How to Block Explicit Images in Maps on iPhone and iPad
Older Screen Time instructions for removing Maps apps that can expose children to explicit business photos.
- Platforms
- iOSiPadOS
Gertrude BlockerThe built-in Apple Maps app and Google Maps are (surprisingly) not safe for kids, and should be deleted. They are unsafe because both apps will show any images that may have been uploaded by business owners or patrons. For instance, many strip clubs post nude photos which can be accessed through these apps. No Screen Time setting can prevent these images from being viewed, the only way to secure your child's phone is to delete the apps. (In the "how to fix" section below we recommend an alternate map/navigation app.)
Show me how to fix it
Step 1. Temporarily allow deleting apps in Screen Time by going to "Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases", as shown below:
You may find that you are already allowing Deleting apps. If so, just leave the setting as is, but we do recommend you revoke that privilege after deleting the map apps.
Step 2. Power off and restart the phone.
Once you've allowed deleting apps, you won't actually be able to delete Apple Maps until you fully power off the phone and restart. To power off the phone, hold down the "side" button and the "volume down" button at the same time.
After the phone has powered off, turn it on again by holding the right side button until the Apple logo appears.
Step 3. Delete the app/s.
Once you've allowed deleting apps and restarted the phone after a full power-off, you can now click and hold the icon of the Apple maps (and/or the Google Maps app) and choose to delete it.
Step 4. Now that the app is deleted, forbid again the ability to delete apps by going back to "Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iTunes & App Store Purchases":
Step 5. Disable automatic software updates.
Every time iOS updates (which can happen automatically, without any intervention, during the night when the phone is charging), the Apple Maps app may come back. We aren't 100% sure how often it does, it may only be for the large, yearly major iOS versions that usually happen in the fall, or it may be more often—but it definitely happens.
Go to the Settings app on your child's phone, then navigate to "General > Software Update > Automatic Update", and disable all three options shown below:
