Best iPhone for Kids
Last updated
A child's first phone has different priorities than an adult upgrade. Cost matters because accidents happen. Size matters because kids have smaller hands. Parental controls matter because Screen Time covers the controls parents usually need. This guide works through all three.
Specs from Apple.com · Market prices are not stored on this page; check live listings before deciding
How the picks compare
Three options depending on age, budget, and whether you want a warranty. Refurbished prices vary by grade, storage, warranty, and seller; check live listings before deciding.
| Model | Screen | Chip | Durability | Est. price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPhone SE (3rd gen) Top pick | 4.7" LCD | A15 | IP67, glass back | live listings | First phone, any age |
| iPhone 13 | 6.1" OLED | A15 | IP68, Ceramic Shield | live listings | Older child, better camera |
| iPhone 17e | 6.1" OLED | A18 | IP68, Ceramic Shield | live listings | If you insist on new + warranty |
The picks explained
1. Refurbished iPhone SE (3rd gen) — best first iPhone for a child
138.4 × 67.3 × 7.3mm · 4.7" LCD · A15 Bionic · Touch ID · IP67
The SE is the simplest compact route into iOS, which makes it a sensible first phone. A cracked screen or lost device is still disruptive, so use a case and consider the device’s condition and warranty. The 4.7-inch body fits smaller hands well, and Touch ID on the Home button is easier for younger children to set up and use than Face ID.
The A15 chip is the same silicon as the iPhone 13, so it runs current apps well; check current iOS compatibility before buying. Apple's Screen Time parental controls, Family Sharing, and Find My all work exactly the same on an SE as on a Pro model. There is no parental-control advantage to choosing a more capable model.
The camera is a single 12MP rear lens — competent for a child's photos. The LCD screen is less vibrant than OLED, but children are not typically comparing displays. The main trade-off relative to the iPhone 13 is the older screen technology and the lack of Ceramic Shield on the front glass.
Find a refurbished SE (3rd gen) →2. Refurbished iPhone 13 — for an older child who wants more
146.7 × 71.5 × 7.65mm · 6.1" OLED · A15 Bionic · Face ID · IP68
If your child is 12 or older and will use the phone seriously for photos, video calls, and social apps, the refurbished iPhone 13 is a meaningful upgrade. Ceramic Shield, OLED, and the dual-camera system offer stronger display and camera capabilities than the SE.
Face ID works reliably for teens. The phone runs current iOS with every Screen Time feature the SE has. At IP68 it can handle a splash or brief submersion, which the SE (IP67) handles a bit less comfortably.
The price is nearly double the SE, so it's worth asking whether the extra capability matters to your specific child right now. See the refurbished iPhone 13 guide for grading details and what to look for.
Find a refurbished iPhone 13 →3. iPhone 17e — if you want to buy new
146.7 × 71.5 × 7.8mm · 6.1" OLED · A18 · Face ID · IP68
The iPhone 17e is Apple's current entry-level model. It comes with a one-year Apple warranty and is the most capable of the three options. If you want the reassurance of a new-device warranty, it is a solid choice.
Consider how a child will use and protect a phone before choosing a new device. Refurbished devices from reputable sellers may include their own warranty; check its length and terms. For many parents, the refurb SE or 13 is the better fit for most families. Compare all budget options on the best budget iPhone page.
Where to buy and what to add
A refurbished phone and a proper case are both worth it for a child's first iPhone.
Parental controls: what iOS actually offers
Apple's parental control suite is built into every iPhone. You do not need a third-party app or a special kid-targeted phone. Here is what each feature does.
- • Screen Time: Set daily limits per app category (Social Networking, Games, Entertainment), schedule a Downtime window when only approved apps are accessible, and lock the settings with a separate passcode the child cannot change.
- • Family Sharing: App Store purchases require your approval before they download. You see a notification and can approve or deny in seconds from your own iPhone. Works across paid apps and free apps with age restrictions.
