While there are a number of parental control apps available for Android, none are free. Most contain advertisements and require a premium upgrade to function. There are a number of benefits to using a parental control app on your child’s mobile device. You can monitor texts and call logs, block certain websites, and monitor internet usage. While a paid parental control app is a good option for parents, most free ones aren’t as comprehensive as you’d hope.
While some parental control apps are designed for children, most are not suitable for older teens. Moreover, teens tend to explore the web and form new connections. So it’s important to monitor their online activities and ensure that they aren’t harming themselves. The following are some tips for choosing the best parental control app for Android. The best parental control app is one that offers the features parents are looking for. Using a parental control app for Android will ensure that your child is safe and protected.
Related Questions / Contents
- Is There a Free Parental Control App For Android?
- Does Android Have Built in Parental Controls?
- How Can I Monitor My Childs Android Phone?
- How Do I Set Parental Controls on Android?
- How Do I Restrict YouTube on Android?
- Which is the Best Parental Control App?
- Is Bark Or Qustodio Better?
Is There a Free Parental Control App For Android?
A free parental control app for Android can help keep your children from accessing inappropriate content. It can be used to block applications, track where they go, and approve or disallow downloads. Other parental control apps can track your child’s location and allow extra screen time after chores are done. Most of these apps have a free version, but you can upgrade to a premium version if you want more features.
Some of the free parental control apps for Android allow you to monitor call logs, text messages, and websites, and can even place limits on the number of times your child can use an application. These features vary from app to app, so be sure to test the features before making a decision. Some parental control apps even apply a safe search feature to google searches. You can choose the features that best meet your needs and budget.
One of the most useful parental control apps for Android is FamilyTime, which allows parents to manage screen time and set daily limits for apps. They can also block specific apps and set time limits for the day. The app also offers features such as blocking websites, Play Store purchases, and apps. The app is free and easy to install. It allows you to monitor your children’s screen time while you are away from home.
Does Android Have Built in Parental Controls?
Parents can set up parental controls on their Android device by logging into the Google Play Store app. You can access these controls by tapping on your profile picture or the three-line menu icon at the top-right corner of your home screen. You will find several options, including Family. Tap on Family to expand the screen, and you can manage your child’s privacy. You can also set the time and place when the controls are active, as well as restricting what your child can access.
Google’s new Android Q operating system will feature Family Link features that allow parents to monitor their child’s device and review app usage. Parents will be able to set daily screen time limits and device bedtimes. This version of Android will also let parents set limits for specific apps, offer bonus time to children when they ask for more playtime. However, it’s important to remember that parental controls are completely unavoidable.
How Can I Monitor My Childs Android Phone?
If your child uses an Android device, there are ways to monitor their activity. Most Android phones come with a feature that allows parents to switch to a child’s profile, but you need to know which one they have in order to do this. Fortunately, there are several great options for monitoring your child’s phone. Let’s look at a few options. Once you’ve downloaded the right app, you can begin monitoring your child’s activity in real time.
Many parents are concerned that monitoring their childrens phones is the only way to punish them. Not only does monitoring violate your child’s privacy, but it also destroys trust. Your child needs a trusted parent, not someone they don’t know. And, if you do monitor his or her Android device secretly, it may turn your child against you. In addition to monitoring your child’s phone, you can restrict certain apps or monitor specific websites your child visits, such as social media.
How Do I Set Parental Controls on Android?
Regardless of your child’s age, you can turn on parental controls on Android to help protect your child. You must first open the Google Play Store app on your Android device. You can identify it by the three-line menu icon on the upper right corner or by its tappable profile picture. From there, select the Family option. Once here, you can choose what settings your child can view. If you don’t want them to see anything, you can turn off Unknown sources.
The next step is to create a PIN for parental controls. Without it, you will be unable to turn them off. Once you have your PIN, you can go to the Parental Controls page on your Android device. Once there, select the content restrictions you’d like your child to view. Make sure to keep this PIN for future reference. You can also select more than one PIN if you wish to limit what your child can view on his or her Android phone.
How Do I Restrict YouTube on Android?
If you want to block YouTube for your children on your Android phone, you must be aware of the various settings that you can use. In order to restrict access to YouTube on Android, go to Settings>User icon>Privacy & Security>Parental controls. You will need to enter a four-digit PIN to activate parental controls. Now, your child cannot access the website unless the parent grants them permission.
Another simple way to restrict access to YouTube is to download the video. However, the downside of third-party downloaders is that they require you to comply with YouTube’s Terms of Service. Since these third-party applications are not free, Google has removed them. They do not serve their purpose well and are not safe to use. Regardless, you should still install these apps for your child to avoid the problem of YouTube ads. The following tips are helpful when you need to restrict YouTube on Android for kids.
Disabling the restricted mode on YouTube is another way to limit access to the website. Most mobile YouTube apps have this feature. To turn off this feature, log out of the Google account or the YouTube account your child uses to access the website. In the settings screen, tap the “Account” button on the top-right corner of your screen. From here, you can toggle the “Restricted Mode” filtering to “Off.”
Which is the Best Parental Control App?
A good parental control app for Android should be able to block content that is inappropriate for children. It is important to note, however, that it is not always possible to filter all content. While some parental control apps block content, many of them don’t. Norton Parental Control for Android can help parents monitor their children’s online activity. The app runs in the background and cannot be uninstalled without a password.
Unlike many other apps, Bark uses an advanced algorithm to monitor for potential risks and alert parents. It can detect signs of cyberbullying and online grooming, as well as content related to depression and suicidal thoughts. The app also gives parents easy-to-read activity reports so they can monitor their children’s activities. This feature is particularly useful for busy parents who don’t have time to monitor their children’s activities on a daily basis.
Kaspersky Safe Kids is another parental control app for Android with a few monitoring features. It is primarily targeted at younger children and features some extra mobile tools. Another option is FamilyKeeper, which requires two apps, the parent app and the child app. Both apps work excellently and are free to download and install. For more advanced features, use the paid version of the app. Once installed, it will give parents access to everything that the child is doing on the device.
Is Bark Or Qustodio Better?
When it comes to parental control for Android, there are two main options: Bark and Qustodio. Both of them allow parents to log communications on the child’s phone. They both record full text messages and phone calls. Bark allows parents to control screen time, while Qustodio logs everything and gives a complete history of phone calls and messaging activity. The main difference between the two is the fact that Bark doesn’t allow you to block phone calls or SMS messages on iOS.
Qustodio offers more flexibility when it comes to pricing. Unlike Bark, Qustodio allows users to use their own plans and charge as little as $1 a day. However, both apps are not as flexible as Bark, and you may have to pay more if you want to monitor multiple devices. In addition, Qustodio doesn’t block websites, while Bark does.
Learn More Here:
1.) Android Help Center
2.) Android – Wikipedia
3.) Android Versions
4.) Android Guides
FAQs
What version of Android has parental controls? ›
- On your child's device, open Settings . On Android versions 8.1 (O) and later, tap Digital Wellbeing & parental controls. ...
- To view the current settings, tap Daily limit.
- To edit Daily limit settings, sign in or use your Parent Access Code to verify that you're a parent.
Click on Settings > Family > Parental Controls
The expanded section lets you see all available options, including your Android parental control status. If there has been no previous set-up for parental controls on the device, the settings should be off. Tap on it to continue.
Options Beyond Apple and Google
Tablets running iOS or Android can also use Family Sharing or Family Link. Some parents choose smartwatches to stay in contact with their children, and the Apple Watch works with Family Sharing.
...
You can review the instant alerts when the app detects text messages containing risky keywords on kids' Android devices.
- Monitor text messages on main social media apps with keyword alerts.
- Allows to track incognito website history.
Go to Settings. Digital Wellbeing & parental controls. Tap Google Kids Space.
Can I monitor my child's Android from my Android? ›You can use Family Link to monitor content, set screen time limits, and even see their child's location when they have their device with them (parents can manage their device through the Family Link app on Android and iOS). For more tips on using Family link check out families.google.com/familylink.
Is there a completely free parental control app? ›Norton Family parental control
One of the popular parental apps for Android and iPhone, Norton family premier is a free app from Symantec Security Company. This app, from the makers of Norton Security, provides a wide range of parental control and monitoring features for parents of today's hyper-connected kids.
- On your device, open Family Link .
- At the top left, tap Menu. Parent access. The code changes every few minutes.
However, the law permits tracking a child's phone without them knowing by installing a parental control app, such as mSpy, on their device. However, parents can monitor only their underage kids. mSpy monitoring app allows you to watch your kid's activity online secretly.
How can I monitor my childs text messages on Android? ›AirDroid Parental Control app is an all-in-one app. It allows parents to monitor the target Android device remotely. Parents can check the live screen of their child's Android device from a distance. The app also syncs the notifications, including incoming text messages, if Notification is enabled.
What phone has best parental controls? ›
If you want the most parental control without all the added pressure of figuring it out, the Gabb Phone Plus and Gabb Phone are your best option for a parental control phone. Does the idea of parental controls stress you out?
Can I monitor my daughters iPhone from my Android? ›Activate and pair the device to your FamilyTime account. Click here to know more. And you're all done! Now you can use FamilyTime from your Android device to monitor and set parental controls on your child's iPhone.
