It goes without saying that children these days have more access to digital technology than any generation in human history. Whether it's computers, televisions, tablets, and smartphones, many of our children are exposed to technology from a young age, sometimes as young as two years old, with an average sitting around six and a half hours a day.
As responsible parents, it's up to us to make sure that our children are using these devices wisely, making sure that they're not abusing their access and that the content they are viewing and interacting with is suitable for their age.
This means you're going to need to enlist the help of a free parental control app. Today, we will help you find out the best free parental control app for android to monitor kids' devices.
9 Best Free Parental Control App for Android in 2023
What app can I use to control my child's phone? To help you get the right tools for the job, below, you'll find the top ten android parental control apps that come with all the features you'll need to ensure you have the level of control that you need as a parent.
- 1. FamiSafe Android Parental Control App
- 2. Kaspersky Safe Kids
- 3. mSpy Parental Control
- 4. Net Nanny
- 5. Norton Family Parental Control
- 6. Screen Time Parental Control App
- 7. ScreenLimit
- 8. Family Time
- 9. ESET Parental Control Android
1. FamiSafe - a full-featured android parental control app
Coming in as the best android parental control app for kids aged 2-18 is FamiSafe. FamiSafe is an all-in-one parental control app. It offers nearly every feature a parent could want from the best parental control apps. The parental app can get the whole digital parenting done. FamiSafe can track the child's location, display their location history, and set screen time allowances and schedules for basic parenting. What's more, it is also an intelligent parental control app. It can detect and send instant alerts of risky texts and porn images—besides, its excellent web filtering match over 10 inappropriate categories. Parents can use the SafeSearch feature to filter out specific search results.
For kids from age 16 to 18, FamiSafe's Driving Report feature records teen driving to help them form safe driving habits. With a free trial version available and a full range of complete services and features, this promises to be the top free android parental control app you're going to need. It works well on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Kindle Fire and chromebook, giving a wide range of digital protection.
Why FamiSafe app is the best parental control app for android?
FamiSafe app offers the best mix of real-time location tracking, app blocker, web filtering, social media text monitoring, and driving reports on Android, iOS, Kindle Fire, Windows, Mac, and chromebook. For families, it is the best digital guard to protect kids from 2 to 18. Parents can install this app easily in three steps.
Features of FamiSafe:
- Filter out explicit search results and block words to search on all browsers.
- Get a detailed driving report. View activities like high speed, over speed, hard braking, and more for a single driving record.
- Block inappropriate websites by categories or restrict certain sites
- Detect risky social media texts on mainstream apps and send instant alerts.
- Monitor watch history and block certain YouTube videos or channels.
- Monitor watch history and block the usage of TikTok.
- Real-time GPS location tracking and geofencing capabilities
- View daily screen time chart. Set screen time allowance or schedules.
- Track app activity and set time limits on certain apps such as Google Play Store.
Supported OS - iOS / Android / Kindle Fire / Windows / Mac / Chromebook
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- Web Filter & SafeSearch
- Screen Time Limit & Schedule
- Location Tracking & Driving Report
- App Blocker & App Activity Tracker
- YouTube & Tik Tok History Monitor; Video Blocker
- Social Media Texts & Porn Images Alerts
- Works on Mac, Windows, Android, iOS, Kindle Fire
2. Kaspersky Safe Kids
Kaspersky is a leader in digital monitoring services, and the Safe Kids version of their powerful service has been designed to provide you with all the features you'll need to keep your kids safe in real-time and while using their devices.
Features:
- Real-time location tracking at any time
- See all device usage times and add custom device blocks
- Automatic and custom internet material blocks
Supported OS - Windows / Mac / iOS / Android
3. mSpy Android Parental Control
Marketed as "the ultimate parental control app", mSpy prides itself on its fast installation process, ease of use, and outstanding customer service that makes it easy for you to monitor your child's device usage, regardless of the technological device that they're using.
Features:
- View all instant message activity instantly and remotely
- See all calls, SMS messages, and contacts on the device
- Real-time GPS location tracking and geofencing capabilities
Supported OS - Windows / Mac / iOS / Android
4. Net Nanny
While Net Nanny is a popular parental controls App for android cell phones that provides a complete range of powerful internet management features that a responsible parent needs, it's worth noting that you'll need to invest in a separate package for each type of device that you're trying to monitor.
Features:
- Automatic online content block
- Screen and app time management
- Control the device remotely
- Complete internet filter
Supported OS - Windows / Mac OS / iOS / Android
5. Norton Family Parental Control
One of the parental apps for android, Norton Family, is a multi-device application that gives you all the tools you need to keep your children safe, whether they're out and about or at home using their digital devices.
Features:
- Online web and device time supervision
- Set up online search keyword alerts
- Monitor all social network activity
- Protect all personal information
- GPS location tracking
Supported OS - Windows / Mac OS / iOS / Android
6. Screen Time Parental Control App
If you're looking for a parental control app that's designed especially for Android devices, this is the app for you. While the app doesn't help teach your kids about how to monitor and limit their screen time, it does help make restrictions fun and helps you stay in control, providing you with all the statistics you need to make the right decisions.
Features:
- Complete screen control with a start, pause, stop, swap, and schedule options
- Reward system for staying off devices
- Personalized avatar system to engage children
- Daily and weekly schedule options
- Email notification and feature edit warnings
Supported OS - iOS / Android
7. ScreenLimit
As the title suggests, ScreenLimit is a parental supervision app designed to help you manage your child's screen time while making it an enjoyable process for your kids using a simple yet engaging reward process, ensuring everybody in your family remains happy.
Features:
- Cross-platform compatibility
- The on-screen countdown for kids to see how much time they have left
- Five-minute installation service
- Instant block or unblock app and web page features
- Set up custom schedules and times
- Remote message send feature
Supported OS - Windows / Mac OS / Amazon Tablets / Android / iOS
8. Family Time
When it comes to stopping your children from accessing their devices and getting distracted when they're supposed to be asleep, doing homework, spending time with the family or out with their friends, this could be the only app you need to make sure you have all the information you need to make the right decisions on their safety and well-being.
Features:
- Unique BedTime feature to block nighttime access to the device
- Homework schedule feature
- Custom time limits on device access
- Real-time GPS location tracking with geofencing capabilities
- Block and unblock applications at will
Supported OS - iOS / Android
9. ESET Parental Control Android
If you're looking for a complete parental control service that's designed to work seamlessly with your child's Android device, there's no need to look any further than the ESET parental control application. With all the standard features you would expect, this is one of the complete services available.
Features:
- Complete control over application access
- Custom and automatic web guard and internet filters
- Check your child's location anytime with real-time GPS location tracking
- Custom parental control message sent remotely
Supported OS - Android
FAQ1: How do I put parental controls on my Samsung phone or tablet?
Samsung Galaxy S10 Android phone doesn't have built-in parental controls. But parents can set Samsung parental controls with third-party apps.
FAQ2: Is there a kid mode for Android?
Yes, Samsung phones have a Kid mode app for kids. It can create child-safe content for kids and limit screen time. Parents can also set parental lock with Google Play parental control, child restriction profile, and third-party apps.
As you can see, when it comes to choosing the best free parental control app to help you monitor and stay in control of your children's digital devices, there's so much choice out there.
However, FamiSafe Android parental control app will remain our top choice as the best parental control app for android thanks to its fast installation service, ease of use, and a complete range of features that help you make the right choices.
Try for Free on Google Play and App Store!
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- Web Filter & SafeSearch
- Screen Time Limit & Schedule
- Location Tracking & Driving Report
- App Blocker & App Activity Tracker
- YouTube History Monitor & Video Blocker
- Social Media Texts & Porn Images Alerts
- Works on Mac, Windows, Android, iOS, Kindle Fire
Thomas Jones
chief Editor
FAQs
Best Free Parental Control App for Android 2021? ›
Google Family Link is a first-option parent control app available for free. Its many features are well integrated with the Android operating system. Some of its features include app monitoring and management, location, phone usage habit, and lock the device.
