Setting limits on how long your child can use the device. Parental controls for Android

I let my child play with my tablet, but he may delete applications or install unnecessary ones. How can I control its actions on the tablet so that it doesn’t do anything unnecessary in my opinion?

Answers (3)

This comment is edited.


It is possible to configure work restrictions using built-in methods only on the latest versions, so it is best if the parental control on the Android tablet is third-party, for example, the PlayPad children's launcher application. It works like this:



To configure available applications you need:



To exit the application, in the settings, click on the “close launcher” item.


First, I’ll tell you how to install parental controls on a tablet with Android 5.*, since this feature was initially implemented best on it. This can be done using the following functions:

• limit downloading of paid content from the Play Market;
• pin the application to the screen;
• create a user with limited capabilities.

The first option is implemented like this:

• open Play Market;
• Click on the three horizontal lines at the top left;
• in the menu that opens, select “settings”;
• Scroll down and go to the “Parental Controls” subsection;
• click on the switch in the upper right corner;
• A window will appear in which we enter the pin code and tap “ok”;
• Click on the “games and applications” item that appears;
• select the desired age.

After this, to purchase applications in the Play Market, you will need to enter a pin code. To disable this feature, you will need to enter the same password in the settings.

Another way to limit work with the device is to pin the application, and only the selected program can be used. You, as a parent, can do this very simply:

• go to general settings;
• open the “security” section;
• at the very bottom, tap on the “block in application” item and click “on”;
• then we return to the desktop and click the “review” button (it’s on the right with a square);
• a list of open applications will appear and a window with a pin into which we drag the desired program (on some versions only the latest one is possible);
• A warning will appear, click “yes”.

Now only one application will be available. The disadvantage of this method is that the function is disabled by simultaneously pressing the “review” and “back” buttons (with triangle and square). The child can know this and take advantage of it.

On later versions, attaching an application is implemented using a pin code. Everything turns on the same way, only in the “lock in application” item you need to enter a password. To disable, you need to click the “review” button and enter the assigned pin.

Walking down the street you can meet a small child with a tablet or smartphone in his hands and this does not surprise anyone. When choosing the “first” device for their child, parents opt for Android because of its simple interface.

And from the time the child mastered new technologies, parents have many questions: How much time does the child spend with the phone? What applications does it download? But don’t worry, there is a way to control the child’s actions and possibly protect him from mistakes. This article is detailed introduce the function"Parental controls on Android."

IMPORTANT! In this article, the placement of functions is described for the new Android device. If custom launchers are installed on your smartphone or tablet, the location of the settings may be changed.

Feature - App Lock

What does this function mean: if one application is already being used in full screen, then it will not be easy for the child to return to the desktop and launch another program.

To start you will need:

Play market settings

The Google Play Store makes it possible to activate the parental control function in order to limit the unnecessary purchase and installation of various applications.

What you need to do for this:

Applying parental controls on YouTube

You can often come across inappropriate videos with profanity on YouTube. To protect your child from watching them, you can activate parental controls on YouTube. For this you need :

• open YouTube and on its working panel select the option “ Settings»;
• then select the cell “ Are common" and activate the item " Safe mode».

You should know! Already now, Google Play can please parents with the new “YouTube for Children” application, where all restrictions are set irreversibly.

Using multiple users on Android

Android devices come with a feature that allows its users to create multiple accounts. To do this you need to go to " Settings", select the option " Users».

Before creating a new account, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with all the features of this option.

• parents can create a new account for a child who does not have access to payment data, and access to his account is limited with a password. Thus, the child can install free applications with age restrictions only on his account;
• You should also note that installation/removal information is automatically displayed on all accounts. In other words, parents can easily control what programs their child uses.

Limited user profiles

For quite a long time, the option “ Creating a limited user account" In this function, you can activate “Parental Control”, which prohibits opening and using applications. But few users have appreciated this feature and currently it can only be found on Android tablets.

To activate the option you will need :

• open settings;
• find the tab " Users»;
• click on the option “ add profile»;
• and finally you need to select “ restricted account" If this feature does not appear, it means it is not on your device.

