Keeping kids safe online is a big job for parents. With so many apps, games, and websites available, it’s hard to know what your child is doing on their devices. Many parents look for ways to protect their children while still giving them some freedom to explore.
The best Android parental control apps let you monitor screen time, block harmful content, and track your child’s location. These tools can help parents set healthy digital boundaries without constantly looking over their child’s shoulder. Finding the right app depends on your family’s needs and your child’s age.
1. FamilyTime
FamilyTime is one of the best parental control apps for Android devices currently available. It helps parents monitor and manage their children’s digital activities with ease and effectiveness.
The app comes with a wide range of features designed to give parents peace of mind. Parents can track their child’s location, set screen time limits, and block inappropriate apps or websites.
What makes FamilyTime stand out is how simple it is to use. The interface is clean and user-friendly, making it accessible even for parents who aren’t tech-savvy.
Screen time management is a key strength of this app. Parents can limit how long kids use their devices and even set specific schedules for when certain apps can be used.
The app also offers call and text monitoring features. This helps parents keep an eye on who their children are communicating with and what they’re saying.
FamilyTime works on both Android and iOS devices, making it flexible for families with different types of phones. This cross-platform capability is handy for households with various devices.
SafeWise notes that FamilyTime is one of their favorite parental control apps due to its tracking and blocking capabilities. The review highlights how comprehensive the app’s features are.
The main dashboard gives parents a quick overview of their child’s digital activity. This makes it easy to spot any concerning patterns without having to dig through complex menus.
Parents can also use FamilyTime to create “Geo-fences” – virtual boundaries on a map. The app then sends alerts when children enter or leave these areas, adding an extra layer of safety.
While the app offers a free trial, it does require a subscription for full access to all features. The cost varies depending on how many devices you need to monitor.
2. Bark
Bark is a comprehensive parental control app that monitors multiple aspects of a child’s online activity. It works by scanning text messages, emails, and over 30 social media platforms to identify potential issues.
What makes Bark stand out is its focus on serious concerns like cyberbullying, predatory behavior, and even suicidal ideation. Rather than giving parents full access to all content, Bark sends alerts only when it detects something concerning.
Parents appreciate that the app strikes a balance between safety and privacy. Kids can maintain some independence while parents receive notifications about genuine risks.
The app scans web browsers and online activities as well. This feature helps catch problems that might occur across different platforms or apps.
Some users mention the “no delete” feature for text messages on Bark phones. According to user experiences shared on Reddit, this prevents children from removing potentially concerning messages before parents can see them.
Installation is straightforward on Android devices. Parents simply download the app and connect it to their child’s accounts and device.
The monitoring capabilities extend to YouTube as well. This helps parents keep track of what videos their children watch without constantly looking over their shoulders.
Bark offers different subscription options for families. These vary in price depending on the level of monitoring desired.
Many consider Bark to be one of the best parental control apps for 2025. Its combination of broad coverage and targeted alerts makes it popular among safety-conscious parents.
The app continues to update its detection systems to keep pace with new online threats and platforms. This helps ensure children stay protected even as technology changes.
3. Qustodio
Qustodio stands out as a comprehensive parental control app designed to help parents monitor and manage their children’s digital activities. It works on Android devices and offers a wide range of features that make it popular among families.
Parents can easily set daily screen time limits with Qustodio, helping kids maintain a healthy balance with technology. The app also lets parents block inappropriate content automatically, keeping children safe as they explore online.
One of Qustodio’s strengths is its ability to monitor social media and YouTube activities. This feature gives parents insight into what their children are watching and who they’re interacting with online.
App blocking is another useful feature that allows parents to restrict access to specific applications they deem inappropriate or too distracting. This helps ensure children stay focused on important tasks like homework.
The location tracking feature lets parents locate family members at any time, providing peace of mind regarding their children’s whereabouts. This can be especially helpful for families with busy schedules and multiple activities.
According to reviews, Qustodio is particularly suitable for Android households with children 13 and older. The interface is user-friendly, making it accessible even for parents who aren’t especially tech-savvy.
The app offers both free and premium versions. The free version provides basic monitoring capabilities, while the premium subscription unlocks the full suite of features. Many parents find the additional features worth the cost for the added protection and control.
Installation is straightforward on Android devices. Once set up, the app runs in the background, continuously monitoring activity without interfering with normal device operation.