- • Content restrictions: Filter web content, restrict explicit music and films, and set a minimum age rating for app downloads. Safari's built-in filter catches the majority of adult content without extra software.
- • Find My: See the phone's location on a map from your own device at any time. If the phone is lost or stolen, you can lock it remotely or trigger a loud sound to help find it nearby.
All of these work the same on an iPhone SE as on an iPhone 16 Pro. For a full setup walkthrough, Apple's support pages walk through each step.
Durability: what actually protects the phone
No iPhone is unbreakable. The most useful thing you can do is buy a heavy-duty case. An Otterbox Defender or similar case with raised lips around the screen absorbs far more drop damage than any glass rating. Add a tempered glass screen protector and the phone can survive most childhood accidents intact.
The iPhone 13 has Ceramic Shield on the front glass, which Apple rates as the toughest front glass in a smartphone. Real-world drop tests show it survives face-down falls better than standard glass. The SE has standard front glass — more fragile without a case. Both are worth protecting with a case regardless.
Consider adding an AirTag inside the case or attaching one with a keyring loop. It can help locate the phone through Apple's Find My network if it is left somewhere. Check Apple’s current compatibility and setup guidance before relying on it.
For a broader view of what makes a durable choice, see our guide to which iPhone to buy.
Why refurbished makes sense for a child's phone
Children drop phones. They leave them in pockets when it rains, sit on them, and occasionally lose them entirely. Buying refurbished from a reputable seller reduces the financial stakes without reducing the functionality. A graded refurb from Back Market or a similar seller goes through testing, battery checks, and cosmetic grading before resale, and comes with a warranty.
Refurbished devices vary by condition, storage, battery health, seller warranty, and supply. Compare like-for-like offers with a new model rather than relying on a percentage rule. That comparison matters when the phone may need replacing within a year.
See more on the refurbished iPhone SE guide and the refurbished iPhone 13 guide for what to look for in each grade. If the phone gets traded in later, the iPhone trade-in value page shows what to expect.
Which phones to avoid for a child
Pro models are designed around photography and performance rather than a child’s everyday needs. Their camera systems are more capable, but an iPhone SE or 13 provides the same core calls, messages, apps, and parental controls.
The iPhone 16 Air is Apple's thinnest iPhone at 5.65 mm and weighs just 145 g. It is a beautiful phone engineered for minimal bulk. That makes it the wrong phone for a child's hands — thin phones flex more under drop stress, and the premium price means the stakes are higher when it lands screen-down.
If you are unsure what fits your situation, the which iPhone should I buy guide covers the full lineup.
FAQ
What is the best iPhone for a child?
For most kids, the refurbished iPhone SE (3rd generation) is a strong first iPhone. It runs current iOS with full Screen Time parental controls and has a compact 4.7-inch body that fits smaller hands. Older children who want a better camera and Face ID may prefer a refurbished iPhone 13.
Does the iPhone SE have parental controls?
Yes. Every iPhone running iOS 12 or later — including all iPhone SE models — has Apple's Screen Time, which lets parents set daily app limits, schedule downtime, filter content by age, and restrict in-app purchases. Family Sharing lets you approve app downloads remotely, and Find My lets you see the phone's location on a map. None of these features require a newer or more expensive model.
Should I buy a new iPhone or a refurbished one for my child?
Refurbished can make sense for a first phone. Children drop phones, lose them, and outgrow them quickly. A refurbished iPhone SE or iPhone 13 provides the same iOS and parental-control features as a new model; compare condition, battery health, warranty, and return terms before buying.
What iPhone should I avoid buying for a child?
Consider whether a Pro model or iPhone Air fits a child’s needs before buying one. Pro models focus on camera and performance features, while the 5.65 mm iPhone Air prioritizes minimal weight. An iPhone SE provides the same Screen Time parental controls in a smaller body.
More buying guides
Not sure which iPhone fits your budget, or thinking about trading in an older model?