How to Require Parental Approval for Each Podcast on iPhone
On iPhones, you can limit explicit content using Screen Time, or consider an app like Gertrude Podcast to control the kinds of podcasts that can be downloaded.
If you’re a parent setting up a child’s iPhone so they can listen to podcasts, you might have wondered why Apple Podcasts doesn’t let parents require permission before a podcast is allowed. Even if you’ve set up Screen Time or even Family Sharing, Apple only allows parents to disable content that was already flagged as being explicit, which still doesn’t account for all content on the platform. There is an option that does allow parents to more tightly control the kind of podcasts their child can listen to; you can still allow your child to play any podcast you’ve allowed, just like you could with Apple Podcasts too.
We’re always on the lookout for good apps for parents (and adults) who are trying to restrict content on their devices, and the best option we’ve found for podcasts is the Gertrude Podcast app. Gertrude Podcast can still access the same library as Apple Podcasts, but with an important catch: you need to enter a 6-digit passcode first.
The Gertrude Podcast app is also a part of a larger collection of apps that help parents in several different ways. Even better, Gertrude doesn’t actively interfere with screenshot monitoring or a content-filtering VPN, so it’s a great fit if you’re a Tech Lockdown member or you’ve set up the LivingRoom app .
Use Gertrude to Require a Passcode Before Downloading a Podcast
Gertrude is free to download from the App Store and provides you with a 30-day trial to use the app and test it out. Afterward, Gertrude does require you to create an account and set up a subscription.
The good news is that during that trial, it was almost completely functional without a Gertrude account; I was able to set it up in about 5 minutes.
First, download the Gertrude Podcasts app :
When you open the app, you should see a welcome screen like this:
You’ll be asked to confirm a few things, and part of this step will require you to set up a PIN:
When prompted, you don’t need to connect a Gertrude account yet:
Now that Gertrude is set up, you can use it to download and play podcasts. After it’s first installed, your child won’t be able to play anything yet, as their list will be blank.
To download a podcast, tap the plus icon near the top right:
Enter your PIN:
Then add the podcast. Your child can see it in their list and play episodes in the app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Gertrude Podcast be used with screenshot monitoring?
Yes! If you’re using LivingRoom for Families to monitor the screen on your child’s iPhone , you can choose whether screenshot monitoring is required to use the Gertrude Podcast app.
The LivingRoom blocks all apps by default (including Gertrude), so you may consider adding the Gertrude Podcast app to your always-allowed list . That would mean your child can freely listen to episodes that have already been downloaded, but to download any new episodes, the screen recorder needs to be turned on. This applies to podcasts that you’ve already allowed through Gertrude too.
Can Podcast thumbnails and images be blocked?
Yes, Gertrude can hide images for Podcasts when you first allow them. After entering your PIN and finding the Podcast, you should see an option like the one below:
How do I remove a Podcast after allowing it?
If you’re still on the free trial, you’ll need to completely uninstall Gertrude Podcasts to reset the allow list.
How can I restrict Apple Podcasts and prevent it from being redownloaded?
Once Gertrude Podcasts is set up, you might next uninstall Apple Podcasts (or other similar apps). For the best possible setup, check out our dedicated guide for blocking apps on a kid's iPhone , because there are better options that prevent apps from being downloaded.