As an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Mac user, you have the option to receive a warning for sensitive material. If you receive a message or file with sexually explicit content, it may be automatically blurred and you will see a warning.
The option is mainly intended to reduce children’s exposure to unwanted explicit content. Ultimately, the user, no matter how young, can decide for themselves whether they want to view the content.
Sensitive material
Apple wants to protect its users from sensitive material. You can choose to receive warnings about photos or videos that may contain nudity before you view them, as well as resources to help you make a safe choice.
The feature helps you avoid receiving unwanted nude photos or videos on your iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch or Mac. This requires at least iOS 17, iPadOS 17, watchOS 10 or macOS Sonoma.
Enable sensitive material alert
Sensitive material warning is disabled by default. Once you enable this feature, you can choose which apps and services you want to use it with.
Enable sensitive material alert
- Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad
- Navigate to ‘Privacy and security’
- Tap ‘Sensitive material warning’
- Enable the option of the same name
All supported apps and services are enabled automatically. You can disable access to some apps and services if you wish. If you turn on Sensitive Content Warning on your iPhone, it will also be turned on for your paired Apple Watch.
Restrict sexually explicit content on Mac
- Go to  ▸ System Settings
- Select ‘Privacy & security’
- Open ‘Warning sensitive material’
- Enable the option of the same name
All supported apps and services are enabled automatically. You can disable access to some apps and services if you wish.
Limit sensitive material
Unfortunately, limiting sexually explicit content is not yet done in all applications. Below an overview. Starting in iOS 17.2, stickers and contact posters will also be blurred if they contain nudity.
- iPhone or iPad: Messages, AirDrop, Contacts in the Phone app, and FaceTime video messages
- Mac: Messages
- Apple Watch: Messages and Contacts in the Phone app
Blur sexual content
If the feature determines that you have received a photo or video that appears to contain nudity, it will blur the image. Additionally, it displays a warning that the content appears sensitive and provides ways to get help.
If you decide to view the photo or video, tap Show and the content will be shown. If you’re not sure or need help, tap the exclamation point to consult resources or block the person who sent the sensitive content.
Communications security
To protect your child from viewing or sharing sensitive photos or videos, you can Communications security enable your child’s device to detect photos and videos that may contain nudity.