Parents receive regular reports about their child’s digital activities, helping them stay informed and address any concerns promptly. These insights can spark important conversations about digital citizenship and online safety.
Qustodio works well for families with multiple children, as parents can customize settings for each child based on age and maturity level. This flexibility makes it a versatile choice for growing families with changing needs.
4. Net Nanny
Net Nanny is a well-established parental control software with a strong focus on content filtering. It works well on Android devices and gives parents useful tools to monitor their children’s online activities.
One of Net Nanny’s standout features is its intelligent content filtering system. Unlike basic blocklists, it analyzes web content in real-time to make smart decisions about what’s appropriate for your child.
Parents can use Net Nanny to view each child’s location through a Family Map feature. This location tracking provides peace of mind when kids are away from home.
The app also offers screen time management tools. Parents can set daily limits and schedule when devices can be used. These features help create healthy digital habits.
Net Nanny puts extra effort into social media monitoring. This focus helps parents stay aware of their children’s interactions on popular platforms where online risks often occur.
Customization is another strength of Net Nanny. Families can create personalized filtering profiles for each child based on age and maturity level. This flexibility works well for households with children of different ages.
The app’s dashboard is user-friendly, showing parents a clear overview of their child’s digital activities. Reports and alerts help spot potential concerns quickly.
While Net Nanny offers many helpful features, some reviews mention it isn’t as comprehensive as other parental control apps. The price is also higher than some alternatives on the market.
Installation on Android devices is straightforward, and the app runs smoothly in the background without significantly affecting device performance. This means children can still enjoy their devices while parents maintain oversight.
For families looking for robust content filtering and location tracking, Net Nanny provides a reliable solution. Its balance of protection and flexibility makes it worth considering among the top parental control options for Android users.
5. Google Family Link
Google Family Link is a free app that helps parents manage their children’s Android devices. It lets you set screen time limits and see how your kids spend time on their phones or tablets.
With this app, you can track your child’s device location and know where they are. This feature gives many parents peace of mind when their kids are away from home.
The app also makes it easy to filter content and block specific apps. Parents can decide which apps their children can download and use.
Family Link works best for families with kids under 13. The parental controls let you set digital ground rules remotely from your own device.
Parents can manage settings for their child’s Google Account, including privacy settings. This helps keep kids safe as they explore online.
One big plus is that Family Link comes from Google, so it integrates well with Android devices and Google services. There’s no need to pay for extra features.
Setting up Family Link requires both parent and child devices. The parent installs the Family Link app, while the child needs the Family Link child app.
Some parents find the app’s interface simple to navigate. The dashboard clearly shows how much time kids spend on different apps.
Family Link isn’t perfect though. Some content filtering options are limited compared to paid alternatives. And teens might find ways around certain restrictions.
For Android households, Google Family Link ranks among the best options for parental controls. It strikes a good balance between protection and ease of use.
The app receives regular updates from Google, which helps keep security features current. This matters a lot for tools designed to protect children online.
6. Norton Family
Norton Family is a solid choice for parents who want to keep their kids safe online. This app works well on Android devices and offers many helpful features.
Norton Family Parental Control helps parents teach kids about healthy online habits. It doesn’t just block content – it helps build good digital behaviors.
Parents can use Norton Family to filter unwanted content that might be harmful to children. The app lets you set time limits for device use, which helps prevent too much screen time.
One nice thing about Norton Family is that it can monitor an unlimited number of devices. This makes it perfect for families with multiple children who each have their own phones or tablets.
The parent dashboard is easy to use. You can check what your kids are doing online through a simple web portal or through the parent section of the mobile app.
Norton Family sends regular reports about your child’s online activities. These reports help you start conversations about internet safety without feeling like you’re spying.
The app provides insights that help balance online and offline time. This balance is important for kids’ overall development and well-being.
For parents who need a complete solution, Norton Family is available as part of larger Norton security packages. These include protection for devices, online privacy, and personal information.
The setup process is straightforward, and the interface is clean. Parents don’t need to be tech experts to use the controls effectively.
While some parental control apps can feel intrusive, Norton Family focuses on teaching rather than just restricting. This approach helps kids learn responsible online behavior that will serve them well as they grow up.
7. Kaspersky Safe Kids
Kaspersky Safe Kids is a versatile parental control app that works well across multiple platforms, including Android devices. It offers a solid mix of features to help parents monitor and manage their children’s digital activities.
