How to Install Helperbird on a Child's iPhone or iPad with Screen Time On
Install Helperbird on a child's iPhone or iPad when Screen Time blocks the App Store. Turn restrictions off, install, approve Ask to Buy, then put them back.
Jump to the stepsOn this page6 sections
Screen Time can block the App Store and hide Safari extensions, so an install that works on your own phone does nothing on your child's. This guide is for the parent or guardian who holds the Screen Time passcode. You turn the restrictions off, install Helperbird, turn the extension on, then put the restrictions back.
If the device belongs to a school and you do not have the passcode, the block is a different one. Read why Helperbird is greyed out on a managed iPad instead.
Step 1: Turn Off Screen Time Restrictions
On your child's device, open Settings and tap Screen Time. Enter your Screen Time passcode. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions, then turn the switch off.
This is temporary. You turn it back on in Step 4.
Step 2: Install Helperbird from the App Store
Open the App Store on your child's device and search for Helperbird for Safari. Tap Get.
If Ask to Buy is on for your child's account, the download pauses and sends a request to the family organiser's device. Approve it there and the install continues. Helperbird for Safari is a free download, and Ask to Buy asks for approval on free apps too.
Step 3: Turn On the Safari Extension
Installing the app does not switch on the Safari extension. The app includes a free native PDF Reader and Safari setup help. Turn on the extension separately in the Settings app.
Follow how to enable Helperbird in Safari on iPhone and iPad, then come back here for Step 4.
Step 4: Turn Screen Time Back On
Open Settings > Screen Time, enter your passcode, tap Content & Privacy Restrictions, and turn the switch back on.
Now open Safari with your child and use Helperbird once, while the restrictions are live. If Helperbird has vanished from the extensions list, the Web Content setting under Content & Privacy Restrictions is the usual cause. Set Web Content back to Unrestricted and leave your other restrictions on.
Does Family Sharing Share Helperbird Pro?
No, and there is nothing for you to approve. Helperbird Pro is not sold through the App Store, so no Apple subscription exists for Family Sharing to pass on.
Pro is unlocked by entering a subscription key in Helperbird's settings in Safari, on each device. See how to unlock Helperbird Pro on iPhone and iPad.
Need Additional Help?
If you run into any issues setting Helperbird up on your child's device, our support team is here to help. Visit our Help Center or reach out to our Helperbird support team directly.
Printed from the Helperbird Help Center · Updated October 12th, 2026
Questions? We are happy to help — helperbird.com/support