The stakes here are higher than you might think. A poorly wiped phone can expose your kid to:

Plus, if you don't set this up right from the start, you're creating a tech debt situation where you'll be constantly playing catch-up trying to add restrictions and controls after your kid has already tasted full freedom. And trust me, trying to add parental controls after the fact is like trying to put toothpaste back in the tube while your kid screams about privacy.

Before you do anything, make sure your stuff is safely backed up to the cloud or your new device. Check:

Do not skip this step. I've heard too many stories of parents who lost years of photos because they were in a hurry to get the phone to their kid.

This is non-negotiable. You need a complete factory reset, not just deleting some apps and logging out of accounts. Here's why:

For iPhone: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings

For Android: Settings → System → Reset Options → Erase All Data (Factory Reset)

This wipes everything and gives you a clean slate. Yes, it takes time. Yes, it's worth it.

When the phone restarts, do not restore from your backup. Set it up as a completely new device. This is where you make critical decisions:

Create their own Apple ID or Google Account (if they're old enough and you want them to have one), or set up Family Sharing/Family Link so the phone operates under your family's account structure with proper parental controls.

This is the moment to enable:

Setting these up from the beginning is infinitely easier than trying to add them later when your kid has already configured everything their way.

Don't just hand them a phone and let them download whatever. Start with a curated set of apps that you've approved:

If they're getting into gaming, check out our guide to age-appropriate mobile games before they download every free-to-play nightmare on the app store.

Before you hand over the device, have the conversation. This isn't about being controlling—it's about setting clear expectations. Cover:

Some families do a literal phone contract (which can feel a bit formal but honestly works for some kids). Others just have an ongoing dialogue. Do what fits your family.

Real talk: if your phone has a cracked screen, a dying battery, or barely holds a charge, maybe don't hand it down yet. A phone that's frustrating to use will just create more problems:

If the phone needs repairs, weigh whether it's worth fixing versus getting them an inexpensive new device. Sometimes a $150 budget phone is better than a $100 repair on a 4-year-old device.

Ages 8-10: If they're getting a phone this young, it's probably mostly for safety/communication. Keep it super locked down—think calls, texts to approved contacts, maybe a few specific apps. The hand-me-down phone can work great here as basically a "dumb phone" with training wheels.

Ages 11-13: This is the sweet spot for hand-me-down phones. They're ready for more independence but still need guardrails. Set up screen time limits, content filters, and app approval requirements. They can handle social messaging apps like Discord or group chats, but with monitoring.

Ages 14+: They probably want more privacy and autonomy, which is developmentally appropriate. Hand-me-downs work fine, but focus less on restriction and more on teaching digital citizenship. They should understand why you're checking in, not just that you can.

Mistake #1: Keeping your SIM card in it. Remove your SIM card before handing it over, or they'll have access to your phone number and potentially your carrier account.

Mistake #2: Leaving your payment methods connected. Even after a factory reset, if you set up the phone with your Apple ID or Google account, your payment info might still be accessible. Use their own account or Family Sharing.

Mistake #3: Not updating the OS first. Before you wipe it, update to the latest operating system. Older OS versions have security vulnerabilities and won't support current parental control features.

Mistake #4: Skipping the passcode conversation. Decide early: will you know their passcode? Many families require this for younger kids, then transition to more privacy as they get older.

Mistake #5: Assuming they won't figure out workarounds. Kids are resourceful. If you set restrictions, they'll test them. That's normal. Have a plan for when (not if) they try to get around your controls.

Handing down your phone can be a great way to give your kid their first device without spending $800. But it requires intentional setup and clear boundaries from day one.

The work you put in now—the factory reset, the careful configuration, the conversation about expectations—will save you countless headaches later. A well-set-up hand-me-down phone can be just as safe and appropriate as a brand-new device.

And hey, if this all feels overwhelming, that's what Screenwise is here for—to help you make these decisions with confidence and understand what's actually age-appropriate for your specific kid.

Need help figuring out which apps are appropriate for your kid's age? Check out our guide to essential apps for kids' first phones, or ask our chatbot about your specific situation.