We use third-party applications

The parental control function is quite popular among users, but Android does not have enough capabilities to fully implement and develop this option. Therefore, the Play Market “picked up” this idea and now you can find many applications for parental control. Next, we will talk about the two most popular programs (functionality in Russian), which can boast many positive reviews from their users.

Kaspersky Safe Kids

The program is free, but despite this it has many features, including:

• blocking access to certain applications;
• inability to visit sites specified by parents;
• view actions, which were carried out on a smartphone and tablet;
• the program can even limit time using an Android device.

But Kaspersky Safe Kids is also equipped with a number of paid functions:

• is being viewed activity on social networks;
• parents can view SMS messages, and what numbers they called;
• location devices, and therefore the child.

But mostly the free features of this application are in great demand.

What you need to do to properly install Kaspersky Safe Kids on Android:

IMPORTANT! A child cannot delete a parent's account.

How to find out about the whereabouts of children without disturbing them with calls? How to exercise control without them noticing? Listening program for a mobile phone will help you!

It's finished! Your baby has become very big and has gone to school. You no longer need to lead him by the hand, constantly watch to make sure he doesn’t get into trouble somewhere, eat something wrong, or be offended by someone. Now he will be completely independent. But did this make you feel any better? I still want to know about every step of my son or daughter. Where are they? What's wrong with them? Is it good for them, or maybe something bad happened? And then there are friends. What are they like, “what do they breathe”? And it’s so easy for a young, morally fragile creature to fall into bad company.

If ten years ago parents only had to guess where the child was and what was wrong with him, then with the development of mobile communications everything has become much simpler. The student is given a mobile device and called at the slightest excitement. A little person doesn’t always like such hyper-custody. But today there is a way out here too. Now you have the opportunity to control your children wherever they are. The child may not even be aware of this. You don't need to disturb him in important matters with your annoying calls and SMS.

You can always find out what company your son prefers, where your daughter is going to go with friends, who or what threatens them. It is important to understand what your child wants and what habits he is developing. Accordingly, you can react in time to all the changes that inevitably occur to it. This will certainly help you in raising your teenager.

So what do you need to do to achieve this? A special program has been developed that can be installed on a child’s mobile phone. With its help, you will be able to know where he is at any time, what kind of people surround him, even how he answers in class. You will also find out who he talks to, who he communicates with on social networks, and what sites he visits. And parents will learn a lot more with the help of a listening program.

Your child, if you wish, will never guess about control. The program is designed in such a way that it is not clear from the operation of the phone whether it is being tapped or not. And the presence of a built-in microphone and camera allows you to see everything that happens around the mobile phone. In other words, parents can monitor their children without being noticed.

And one more remarkable property of the program: if the mobile device is unavailable, the phone still continues to record what is happening, and then, when the connection is restored, transfer everything recorded to you. That is, control can be carried out continuously.

A little advice...

Under no circumstances should you tell your child about the wiretapping. Your authority may be greatly shaken in his eyes, and unpredictable consequences are expected. Save his psyche. It is better to tell a harmless lie than to cause serious moral injury to your son or daughter. Teenagers react especially painfully to such control. But what’s better: remorse for listening or an eternal feeling of guilt for ruining your child’s life?

Parental controls are installed on smartphones, game consoles and computers. They mainly do this in order to limit access to age-restricted content and set time limits for the use of certain programs and functions, up to and including completely prohibiting access to them. Read on to learn how to remove parental controls from your Apple devices, Android phone or tablet, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, Mac consoles, or Windows computers with or without a password.

Steps

iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch

Remember that parental controls on iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch are called Restrictions. With their help, you can restrict content such as movies, TV shows and music based on ratings, as well as in-app purchases, access to the iTunes store, camera and FaceTime.

1. Turn off parental controls using a password. The procedure for removing the restriction is identical for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch:

   • Go to Settings > General.
   • Open Restrictions.
   • Select Turn Off Restrictions and enter your password.

2. To disable passwordless restrictions, you'll need iBackupBot. With it, you can set a new password while saving all your data and contacts.

