Device Protection: Settings → Face ID & Passcode → enter passcode → Stolen Device Protection → turn off. Tip: doing this at home on your own Wi-Fi usually skips the 60-minute delay.

Find My iPhone: Settings → tap your name → Find My → Find My iPhone → turn off. We can't start the install with Find My on.

3. Get your device ready

Battery at least 20%, or bring your charger
iOS 16 or newer, with updates installed
At least 0.5 GB free storage

4. Clear out conflicts

Remove any other content-filtering apps
Work or employer management profiles can prevent enrollment

Android

Know your unlock pattern or PIN

Complete initial setup if it's a new device

Samsung: sign out of your Samsung account in advance

Know your email and Google passwords (accounts may be temporarily removed)

Battery at least 20%, at least 0.5 GB free

Remove any current filters

If this phone is your only way to receive login codes, set up a backup method for 2-step verification first (a second phone number, backup codes, or an authenticator app on another device). Otherwise you could be locked out of your own accounts after the install.

Computer (Mac, PC, or Chromebook)

Make sure you can sign in as an administrator

Fully update the computer beforehand

Battery at least 40%, or bring a charger

Antivirus may need to be temporarily disabled

Chromebook owners: Chromebooks need a special setup that resets the device and erases all data. Please review the Chromebook page and back up anything you want to keep.