The app provides customizable content filters that let parents block inappropriate websites and content. Parents can also set screen time limits to prevent excessive device usage, which is helpful for maintaining healthy digital habits.
One standout feature is the real-time alert system. Parents receive notifications about their child’s online activities and potential safety concerns right away, allowing for quick intervention when needed.
Kaspersky Safe Kids works smoothly on Android phones and tablets. The app can also be installed on iOS devices, Macs, and PCs, making it a good choice for families with different types of devices.
Parents can generate app usage reports to see which applications their children use most often. This insight helps them better understand their kids’ digital preferences and habits.
The download process is straightforward. Once installed, the setup wizard guides parents through creating profiles for each child and customizing protection settings.
Kaspersky offers both free and premium versions. The free version includes basic features, while the premium option unlocks advanced tools like GPS tracking and extended reporting capabilities.
For families concerned about online safety, Kaspersky Safe Kids provides a balanced approach. It helps protect children from harmful content while still giving them room to explore and learn online in a safer environment.
The user interface is clean and easy to navigate. Parents don’t need technical expertise to set up and manage the various protection features.
8. OurPact
OurPact is a cross-platform parental control app that works on both iOS and Android devices. It functions over WiFi and cellular networks, making it flexible for families with different devices.
The app offers several key features for managing your child’s Android phone usage. Parents can set up schedule-based app rules to control when kids can use certain apps.
Screen time management is straightforward with OurPact. You can create daily allowances and block access when time limits are reached.
The family locator feature helps you keep track of your child’s whereabouts. This adds peace of mind when kids are away from home.
One standout feature is the ability to capture your child’s screen while they’re using their device. This gives parents insight into how kids interact with apps and websites.
OurPact offers different pricing tiers to suit various family needs. The Plus version costs $1.99 per month and supports up to 10 child devices with unlimited manual blocks.
Setup is simple on Android devices. Parents can install the app on their phone and then connect it to their child’s device for monitoring.
The interface is user-friendly and makes navigating between different control options easy. Even parents who aren’t tech-savvy can quickly learn how to use it.
For families with multiple children, the ability to customize settings for each child separately is helpful. This allows for age-appropriate restrictions.
OurPact strikes a good balance between protecting children online and respecting their growing independence. The app helps start conversations about healthy digital habits.
9. Mobicip
Mobicip ranks among the top Android parental control apps for families wanting to keep their kids safe online. This app works on multiple platforms, making it a good choice for families with different devices.
The app helps parents set up screen time schedules for their children. Kids need breaks from screens, and Mobicip makes it easy to create and enforce these limits.
Web filtering is another key feature. Parents can block websites with inappropriate content while allowing educational sites. The filters can be adjusted based on each child’s age and maturity level.
Location tracking helps parents know where their children are. This feature brings peace of mind, especially for parents of teens who are becoming more independent.
Mobicip is known for being budget-friendly. The app offers good value compared to other parental control options on the market. Families can protect multiple devices without breaking the bank.
The app’s interface is simple enough for most parents to use. No technical expertise is needed to set up the basic features and start protecting your children online.
For busy parents, Mobicip offers a way to monitor social media activity. This helps spot potential problems like cyberbullying or contact with strangers.
App management lets parents see which apps their kids are using and for how long. They can block certain apps or limit time spent on games and entertainment.
Parents appreciate Mobicip’s regular reports on their child’s online activity. These summaries help start conversations about healthy digital habits.
The software gets regular updates to keep up with new apps and websites. This means the protection stays current as online trends change.
Customer support is available if parents run into problems. The company offers help through email and their website for technical issues.
10. Boomerang
Boomerang is a parental control app that helps families manage screen time without constant battles. It works on both Android and iOS devices, giving parents tools to track and guide their kids’ online activities.
Parents can set daily time limits for device use and block specific apps that might be inappropriate. One nice feature is the ability to allow educational apps to work even when other screen time is limited.
The app includes several safety tools for calls and text messages. These features help parents keep an eye on who their children are communicating with online.
For families on a budget, Boomerang is a good choice. It’s known for being affordable while still providing solid protection, especially when it comes to blocking specific websites kids shouldn’t visit.
Activity reports are another helpful feature. Parents can see what their children are doing online and use this information to start conversations about healthy digital habits.
The app works best with Android devices, with special features for Samsung phones. If you don’t have a Samsung device, you can still download the app from Google Play with most features intact.