   • Go to Settings > iCloud and turn off Find My iPhone.
   • Now connect your phone to your computer and select your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch when it appears in the list of devices in iTunes.
   • Select the Browse tab and click on Create a copy now.
   • Download and install a free trial of iBackupBot for iTunes on your computer.
   • Launch iBackup and open the newly created backup of your device.
   • Open the System Files > Home Domain tab.
   • Go to Library > Preferences.
   • Find the com.apple.springboard.plist file and open it in the built-in editor. When you do this, you will be asked to purchase an iBot. Click Cancel.
   • Find the country setting limited to teams . You should see the following text (the “|” sign indicates a line break): countryCode | us |
   • On the line below add the following (the "|" sign indicates a line break): SBParentalControlsPIN | 1234
   • Save the file.
   • Connect your device, select it in the iBackup program and click the “Restore from backup” button. Select the backup you created.
   • When the restore is complete, the device will reboot. After this, the “Restrictions” function should have a new password: 1234. Use it to disable restrictions, as shown in the second step.

3. Turn off passwordless restrictions by setting up your device as a new device. If you have a copy of the device before restrictions were activated, you can restore it from it. Otherwise, you will have to set up the device as a new device. WARNING: This action will erase all data and content from your device, including songs, videos, contacts, photos, and calendar reminders.

   • Make sure you have the latest version of iTunes installed on your computer.
   • Connect your device to your computer and select your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from the list of devices in iTunes.
   • Open the Review tab.
   • Click on the "Restore" button.
   • When prompted to save your settings, do not accept, otherwise the restrictions you are trying to get rid of will remain.
   • Click the "Restore" button again.
   • Once the restore is complete, the device will restart and the Welcome screen will appear. Don't disconnect your device until the Connect to iTunes screen disappears or you see "iPhone activated."

   Android phone or tablet

   1. Turn off PIN restrictions on a tablet running Android 4.3 Jelly Bean or later. Android (versions 4.3 and above) allows users to create limited profiles with blocked access to certain applications. You can use a password to restrict which applications the user can access.

      • Enter your PIN on the lock screen to sign in with an unlimited account.
      • Open Settings and go to the Users tab, then Restricted Account.
      • Select programs that a limited account will have access to.

   2. Turn off restrictions on purchasing and downloading content on Google Play using a PIN code on your Android phone or tablet. To get started, launch the Google Play Store application.

      • Tap Menu and then Settings.
      • Find the option to Use a PIN for purchases, Require confirmation for purchases, or Restrict purchases with a password and turn it off. You will be asked to enter a PIN.

   3. Turn off content restrictions on Google Play using a PIN code on your Android tablet or phone. To get started, launch the Google Play app.

      • Open Settings, and under the Custom Controls tab, select the Content Filtering option.
      • When asked to enter your password, do so.
      • Check all the boxes (Everyone, Kids, Teens, Adults) to allow all content.

   4. To disable content restrictions on Google Play without a PIN, use data clearer. This method allows you to erase the installed PIN code and remove the filter.

      • Go to Settings > Applications.
      • Select Google Play Store.
      • Click on the “Clear data” button.

   5. Disable the parental control app by restarting your device in Safe Mode (works on most Jelly Bean devices). Since Android has a fairly small number of built-in parental control features, parents often install monitoring and security applications themselves to limit their children's access to the Internet and certain applications. Sometimes, to disable all these functions, it is enough to restart the device in safe mode.

      • Press and hold the power button on your device.
      • In the menu that appears, select “Turn off power.”
      • After this, a dialog box should appear asking you to confirm entering safe mode. Click OK. If the window does not appear, try the alternative method below.
      • After the phone restarts, “Safe Mode” should appear in the lower left corner.

   6. Disable parental control apps by restarting your device in Safe Mode (if the previous method didn't work). Starting the device in Safe Mode can neutralize most parental control applications.

      • Turn off your phone.
      • After it turns off, press the power button to turn it back on.
      • As your phone boots, press the volume up and down buttons simultaneously and hold them down while the OS boots.
      • As a result, in the lower left corner you should see the inscription: “Safe Mode”.
      • To exit Safe Mode, simply restart your device again.

   Xbox console

   1. You can turn off parental controls on Xbox 360 if you have a password. This feature allows you to control access to content and which games can be played.

      • Go to the My Account page.
      • In the top right corner, click Sign In and sign in to your Microsoft account.
      • Click Security > Family & Forums > Privacy Settings.
      • Tap or click on one of the links under Content Access or Online Privacy and Security, depending on which settings you want to change.
      • Click on your gamertag and change your privacy and security settings as you wish.

   2. You can turn off parental controls on Xbox 360 without a password. WARNING: This method will reset all settings to factory settings, so we strongly recommend that you first save all applications, games, save files and other data.

      • First, turn off your console and remove all storage devices.
      • Restart your console, go to System Settings > Console Settings > System Information.
      • Press: Left Trigger, Right Trigger, X, Y, Left Bumper, Right Bumper, Up, Left Bumper, Left Bumper, X.
      • After doing this, a menu called “Restore Factory Defaults” should appear.
      • Click "Yes" to reset the settings. The screen will then go dark for about two seconds.
      • Select the desired language from the list.
      • Next, you should see the “Xbox 360 Storage Devices” menu and two options to choose from: “Done” and “Continue Anyway.” Choose the second option.
      • On the Complete Basic Settings screen, you'll see three options: Family, Advanced Settings, and Xbox Dashboard. Select the last option.
      • Turn off your console and insert a memory card or hard drive.
      • Turn your console back on. The parental control settings lock should disappear.

   3. Turn off parental controls on Xbox One using a password.

      • Log in with your account.
      • Press the Menu button on your controller and select Options.
      • Scroll right until you find the Family section, select the child account you want to set up.
      • Select "Adult" to turn off parental controls on your account.

   4. You can turn off parental controls on your Xbox One by restoring them to factory settings. WARNING: This method will reset all settings to factory settings, so we strongly recommend that you first save all applications, games, save files and other data.

      • Open the home page and press the Menu button on your controller.
      • Select Settings > System.
      • Select "Restore Factory Defaults". You will be warned that this action will erase all accounts, applications, games, saves and settings. Click Yes.
      • This will reset your Xbox console to factory settings with parental controls disabled.

   PlayStation console

   1. Use a password to disable Parental Controls on PS4. Note: The default password is “0000”. To remove all restrictions, you must disable controls in nine different places.

      • Log in to the subaccount you want to set up.
      • While on the main screen, press the up arrow on the gamepad to get to the function menu.
      • Go to Settings > Parental Controls > Restrict PS4 Features > Apps.
      • Select Allow to remove all restrictions.
      • Next, go to Settings > Parental Controls > Restrict PS4 Features > Blu-ray Disc and select Allow.
      • Go to Settings > Parental Controls > Restrict PS4 Features > DVD and select Allow.
      • Go to Settings > Parental Controls > Restrict PS4 Features > Web Browser and select Allow.
      • Go to Settings > Parental Controls > Restrict PS4 Features > Select New User and Sign In to PS4 and select Allow.
      • Go to Settings > Parental Controls > Sub Account Management, then select the sub account you want to change and press the X button. Select Parental Controls, and under Chat/Message, select " Allow."
      • Go to Settings > Parental Controls > Sub Account Management, then select the sub account you want to change and press the X button. Select Parental Controls, and under User Created Media, select Allow "
      • Go to Settings > Parental Controls > Sub Account Management, then select the sub account you want to change and press the X button. Select Parental Controls, and under Data Limits, select Allow "
      • Go to Settings > Parental Controls > Manage Sub Account, then select the sub account you want to change and press the X button. Select Parental Controls, and under Monthly Spending Limit, select Unlimited "

   2. To disable Parental Controls on PS4 without a password, you need to reset the system to factory settings.

      • First, restart your system in Safe Mode. Turn off your console. After that, press and hold the Power button. Release the button when you hear two beeps: one when pressed and another after 7 seconds.
      • Connect the DualShock 4 controller to the console via a USB cable and press the PS button on the controller. You are now in safe mode.
      • Select the Restore Defaults option to restore your console to factory settings.
      • After rebooting your PS4, you can remove parental controls using the method described above. The default password will be “0000”.

   3. Use a password to disable parental controls on PS3. Note: To gain full access to all content and network, you will need to disable three different sets of settings.

      • Open the Settings menu and select Security Settings.
      • In the “Parental Controls” field, enter a four-digit password (the default is “0000”).
      • Set parental controls to “Off” and click “OK” in the window that appears.
      • Next, go to the “BD - Parental Control” field. Enter a four-digit password.
      • Set the option to "Do not restrict".
      • Finally, go to the “Web Browser Launch Control” field and also enter the password.
      • Click "Turn Off".