How can I see my child deleted texts? ›...
Through Their Phone's Recycle Bin
- Open the Messages app.
- In the upper-right corner, tap on the three-dot menu.
- Open Recycle bin.
- Check deleted texts.
- Long tap the texts you want to be retrieved.
Skred - Best Secret Text App
This one of the top messaging apps for Android and iPhone enables anonymous, unique, and secure connections with your contacts. With an intuitive interface, the app allows easy transmission of messages, images, voice calls, video calls, and videos.
SaferText is a breakthrough child safety tool that allows you to see your child or teen's text messages, web browsing history, phone call history and phone contacts.
How do I set child restrictions on Android? ›- Open the Google Play app .
- At the top right, tap the profile icon.
- Tap Settings Family. Parental controls.
- Turn on Parental controls.
- To protect parental controls, create a PIN your child doesn't know.
- Select the type of content you want to filter.
- Choose how to filter or restrict access.
On the day they turn 13, children can choose whether they want to manage their own Google Account or continue to have their parent manage it for them. As a parent, you can also choose to remove supervision at any time when the child is over the age of 13.
What is child view in Android? ›In android (and most other technologies), views can have subviews, aka "children". Most views can have children and can be a child of a parent view. It's kind of like a "tree". The most obvious feature of being a child of some other view is that the child moves with the parent view.
Does Android have a family tracking app? ›If you're a parent, you can find your child's Android device location in Family Link once device location sharing is turned on. Set up location.
What is the Google app for monitoring children's phones? ›Google Family Link is a parental controls app that helps you keep your family safer online. We know that every family's relationship with technology is unique, so we designed tools like Family Link that give you the flexibility to choose the right balance for your family, and help them create healthy digital habits.
Which free app is best for parental control? ›
- AirDroid Parental Control App.
- Qustodio Parental Control Software.
- Norton Family Parental Monitoring App.
- Google Family Link.
- KidLogger Phone Monitoring App for Parents.
- IvyMobile AppLock Cell Phone Parental Controls.
- Kaspersky Safe Kids Cell Phone Monitoring for Parents.
SecureTeen is the answer to all your problems. It is the ultimate parental control software that offers a secure and reliable way to monitor your child's mobile phone without them knowing. This parental control app has only been designed for parents to help them with monitoring their child's mobile activity.
What is the app that turns off children's phone? ›iOS/Android: Both
If you're looking for a parental control app to help you manage your child's screen time, you can't go wrong with FamilyTime. Parents can use the app to do everything from setting screen time limits to creating internet time blocks to freezing their child's phone remotely.
Family Link gives you access to manage your child's account and data settings. As a parent, you can help change or reset your child's password if they forget it, edit their personal information or even delete their account if you feel necessary.
What is family app on Android? ›What is the Google Family Link app? Google Family Link is a free app that works with Android and iOS devices to allow parents to keep track of their children's digital activity. It allows parents to manage a variety of things to keep children safe online, including device location, screen time and privacy.
How do I open parent lock? ›- Open the Play Store app.
- Tap Menu.
- Tap Settings.
- Tap Parental controls.
- Slide to turn Parental controls to OFF.
- Enter 4 Digit PIN.
Regardless of whether you use an iPhone or an Android smartphone, it is possible for someone to install spyware onto your phone that secretly tracks and reports on your activity. It's even possible for someone to monitor your cell phone's activity without ever even touching it.
How can I monitor another phone? ›- AirDroid Phone Monitoring App. ...
- mSpy Mobile Monitoring App. ...
- FamiSafe Phone Monitor App. ...
- PcTattletale Cell Phone Monitoring App. ...
- Spyfone Monitoring Phone App. ...
- KidLogger Phone Monitoring Software. ...
- Mobile Tracker Free. ...
- iKeyMonitor Android Monitoring App.
On an Android
Depending on your phone model, operating system, and cellular provider, you will notice one of the following: Read Receipts, Send Read Receipts or Request Receipt. Turn on the applicable option. On a Samsung phone, go to Messages > Menu > Settings > Chat settings. Here, you can enable read receipts.
About TurboSpy
Keep your children safe while on their phones and employees productive on their company-issued devices with the Turbo Spy & Monitoring App. View texts, GPS location, emails, photos, videos, social media messages, and more from an Android phone, iPhone, or iPad.
How do you keep someone from knowing you read their text Android? ›
How to Turn Off Read Receipts on Android. Go to the Message settings menu, and click on general settings. Then, click on the Chat features option. You will see the Send read receipts toggle option.
