How to Use Parental Controls on Android: Complete Guide with Apps, Tips, and Step-by-Step Setup

Technology has become completely integrated into our lives, transforming both our daily routines and the way children interact with the world. Practically from the moment we wake up, we turn to smart devices, and children and adolescents have access to an almost endless variety of apps, information, and social media. This, while offering countless educational and communication advantages, also entails significant risks. if we do not establish certain restrictions and limits on its use.

A relevant fact This is evidenced by the current situation: a large proportion of very young children use their parents' mobile phone or tablet on a daily basis, and this percentage increases progressively with age, reaching figures close to the total number in adolescents. Early and growing access to digital devices means that, more than ever, parents and guardians must take safety measures. parental control, not only to protect the integrity and privacy of minors, but also to teach them safe and responsible use of technology.

In this article you will find a comprehensive and up-to-date guide on How to use parental controls on Android, what options are available both integrated into the system and through third-party apps, how to configure them step by step, and essential tips for achieving a safe, balanced, and positive digital experience for minors.

What is parental control and why is it important?

Parental control is a feature that allows parents or guardians to supervise, limit and customize minors' access to certain content, applications and functionalities. both on mobile devices and on tablets or computers. Its objective is not only to restrict the use of technology, but Protect privacy, reduce the risk of cyberbullying, prevent access to inappropriate content, and promote healthy digital habits..

The main functions of parental control encompass:

• Restrict the download, access, or purchase of applications and games according to age.
• Filter content unsuitable for minors on websites, app stores, videos, and social networks.
• Limit the time spent using your device and specific apps.
• Control and track browsing history and activity.
• Manage permissions for apps: camera, microphone, location, etc.
• Avoid accidental purchases and manage data usage.
• Geolocate the device and receive alerts in unusual situations.

Key benefits of parental controls on Android

• Protection against inappropriate content (violence, pornography, drugs, gambling, online scams, etc.).
• Cyberbullying Prevention and monitoring of interactions on networks and messaging.
• Screen time management to avoid addiction, concentration problems or sleep disturbances.
• Avoid unwanted purchases in apps or games with micropayments.
• Promote the progressive autonomy of the minor, adapting the restrictions to their maturity.
• Promote family communication on healthy digital habits.

Parental controls are not at odds with trust; they are a support and protection tool that allows children to use technology safely and responsibly.

How do I enable parental controls on Android? Built-in options and settings

On newer Android devices, the system includes parental control options directly in the phone settings, under "Digital Wellbeing and Parental Controls"From here, you can set up separate profiles, define which apps can be used, restrict downloads, or set usage schedules.

In addition to the configuration from settings, Google Play Store allows you to activate parental controls associated with the type of content that can be downloaded or purchased based on the user's age. This way, you can prevent minors from installing apps, games, movies, books, and other content that is not appropriate for their age. The system uses international ratings such as PEGI for video games and other agencies for movies, music, and books. If you want to manage these aspects in more detail, you can also check out this guide on How to create effective parental controls with Google Family Link.

Steps to activate parental controls from Android settings

1. Accede to Settings on your Android mobile or tablet.
2. Locate and enter Digital well-being and parental controls.
3. Select option parental control and click on “Configure”.
4. Choose whether the device will be used by a child or an adult (in the latter case, you'll manage other devices with Family Link).
5. Follow the instructions for linking accounts if you want to manage remotely using Family Link.

How to set up parental controls on the Google Play Store

1. Open the Google Play Store app on the device to be configured.
2. Click on the profile icon (top right) and access Settings.
3. Enter the section Family and select parental control.
4. Activate the option parental controlThe system will ask you for a PIN to block unauthorized changes.
5. You can choose content restrictions for:
   • Applications and games (according to PEGI classification).
   • Movies (according to each country's classification).
   • Music (blocking explicit content).
   • Books and series (limiting those with explicit sexual content or other unsuitable themes).
6. Save your changes. Any content outside these limits will require a PIN to install or access.