Tech experts give Boomerang positive reviews. PCMag calls it a “solid parental control app” that effectively helps parents track children’s web, app, and mobile activity.
Setup is straightforward, with a Parent Mode app that gives adults control while children use their devices normally but with the limits parents have set. This approach helps reduce arguments about screen time by making the rules clear and consistent.
Screen Time Management
Screen time management is one of the most important features in any parental control app. Good apps let parents set daily or weekly time limits for device usage.
Look for apps with customizable schedules that can block device access during specific hours like bedtime, dinner, or homework time. This helps kids develop healthy digital habits.
The best apps include:
- Individual app time limits
- Instant pause buttons for immediate device lockdown
- Usage reports showing which apps consume the most time
- Different schedules for weekdays vs. weekends
- Remote management options
Many parents appreciate detailed usage statistics that show exactly how their child spends time online. This information helps start conversations about healthy tech habits rather than just imposing restrictions.
Content Filtering Options
Strong content filtering keeps kids from accessing inappropriate websites and apps. Effective filters block harmful content while allowing educational materials to come through.
The best Android parental control apps offer:
- Category-based filtering: Block sites by type (gambling, violence, adult content)
- Custom blocklists/allowlists: Manually add specific websites to block or allow
- Safe search enforcement: Forces Google, YouTube and other search engines into their strictest filtering modes
- App blocking: Prevents installation or use of inappropriate apps
- In-app content filtering: Controls what appears in apps like YouTube or TikTok
Web filters should work across all browsers, not just the default one. This prevents kids from bypassing restrictions by switching browsers.
Some advanced apps can even monitor text messages and track contacts to help parents spot potential problems in communications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Parents often struggle with finding the right parental control solutions for their children’s devices. Here are answers to common questions about Android parental control apps that can help make the decision easier.
What are the top-rated parental control apps for Android devices?
Several parental control apps stand out for Android users. Qustodio consistently ranks as one of the best options with its comprehensive monitoring features.
Google Family Link is excellent for families with children under 13. FamilyTime, Bark, and Net Nanny also offer strong protection with unique features that set them apart.
Each app has different strengths, so the “best” one depends on your specific needs and your child’s age.
How can I set up parental controls on my child’s Android phone?
Setting up parental controls on Android is straightforward. First, download your chosen app from the Google Play Store on both your device and your child’s phone.
Create an account and follow the setup instructions, which typically involve linking your child’s device to your parent account. Most apps like Google Family Link will walk you through permission settings.
The final step usually involves customizing the controls based on your preferences for screen time limits, app restrictions, and content filtering.
What free Android apps are available for monitoring and controlling children’s device usage?
Google Family Link stands out as the best free option for basic parental controls on Android. It lets parents set screen time limits, approve app downloads, and track location.
Qustodio’s free version also offers solid monitoring capabilities with an intuitive interface, though with limited features compared to its paid version.
Some apps like Kids360 offer free trials or basic free tiers that provide essential monitoring features before requiring subscription payments.
Are there any Android parental control apps that are specifically designed for iPhones?
Most major parental control apps work across platforms. Qustodio, Net Nanny, and Bark all function on both Android and iOS devices, making them ideal for families with mixed devices.
However, Apple’s Screen Time is exclusively for iOS and is considered the best option for iPhone-only households, similar to how Google Family Link works best in Android environments.
Cross-platform compatibility is important to check before purchasing any parental control solution if you have both Android and iOS devices in your home.
Can I find a parental control app for Android that operates invisibly?
While some monitoring apps claim to run “invisibly,” most reputable parental control solutions are designed to be visible to children. This transparency helps build trust between parents and kids.
Apps like Qustodio and Bark notify children that monitoring is active. This approach is considered healthier for parent-child relationships and teaches responsible digital citizenship.
Hidden monitoring apps exist but may raise ethical concerns and potentially violate Google’s policies regarding user consent and transparency.
Which Android parental control app offers the best features for managing screen time and app access?
Google Family Link provides excellent screen time management tools that let parents set daily limits, schedule bedtimes, and lock devices remotely when needed.
Qustodio offers more advanced features with detailed time usage reports and the ability to set different time limits for specific apps, which gives parents more granular control.
FamilyTime and Net Nanny also excel in this area, with customizable schedules that can automatically block certain apps during homework hours or bedtime without requiring manual intervention.