What is the best app for monitoring your child's phone free? ›Google Family Link is a first-option parent control app available for free. Its many features are well integrated with the Android operating system. Some of its features include app monitoring and management, location, phone usage habit, and lock the device.
Is there a free parental control app to see text messages? ›- Option #1: Eyezy. As far as apps that give parents access to texts go, you can't top Eyezy. ...
- Option #2: Sign in to iCloud. If your kid has an iPhone, you might have a free text monitoring app for parents at your disposal. ...
- Option #3: Qustodio. ...
- Option #4: AirDroid. ...
- Option #5: WebWatcher.
Google Family Link is a setup account created by Google. It is designed to help parents monitor all digital activities their children are involved in. It helps you track your child's Android phone for free, and as such, It could be used to track your children's online activities without them knowing.
How can I put parental controls on my Android phone for free? ›- 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.
Celltracker Monitor App for Android. It is one of the best free phone monitoring apps that allows you to track the location and activity of a cell phone remotely. The software is primarily used for parental control, employee monitoring, and tracking lost or stolen phones.
Is FamiSafe free? ›FamiSafe is the best free parental control app for Android, showing your device activity report, browser history report and app usage report.
Can I get my child's text messages sent to my phone? ›How to See Your Child's Texts on Android. Unlike iOS, Android doesn't enable you to view your child's text messages and doesn't forward them to you either. However, you can monitor your child's text messages and social media texts using Google Family Link.
How can I see all my child's text messages? ›Parental control software is an app for parents to monitor the text messages of their kids. It lets you track their text messages, social media texts, and check call logs. Some of these apps also give you the GPS location of their phones.
How can I see my child deleted texts? ›Deleted texts are stored on the internal memory of Android phones and are usually permanently deleted after a certain amount of time, that is if your child doesn't regularly clean their phone's recycle bin. You might be able to restore deleted texts by going to Messages > Recycle Bin on your child's phone.
How can I view what my child is doing on his Android phone? ›
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.
Does Qustodio have a free version? ›Qustodio works on the most popular platforms: Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, and Kindle. What's the difference between Free and Premium? The Free version of Qustodio can protect a single device and includes basic protection features.
What app can I use to see everything on my child's phone? ›Company | Price | iOS/Android |
---|---|---|
For Real-Time Monitoring Qustodio | Starting at $55/year for 5 devices | Both |
For Location Tracking Norton Family | $50/year | Both |
For Older Kids Canopy | $8-$16/month | Both |
For Younger Kids Net Nanny | Starting at $50/year | Both |
Do you want to know more about your lovely sweetheart? Try AirDroid Parental Control for free now!
Is there a better app than Family Link? ›OurPact. OurPact is a good solution for families of all sizes. OurPact is a popular parental control app that allows parents to set screen time limits and reward their kids for good behavior. The parent app also limits screen time by setting a timer for each app.
How can I control my kids phone from mine for free? ›- Qustodio: Create Powerful Web Filters Remotely from the Parent Dashboard. ...
- Bark: Remote Control Over Which Social Media Sites Your Child Can Access. ...
- Mobicip: Instantly lock all devices remotely.
Company | Price | iOS/Android |
---|---|---|
For Large Families OurPact | $70/year | Both |
For Teen Drivers Life 360 | Free to $15-$25/month or $100-$200/year | Both |
For Text Monitoring MMGuardian | $50-$100/year | Both |
For Free Option Google Family Link | Free | Both |
FamiSafe-Parental Control App
The app offers many kid-centric features such as driver safety, adult content block, and screen time, allowing you to keep your kids safe from the online world. The app is affordable and works without rooting and jailbreaking the target device which is also a good thing about it.
Best Free Parental Control Apps for iPhone and iPad
If you truly need a free option, then both Qustodio and Screen Time have free versions available. That said, the free version of Screen Time is virtually useless for iOS users. All you can do is see what apps your child is using and receive daily reports.