Built-In Parental Controls for Android Everything You Should Know

by | Blog, Digital Parental Control

When setting up parental controls on Android devices, you may encounter various parental control apps. If you find the process of setting up these apps a bit challenging or unfamiliar, you have a simpler alternative: utilizing the default controls. Indeed, Android devices come equipped with Built-In Parental Controls for Android a “Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls” feature. This built-in feature provides you with a solid foundation for basic controls and monitoring.

What built-in features does the Android OS offer you? 

If you believe that your Android phone lacks robust parental control capabilities, think again. It possesses all the features that a free parental control app for Android would offer. These options enable you to establish basic control over device usage and connectivity. The Android interface refers to these features as “wellbeing settings,” allowing you to use them not only for parental control but also for managing your own screen time and device usage patterns.

Here’s a breakdown of the features:

Usage Overview

The dashboard offers a comprehensive overview of your digital activities. You can see how much time you’ve spent on the device and individual apps. This insight helps you understand where your digital activity is concentrated, be it on specific apps, activities, or content.

Device Activity

Sometimes, knowing details like how many times you’ve unlocked your device or the number of keystrokes you’ve made is essential. The Android dashboard provides detailed information about device activity, including unlocks, locks, and other interactions.

Bedtime

To prevent your devices from disturbing your sleep schedule, you can set up a bedtime using the free built-in parental control features. This feature allows you to restrict device connectivity and operations during specific hours. It promotes better sleep for both you and your child by minimizing distractions.

Focus Mode

Distracting apps can hinder productivity and focus on important tasks. With the default settings, you can activate Focus Mode to temporarily disable distracting apps. This is particularly useful if your child is absorbed in games or social media, and you want them to pay attention to other activities.

Heads-Up Notifications

A common feature you can utilize from the built-in Android features is Heads-Up notifications. Whenever you or your child is using the phone while walking, the screen will display a notification to keep you aware of your surroundings.

Google Family Link Integration

For comprehensive screen time management and location tracking using the best free parental control app for Android, consider using Family Link. This Google-supported app enables you to access real-time location information for your child and set screen time limits to manage digital device usage effectively.

Interesting Facts to Consider about Built-in Parental Control on Android

Whether you are using built-in Android parental control on Samsung or any other device, here are some important points to keep in mind:

  • All Android devices shares similar controls.
  • Device manufacturers do not offer exceptional controls.
  • Android’s built-in parental controls are free.
  • Settings are basic and do not provide high-end controls.
  • You can control and monitor your child’s device using Google Family Link for free.

Getting the Best Parental Control App for Android

There’s no denying that built-in parental controls and the Digital Wellbeing toolkit are quite basic. They lack the high-end features found in dedicated parental control apps. Additionally, if you opt for Google Family Link, you may find that it has limited functionality, primarily focused on screen time management and location tracking.

With Google Family Link, you’ll have access to only these basic features, without extras like SOS Alerts, App Blockers, Web Blockers, Social Media Monitoring, and more, which are offered by apps like FamilyTime and other dedicated parental control apps for Android.

Wrap Up!

Manufacturers invest heavily in protecting the digital devices we use, covering everything from device security to software maintenance and more. However, Android, being an open-access software, has its security limitations. Therefore, entrusting your child with an Android device without parental controls can pose significant risks.

Hence, it’s essential for you to set up proper controls on your child’s device, including time limits, communication restrictions, app blocking, and more. These measures play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of your child.