How to Turn an Old iPhone Into a Kid's First Phone

If you've got an old iPhone sitting in a drawer, it can become your child's first connected device without adding a new phone line. Here's the full setup, start to finish.

You don't need to own an Apple device yourself. If your everyday phone is Android or something else, that's fine. The old iPhone you're repurposing is the Apple device for this whole process. You can sign in, set up your own Apple ID as the Family Sharing organizer, create your child's account, and configure everything directly on that iPhone before handing it over. The only requirement is the device being handed down, not what you personally carry.

1. Check eSIM compatibility and unlock status

Not every iPhone can install a standard downloadable eSIM. Generally, iPhone XS and newer models support it. Check the exact model against our supported devices list before you start, since regional variants (especially devices originally sold in mainland China) can differ.

You'll also need the phone to be carrier-unlocked. If you're not sure, see how to check if your phone is unlocked before continuing.

2. Reset and update the device

Erase the phone (Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings) and install the latest iOS update before setting anything up for your child. A clean, current install avoids compatibility surprises later.

3. Create or add your child's Apple ID

If your child doesn't already have an Apple ID, create one through Family Sharing (Settings → [your name] → Family Sharing → Add Member → Create Child Account). This gives them their own Apple ID that you manage, without needing an email address or phone number of their own.

4. Set up Family Sharing

With your child added to Family Sharing, you control app purchases, screen time, and content restrictions from your own device. This is the foundation everything else builds on.

5. Configure Screen Time

Under Settings → Screen Time (or from your own device via Family Sharing), set app limits, downtime hours, and content restrictions appropriate for your child's age.

6. Install the NextRange eSIM

Once you've joined the NextRange waitlist and been onboarded, you'll get a QR code or direct install link. Go to Settings → Cellular/Mobile Data → Add eSIM and follow the prompts.

7. Configure cellular data settings

After installation, confirm the NextRange line is set as the active data line (Settings → Cellular/Mobile Data), and label it something recognizable like "[Child's name]'s NextRange."

8. Enable Find My

Turn on Find My (Settings → [child's name] → Find My) so you can see your child's device location. Find My works over Wi-Fi or cellular data using their Apple ID; it doesn't need a traditional phone number.

9. Set up iMessage

iMessage works using just an Apple ID, no phone number required. Enable it under Settings → Messages, and your child can message other Apple devices over Wi-Fi or their NextRange data connection.

10. Set up FaceTime

Same story: FaceTime runs on the Apple ID over an internet connection. Enable it under Settings → FaceTime.

11. Choose approved apps

For younger kids, Messenger Kids is worth considering: it's managed entirely through your own Facebook account, and your child doesn't need an independent account, email, or phone number. For older kids, apps like Discord (13+ per its own terms) work with just an email signup. Approve whatever you choose through Family Sharing's app restrictions.

12. Test connectivity away from Wi-Fi

Turn off Wi-Fi and confirm messaging, FaceTime, maps, and Find My all work over the NextRange data connection before handing the phone over for real.

What this setup doesn't include

NextRange is data-only. There's no traditional phone number, SMS line, or cellular voice calling. iMessage and FaceTime cover messaging and calling between Apple devices, but your child won't be able to call or text non-Apple phone numbers the traditional way. If that's essential, a full phone plan is a better fit than a data-only setup.

Ready to get started? Check your device and join the waitlist.