   4. To disable Parental Controls on PS3 without a password, you need to reset the system to factory settings.

      • Open the Settings menu and select System Settings.
      • Select "Restore Settings to Defaults" and then confirm your choice.
      • You can now disable parental controls using the above method. The default password will be “0000”.

   Nintendo

   1. To disable parental controls on the Nintendo Wii, you will need a password.

      • Go to the Parental Controls channel by selecting the appropriate menu item.
      • Enter your PIN.
      • In the Parental Controls settings menu, select Delete All Settings. Confirm disabling parental controls by clicking the Delete button.

   2. Turn off parental controls on Nintendo Wii without a password.

      • Select "Wii Settings" from the main menu.
      • Select "Parental Controls" and confirm changing the settings.
      • When prompted for your password, click “I Forgot.” Repeat the same on the next page.
      • You will be provided with an eight-digit confirmation number.
      • Go to this address on your computer.
      • Make sure the Current Date in your time zone matches the date on your Wii.
      • Enter the received number in the field next to “Confirmation Number” and click “Get Reset Code”.
      • Click "Ok" on the console, enter the unlock code and click "Ok" again.
      • Select Delete All Settings to turn off parental controls.

   3. Turn off parental controls on your Nintendo 3DS or DSi using a password. In this sense, Nintendo is quite convenient, as it allows you to remove all restrictions in just a few clicks.

      • Tap Parental Controls > Edit.
      • Enter your PIN and tap OK.
      • Click on "Delete Settings" to turn off the parental controls. Click on “Delete” to confirm the deletion.

   4. Disable parental controls on Nintendo 3DS without a password. This method involves obtaining a confirmation number by filing a claim that you have forgotten your password. Using this number you can generate an unlock code that will allow you to change your password.

      • Open homebrew-connection.org on your computer and download the 3DS Parental Tool from there.
      • Back on your 3DS, go to System Preferences > Parental Controls.
      • Tap "I forgot my PIN" and then "I forgot" on the next page. You will be provided with a confirmation number.
      • Launch 3DS Parental Tool on your computer and enter the confirmation number you received.
      • Make sure the date on your computer matches the date on your 3DS and click “Get Key.” You will be provided with a master key.
      • Back on your 3DS, click OK. Enter the master key and click OK again.
      • Tap "Delete Settings" and then tap "Delete" to remove your parental control settings.

   5. Disable parental controls on your Nintendo DSi without a password. This method involves obtaining a confirmation number by filing a claim that you have forgotten your password. Using this number you can generate an unlock code that will allow you to change your password.

      • Select System Settings (wrench icon) from the touch screen menu.
      • Tap Parental Controls > Edit.
      • When prompted for your password, tap "I forgot." Repeat the same on the next page.
      • You will be provided with an eight-digit confirmation number.
      • Go to this address on your computer.
      • Make sure the Current Date in your time zone matches the date on your DSi.
      • Enter the received number in the field next to “Confirmation Number” and click “Get Reset Code”. A five-digit unlock code will be generated for you.
      • Click "OK" on your 3DS or DSi and then enter the unlock code.
      • Tap "Delete Settings" to delete your parental control settings.

   Computers running Windows OS

   1. You can temporarily disable parental controls using your administrator password. It is highly not recommended to completely remove parental control settings on your computer, as this will cause you to lose all account settings. Having turned them off temporarily, you can later, if necessary, turn them back on.

      • Log in as an administrator. Go to "Control Panel".
      • Scroll to the User Accounts and Family Safety section and under Parental Controls, click Manage.
      • Slide the button to the OFF position to turn off parental controls. To turn it back on, move the button to the “ON” position.
      • It may take up to 10 minutes for the new settings to take effect.

   2. Disable parental controls without an administrator password using Startup repair. ATTENTION: This method will reset the administrator password.

