BEST PARENTAL CONTROL APPS TO MAKE YOUR DEVICE KID-SAFE

BEST PARENTAL CONTROL APPS TO MAKE YOUR DEVICE KID-SAFE

When it comes to security, nothing is left to chance. The Play Store is overflowing with apps of all genres and those designed for parental control are no exception. How do you choose which app to use to secure an Android tablet or smartphone so you can let your child have free - and safe - use of the device? Here’s our selection of the best Android parental control apps!

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One thing is for sure: the best form of security is you, the parent, by teaching our children the rules for using a smartphone or tablet and supervising their activities. At least in theory that's the case; we know that in practice, it’s not always as easy as that! In addition to this, depending on the age of our children, it’s hard to always keep tabs on them. The following apps have their varying strengths and weaknesses regarding the desired use.

Kid’s Place
Kid’s Place is one of the best apps that allows you to limit your kids' access to certain apps or functions on your smartphone or tablet. It has various options, such as auto-restarting applications when they have been exited by accident, or blocking the home button. In addition, you can create several profiles that are personalized. All this app is missing is a safe Internet browser and ti would have the full package.

androidpit FR kids place
The interface can be customized according to your and your child’s needs. © AndroidPIT
Tested version: 2. 7. 9
File size: 5. 47 MB
Compatibility: from Android 4. 0. 3
Price: 30-day free trial with following membership fees
Kids Place - Parental Control
Install on Google Play
Norton Family
What could be better for child-proofing our devices than our good friend Norton? The well-known computer antivirus software also helps with security for your children online, and it does a great job. There is a version you can buy however, the free version already offers a lot of options: search engine history, usage times and even supervised use of social media. All these are available on a tablet or smartphone, just like on a computer. However, be warned: the internet filter often asks for adult verification, don’t hesitate to block sites that you want to be blocked.

The app is interesting but perhaps a little lax if you want more protection. It also requires you to create an account and to pay membership fees at the end of the 30-day free trial.


Tested version: 4. 1. 1. 125
File size: 8. 75 MB
Compatibility: from Android 4. 0. 3
Price: 30-day free trial with following membership fees
Norton Family parental control
Install on Google Play
Kid's Shell
Kid's Shell makes the cut because it does what you tell it to do. It works like Kid’s Place: you open an app when your child wants to use the device, and it will show a personalized interface that they can’t exit. Strangely, to switch to unprotected mode, you just have to solve a math problem. If your child is mathematically minded, this offers no protection for you.


A pro version provides supplementary options, such as creating folders and limiting usage times.

androidpit FR kids shell
Kid's Shell replaces your usual home screen. © AndroidPIT
Tested version: 2. 1. 8
File size: 7. 22 MB
Compatibility: from Android 2. 3
Price: free with in-app purchases
Kid's Shell - Kid Launcher
Install on Google Play
Xooloo App Kids
Xooloo App Kids is a great parental control app. It is very simple to set up and has many options possible. A few small points: adverts and in-app purchases appear on screen, but you aren’t able to click on them. There is a version available for purchase that offers a secure browser, where all pages have been verified, allowing you to avoid any nasty surprises. It’s a good way of securing your kid’s activities without playing bad cop at the same time.


Tested version: 3. 1. 5
File size: 16MB
Compatibility: from Android 4. 0. 3
Price: free with in-app purchases
App Kids Videos & Games (beta)
Install on Google Play
Parental Control
It’s not a typical parental control app but a launcher, like Nova Launcher for example. With this app, you can configure what your child will see when they use the app. If you click on the home button, a warning message will tell you that you cannot change interfaces. The only solution for switching is to enter a 6-digit code that you will have chosen in advance. It’s also possible to configure the apps and the usage time limit of the smartphone.

control parental final
Parental Control. © ANDROIDPIT
Tested version: 3. 3. 4
File size: 8. 83 MB
Compatibility: from Android 2. 3. 3
Price: free with in-app purchases
Parental Control
Install on Google Play
Parentsaround Parental Control
Parentsround Parental Control can also be purchased from the Play Store, however, you have a 30-day free trial that will allow you to try it out before you decide to buy it. The app has the advantage of having multiple platforms: you can use it on a computer, tablet or smartphone and everything is controlled through a synchronized web interface. A small point: the secure browser can be adapted to suit your child’s age.


Tested version: 1. 4
File size: 7. 22 MB
Compatibility: from Android 2. 2
Price: 30-day free trial with following membership fees
Parentsaround Parental Control
Install on Google Play
Extra: DinnerTime Plus
With DinnerTime, your children will be seated at the table at dinner time because, with this app, you can take control of their device and turn them off so that they can’t use them during a certain period. You can also create a list of apps that they can’t use during planned breaks.


Through your own smartphone, you can control the breaks by simply pressing the “Take a Break” button. And if that wasn’t enough, you can also supervise their activities in real time and allocate specific times to use certain apps. In summary, this one app controls everything.

androidpit FR dinnertime
No more problems at the dinner table. © AndroidPIT
Tested version: 1. 4
File size: 7. 22 MB
Compatibility: from Android 2. 2
Price: 30-day free trial with following membership fees.