Getting started
How does Art Gate work?
You choose which apps stay locked on your child's device. When your child wants to use them, Art Gate gives them a short set of age‑appropriate art questions. Once they finish, the apps unlock for the amount of time you set, then re‑lock automatically.
Why does Art Gate ask for Screen Time permission?
Art Gate uses Apple's Family Controls / Screen Time system to lock and unlock the apps you pick. This all happens on your device — Art Gate can't see your usage history, and nothing is sent off the device. Granting it is what lets the app do its job. You can also use Art Gate as a standalone art challenge without granting it.
How do I change difficulty, time limits, or which apps are locked?
Open the parent dashboard (tap “Parent access”/“Parent settings” and authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode). From there you can edit each child's difficulty, unlock duration, locked apps, and view progress.
Questions & content
What kind of art questions does it ask?
Art Gate has 920 questions across five strands: Color & Mixing, Elements of Art, Tools & Materials, Design & Composition, and Art History & Artists. Questions are multiple choice and written for five age tiers, from ages 5–6 up to 13+.
Does my child need to be able to draw?
No. Art Gate asks about color, shape, materials, composition and artists — not drawing skill. Nothing is graded on how well your child draws, and the app never asks them to make anything.
Why doesn't my five‑year‑old get art history questions?
On purpose. The youngest two tiers cover what a young child can actually see — what two paints make, rough or smooth, what repeats in a pattern. Art History & Artists opens at the 9–10 tier, once there is something for the names to attach to.
Does the app show paintings or images?
No. Art Gate is text‑only by design. That keeps the app small, fast, and free of any image‑licensing questions — color theory, technique, composition and history all test fine in words.
Subscriptions & billing
What does Art Gate cost?
Weekly $0.99 or Monthly $1.99 (auto‑renewing subscriptions), or a one‑time Lifetime purchase of $19.99. Art Gate is free to set up.
Is it shared with my family?
Yes. All three purchases support Apple's Family Sharing, so one purchase covers the children in your Family Sharing group.
How do I restore a purchase?
On the subscription screen, tap Restore Purchases. As long as you're signed in with the same Apple Account you bought with, your access will be restored.
How do I cancel or manage my subscription?
Subscriptions are managed by Apple. On your device go to Settings → tap your name → Subscriptions, choose Art Gate, and cancel or change your plan. Cancel at least 24 hours before the renewal date to avoid being charged for the next period.
How do refunds work?
Purchases are handled by Apple, so refund requests go through Apple at reportaproblem.apple.com.
Privacy & safety
Do you collect my child's data?
No. Art Gate collects no personal data and contains no ads or trackers. Everything stays on your device. See our Privacy Policy for details.
How do I delete our data?
Because all data is stored only on your device, deleting the app removes everything Art Gate has stored.
Still stuck?
We're a small team and we read every message. Email [email protected] with what's happening, your device model, and your iOS version, and we'll help you out.