Is there a phone that only texts and calls? ›Jethro SC490 [4G] Unlocked Cell Phone for Seniors & Kids, Talk & Text Only, Supports Picture Dialing, Accessories Included (Charging Dock, USB & SIM Card)
Do phones have a kids mode? ›In Kid Mode, your child can safely use the apps and services you've approved without being able to access the internet, change your settings, or make purchases. Tap the Exit button on the main Kids Mode menu to exit. You'll be prompted to enter the Kids Mode passcode to exit the Kids Mode app.
How can parents control kids phones? ›Go to Settings and tap Screen Time. Tap Content & Privacy Restrictions and enter your Screen Time passcode. Tap Content Restrictions, then tap Web Content. Choose Unrestricted Access, Limit Adult Websites, or Allowed Websites.
Can I control my daughters phone from mine? ›The easiest way to get remote control access to your child's phone is to download a parental control app. Before you can control your child's phone, you will need to create a profile for each child and then download the app on the kid's phone as well.
Can I shut off my child's phone remotely? ›Yes, you can power off your phone remotely. Whether you own an Android smartphone or an iPhone, you can turn it off from anywhere. There are different ways to shutdown Android phone remotely as well as shut down iPhone remotely.
How do you use Eyezy? ›- Pick your membership. We've got plans for every need. ...
- Install Eyezy. Our Friendly Installer will show you everything you need to do to get started. ...
- Dig out the info. Log in to your Eyezy Dashboard and discover the truth about those you care about the most.
Open the Messages app on your Samsung phone. Tap the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner and open the Recycle bin. Check your deleted text messages.
Can deleted texts be recovered? ›To recover your deleted messages from your phone's backup, you need to perform a factory reset of your phone and then restore your phone from a saved backup. That means you are deleting all of the data on your phone and resetting it as though it were new.
How to restore deleted text messages? ›- Go to Settings > Backup & Restore.
- Select the latest backup and restore it. Your deleted text messages are there.
- Wait for the process to get your deleted text messages back.
What is a hidden menu on a Android? ›
It's called the System UI Tuner and it can be used for customizing an Android gadget's status bar, clock and app notification settings. Introduced in Android Marshmallow, this experimental menu is hidden but it's not difficult to find. Once you get to it, you'll wish you knew about it sooner.
What are disguised apps? ›A decoy app is a sneaky on-device tool that lets anybody hide secret photos, videos and messages, under the cover of an innocent-looking icon.
How do you hide a text conversation on Android? ›- Open the Chat app or Gmail app .
- Tap Chat .
- Tap the person's name or group.
- At the top, tap the person's name or group. Hide conversation.
Qustodio is a full-featured monitoring app to see kids texts. While it includes several other monitoring features (much like Eyezy mentioned above), many parents use Qustodio to read their kids' text messages.
How can I see what my kids are texting? ›Installing parental control apps on a child's phone, like MobileSpy, can also be effective. The tracking includes text messages and the location, and all Internet activities. You will need physical access to the target phone to monitor kids' texts on an Android phone using MobileSpy.
Is there a parent to parent texting app? ›TalkingParents is the most all-inclusive co-parenting solution on the market today. We are the only shared parenting app that offers messaging, recorded phone and video calls, a shared calendar, and payments in one complete service.
Does Android 11 have parental controls? ›Set Up Android 11 Parental Controls for Apps
Tap Settings. Under User Controls, turn on Parental Controls and follow the prompts. Set a parental control PIN for each Google Play account.
Set Up Parental Controls for Apps
Open the Google Play Store. Tap the three horizontal bars in the upper-left corner to open the menu. Tap Settings. Under User Controls, turn on Parental Controls and follow the prompts.
Check your device compatibility
Family Link supervision can run on Android devices with version 7.0 (Nougat) and higher. Devices running Android versions 5.0 and 6.0 (Lollipop and Marshmallow) may also be able to have Family Link settings applied to them. See our Help Center for more details.
Gabb Phone: The original safe phone for kids
It was designed to give kids a safe smartphone with everything they need, but nothing they don't—it does not allow access to the internet, social media, and unsafe apps. Gabb Phone comes with the following features: GPS tracking and customizable geo-fenced “safe zones”
How do I make my Android tablet kid friendly? ›
To set up Android tablet parental controls, go to Google Play Settings > Family > Parental Controls > On, then set the desired restrictions. You can restrict downloads from the Google Play Store so that kids can't purchase any content without your permission.
Is there a better app than Family Link? ›9Safe Lagoon Parental Monitoring Software
If the Google family link is the pro, the safe lagoon is considered the lite version. It allows parents to view the app their kids use, find their kids' location, lock the phone, or limit their usage. Think of it as an alternative to the Google family link.