Keep in mind: Google Play parental controls apply only to downloads, purchases, and viewing of content from the store and official apps. They do not prevent minors from viewing filtered search results or direct links, so it's recommended to complement this setting with other options and ongoing communication.

How to enable parental controls on iOS devices (iPhone and iPad)

On iPhone or iPad, Apple has included specific parental control functions for years. within the "Screen Time" section in Settings. You can restrict apps, filter content, set daily limits, block purchases, and manage privacy. To manage these aspects from your child's device, you can also visit this guide on How to manage teen Instagram accounts and keep them safe.

• Accede to Settings > Usage time.
• Select whether the device belongs to a minor or an adult.
• Create a 4-digit password to prevent children from changing settings.
• From here, set restrictions on apps, purchases, privacy, daily limits, usage schedules, and other security options.
• To manage your child's device from your own mobile phone, link it using the section "In family" iCloud and creating a child account.

Advanced options: user accounts, kids mode, and restricted profiles

On many Android devices, especially tablets and mobile phones of certain brands, it is possible to create more than one user or profile on the same device:

• Sign in Settings > Users o Profiles (may vary depending on manufacturer).
• Add a new user and define whether it will be standard or restricted.
• Configure which apps and features will be available to that child profile.
• Some devices include a Kids Mode from Settings, where you select the allowed apps and set an exit password.

How parental controls work depending on the type of content

Parental controls vary depending on the app, game, multimedia, book, or web browsing experience. When setting restrictions, you choose the maximum rating allowed for downloads and purchases.For example, apps rated for ages 12 and up will only be accessible if that age range is authorized.

It is important to know that:

• Apps and games already downloaded before activating parental controls are not deleted unless you specifically block them.
• Search results or direct links may continue to display restricted content, although downloading or purchasing will be blocked.
• Paid purchases require additional authentication if you enable the corresponding option.
• Restrictions on movies, music, and books are based on the regulations and ratings of each country or region.

Parental controls on Play Games and other video game platforms

The Parental controls do not directly affect games already installed or those recommended in the Play Games app.. If the minor attempts to install a title from Play Games and is not authorized by the parental settings in the Play Store, they will not be able to do so. In addition, platforms such as Roblox or consoles like Nintendo Switch include their own independent parental control systems, which allow you to monitor play time, restrict purchases, and block unsuitable content.

Solution to common parental control problems

• Forgot PIN? If you don't remember the PIN you created when setting up parental controls, you can reset it by clearing your Google Play Store data in Settings > Apps > Google Play Store > Storage > Clear data.
• Updates blocked: If an app update raises its age rating above the set limit, it won't update until you temporarily change the restriction.
• Content that falls outside the filterApps or games downloaded before parental controls are still accessible. You can manually block them from Family Link or delete them.
• Canceled subscriptions: If you change the age rating or the developer changes the age requirements, certain apps or subscriptions may be automatically canceled.

Top Parental Control Apps for Android

In addition to the native options of Android and Google Play, there are numerous specialized parental control applications Available on Google Play and the App Store. Below, we highlight the best ones and their key features:

Google Family Link for parents

The official Google solution. Allows you to:

• Manage which apps minors can install or use.
• Limit daily screen time and schedule rest times.
• Lock the device remotely.
• Receive daily, weekly, and monthly digital usage and activity reports.
• Locate the device using GPS to find out its location.
• Review and control app permissions (access to camera, contacts, location, etc.).

Safe Lagoon Parental Control

Focused on protecting preteens and teens from cyberbullying and online risks:

• Monitor text messages, WhatsApp, Snapchat, Instagram, and other apps popular with minors.
• Artificial intelligence to detect potential risks and filter inappropriate content.
• App blocking, real-time activity tracking, and GPS tracking.
• Specific options for monitoring photos, videos, and social networks.