      • Restart your computer. During the startup process (when “Starting Windows” appears), turn off the computer abruptly by unplugging the power plug.
      • Turn on your computer. You should now be able to run Launch Startup Repair. Launch it.
      • When prompted to confirm system recovery, click Cancel. Note: The startup repair program will run for 5-10 minutes.
      • When the program finishes, you will be given two options to choose from: “Send problem data” and “Don’t send.” Instead, click the arrow next to “View Details.”
      • Scroll to the most recent link: X:\windows\system32\ru-RU\erofflps.txt. Click on it to open a text file.
      • Now click File > Open. Open My Computer and go to your local drive.
      • Open the Windows folder. Change the file display option to "All files"
      • Open the "System32" folder and look for a file called "sethc".
      • Right-click on it and select “Rename”. Add a "0" to the end of the name and click in the empty space to save the new name.
      • Find the file called "cmd". Copy this file. Scroll to the bottom and paste the file to create a copy of it (cmd - copy).
      • Right-click on this file and rename it “sethc”. Save the new name.
      • Close the open window and the text file itself.
      • Select "Don't Send" on the recovery screen. Then click the "Done" button. After this, your computer will restart.
      • At the login screen, press the Shift button five times. After this, a command prompt window should appear.
      • Enter the following: net user (your parent's username) *. Don't forget to put a space before the asterisk. Press Enter. Note: If there is a space in the username, replace it with an underscore. That is, “Username” should become “Username”.
      • You will now be able to change your password or disable it completely by pressing the Enter button twice.
      • Now log in and follow the instructions in the first step to disable parental controls.

Today, even children use smartphones, and they often manage them even better than their parents. As a rule, smartphones in children's hands are used primarily for playing games, watching cartoons and children's entertainment programs. At the same time, a smartphone can be called a source of problems, since with its help a child can, if desired, visit websites he does not want or download a malicious file. To prevent this from happening, you can enable so-called parental controls. This feature has many benefits, including:

• Protection from malicious files.

• Ban on visiting sites.

• Ban on downloading certain applications.

• In some cases: limiting time for watching cartoons or playing games.

• In some cases: use your own desktop and transfer only the necessary applications to it.

We will show you how you can set parental controls on an Android smartphone.

Using built-in functionality

Modern versions of Android allow you to create a new profile with limited access.

Go to settings.

Click "Add User".

Select "Restricted Profile".

If you see a message that you can create such a profile only after setting up a screen lock, click “Enable lock.” If you already use fingerprint access to your desktop or another option, you will not see such a message - a new profile will be created immediately.

If you see it, select an available option, for example, a PIN code.

You ask it twice and remember it.

It is better to hide notifications on the lock screen.

The profile has been created, you need to select the applications that will be available to the child - opposite the ones you need, turn the switch to the “On” position, for example:

Select the new profile that you just created and confirm the transition to it.

The desktop starts under the control of the profile you created. There are only those third-party applications that you have allowed access to.

Question: What prevents a child from deleting this profile and turning on the owner's profile? Nothing prevents you from deleting, this can be easily done through the settings, however, we created the PIN code for logging into the owner’s profile for a reason: after deleting your profile, you will need to enter the PIN code from the owner’s account, which, of course, the child does not know.

Therefore, deleting his profile is at least unprofitable for him: without a PIN code, he will not be able to do anything with his smartphone.

Google Play Settings

This is a restriction of access to the Play Market so that a child cannot download applications with a particular rating.

Go to Play Market.

Call up the menu by swiping from the left side of the screen to the right or by clicking on the button in the form of three stripes. From the menu, select Settings.

Find the line “Parental Controls”, click on it.

Turn the switch to the "On" position.

Log in and remember the PIN code entered twice.

You can disable parental controls only after entering your PIN code.

Third Party Applications

Of course, you can always use third-party applications, but remember that many of them require complete trust between parents and child, so disabling the parental control functionality in such applications is often within the power of the child himself.

To find an app with parental controls, open the Play Market. Enter the phrase in the search parental control and click on the search button.

You will see a list of applications. We strongly recommend that you read the comments before installation, from which you can learn a lot of interesting things.

A couple of examples. The Kidslox app allows you to:

• Block applications.

• Set a screen time limit.

• Block access to unwanted sites.

• Switch between several available operating modes.

FunControl. Allows including:

• Label applications by category.

• Set a balance between entertainment or educational applications.

• Set time allocated for games.

• Block applications.

• Support multiple profiles.