Getting Started with Shelta
About 5 minutes to set up
Setting up Shelta is quick and simple. No cables, no computers, no technical knowledge needed. Just follow these five steps and your child's device will be protected.
What You Need
Apple Family Sharing set up with your child. Not set up yet? We'll walk you through it.
An iPhone or iPad running iOS 17 or later.
That's it. The whole process is fast and straightforward.
Create Your Account
Sign up and add your child
Go to shelta.app and create your free account. Once you're signed in, add your child's name and age.
Smart Defaults
Shelta automatically sets up age-appropriate protections based on your child's age. You can always adjust these later, but most parents find the defaults are a great starting point.
Generate a Setup Code
Get the code you'll enter on your child's device
From your dashboard, you'll see a 6-character setup code. This code links your child's device to your account.
How to share the code:
- Text it to your child and have them enter it
- Or enter it yourself on their device — whatever is easier
Install the App
Download Shelta on your child's device
On your child's iPhone or iPad, open the App Store and search for "Shelta - Family Safety". Download and open the app, then enter the setup code from Step 2.
Heads up: Your child's device needs to be running iOS 17 or later. You can check this in Settings > General > About on their device.
Approve Protection
Confirm on your device through Screen Time
After your child enters the setup code, you'll receive a notification on your device (the parent) through Screen Time. Approve the request, and protection is active immediately.
Not seeing the notification?
Make sure Screen Time is enabled on your device. The approval request appears in Settings > Screen Time > Family. Check for pending requests there.
Choose What to Block
Select apps and categories to restrict
The app will show Apple's built-in app picker. Select the specific apps and categories you want to block — social media, games, dating apps, or anything else you choose.
You Can Always Change This
Don't worry about getting it perfect right now. You can add or remove apps from the blocked list anytime from your dashboard at shelta.app.
What Happens Next
Your child's device is now protected. You can manage all settings from shelta.app on any browser — your phone, tablet, or computer. Changes you make on the dashboard sync automatically to your child's device within minutes.
Remember: These controls are a tool to help you parent, not a replacement for conversations. We encourage you to talk with your child about why you've set these boundaries. It helps them understand and accept the rules.
Need Help?
If you run into any issues during setup, check our Troubleshooting guide for common issues, or email us at support@shelta.app. We're real people who want to help you succeed.
Ready to Start?
Head to your dashboard to create your account and generate a setup code for your child's device.
Go to Dashboard