Qustodio

• Allows you to set limits on games, apps, and websites.
• Adult content blocking and web filtering by category.
• SOS button, geolocation, daily activity reports, and call and message control.
• Remote management and configuration from any device.

family time

• Restrict usage time and access to unwanted apps.
• Location monitoring and alerts about safe or dangerous areas.
• Allows you to block calls, receive SOS alerts and monitor SMS.

Kaspersky Safe Kids

• Advanced web filtering and blocking of inappropriate apps or websites.
• Time limits, geolocation, and individual rules for each minor.
• Free basic monitoring and expanded premium monitoring options.

Norton family

• Web and search monitoring, blocking unwanted content.
• Control screen time, apps, messages, and online activities.
• Detailed reports and educational recommendations for parents.

locationgy

• Focused on GPS location with a history of routes traveled.
• Activity reporting, app blocks, and geofencing alerts.

My Sereno: Parental Control

• It allows you to limit apps, review visited websites, and control calls, messages, and contacts.
• Especially useful if you need to monitor messaging services like WhatsApp, Messenger, or Instagram.

SecureKids

• Blocking apps and websites from your PC, setting time limits, alarms, and controlling unknown calls.
• Remote management and usage notifications, emergency button included.

Kids place

• Ideal for giving your phone to young children: create a home screen with only authorized apps.
• Prevent unauthorized downloads, calls, messages, and actions.

MMGuardian Parental Control

• Includes a secure browser, control over messages, calls, and online activities.
• Uninstall protection, comprehensive reporting, and geolocation.

Parental controls on specific platforms and apps

Many popular apps among minors already have "kids" modes or kids profiles built-in features that you can and should configure in addition to the system's own parental controls. For example, if you want your children to watch content on streaming platforms, check out these resources: Roblox and its parental controls.

• YouTube Kids: : Age-filtered content, search blocking, and usage timer.
• Netflix, Prime Video and other streaming platforms: Child profiles that display only appropriate content and block rental purchases.
• Roblox: Parental Controls system and chat and spending restrictions within the platform.
• Nintendo Switch: Official parental control app to limit gaming sessions, restrict purchases, and filter games by age.

Essential tips for effective parental control

• Create differentiated user profiles by age and needs.
• talk to your kids about digital risks and the reasons for the restrictions.
• Review and update apps and permissions regularly. configured.
• Remember that no tool is infallible; complements technology with digital education.
• Adapt the restrictions to the age and maturity of the minor, making them more flexible as they grow.
• Avoid invading their privacy with excessive supervision, especially in adolescents. It fosters trust and dialogue.
• Manually unlock content when needed and check your digital history from time to time.

Parental controls on tablets and shared devices

If your child uses a tablet, you can apply the same parental controls as on a mobile device. Android and iOS allow you to set up restricted profiles or child mode, and the main apps mentioned work the same way. To expand your knowledge, you might be interested in this article on How to activate Look Ahead on Android to walk more safely.

Frequently asked questions and common doubts about parental controls

• Does parental control block all inappropriate content 100%? No, although it reduces the risk, some content may display restricted results if accessed through certain methods. Therefore, education and supervision remain essential.
• Can I control my child's cell phone from my device? Yes, with Family Link and other apps you can remotely manage schedules, facilities, and digital activity.
• Is it possible to set usage and break times? Absolutely. Most apps and systems allow you to schedule daily limits, bedtimes, and custom blocks by day.
• What do I do if my child knows the password or PIN? Change it immediately and explain the importance of respecting established agreements.
• Do parental controls on Android work on third-party apps like Netflix or Roblox? Not directly. You must activate parental controls within each content platform or app.

The use of parental control tools on Android and other devices is a valuable and necessary resource today, but its greatest effectiveness lies in the balance between restriction, education and openness to communication. In this way, minors can take full advantage of the benefits of technology, avoiding the main dangers and learning, by example, to develop a healthy and responsible relationship with digital environments.