Complete Guide for Child Phone Monitoring [iPhone & Android]

Elsa Updated on Aug 14, 2025 Filed to: Parent Control

In today's digital world, smartphones have become part of kids' daily lives. But the internet comes with lots of risks and inappropriate content. So, how can children enjoy the benefits of technology while avoiding harmful material? Moderate phone monitoring by parents has become an essential part of modern parenting.

This article will provide you with a complete child phone monitoring guide to help you set up a safe digital environment so your kids can use their phones in a protected way.

Disclaimer: The tools shared are intended to help parents guide and protect their minor children's online safety in a lawful manner. And always respect your child's privacy and awareness. We do not encourage or support any unauthorized monitoring.

1. AirDroid Parental Control – The Most Complete Child Phone Monitoring Tool

AirDroid Parental Control is developed by Singapore-based tech company SandStudio. It's designed to help kids build healthy digital habits. Moreover, this all-in-one child phone monitoring tool works with both iOS and Android, allowing parents to manage screen time, block inappropriate content, and protect kids' online and offline safety.

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Main Features of AirDroid Parental Control:

  • Full Digital Activity Reports: Track calls, messages, and social media (WhatsApp, Instagram, etc.); view browsing history and app usage details.
  • Smart Internet Filer: Automatically block adult/violent content; set custom keyword to get instant alerts.
  • Remote Safety Protection: GPS location tracking with location history and geofencing; view and hear offline environments in emergencies.
  • Screen Time Management: Set daily device usage limits; schedule time limits for specific apps.
  • Cross-Platform Alerts: Instant notifications for unusual online activities; real-time risk alerts.

Next, we'll show you how to use AirDroid to get your child's activity reports, browsing history, and social media content to ensure their safety completely.

How to See Digital Activity Reports with AirDroid

  1. Step 1. Install AirDroid Parental Control on your phone and log in.
  2. Step 2. Follow the instructions to link your child's phone.
  3. Step 3. Once linked, open AirDroid on your phone and tap “Today's Event.”
  4. Here you can see your child's screen time, most used apps, and how many notifications they've received.
  5. AirDroid Parental Control

How to Review Browsing History with AirDroid

  1. Step 1. Make sure you've installed AirDroid on your phone and linked your child's phone.
  2. Step 2. Open AirDroid and tap “Website Restrictions.”
  3. Step 3. Tap “View All” to view the complete browsing history. You can also block harmful websites directly from this page so your child can't visit them again.
  4. AirDroid child phone monitoring

How to Activate Social Content Detection in AirDroid

  1. Step 1. On AirDroid Parental Control, select your child's Android device.
  2. Step 2. Go to “Social Content Detection > App Detection Management.” Here, you can select apps that your child frequently uses.
  3. Step 3. Then, tap on “Keyword Management” to add keywords you don't wish your child to access.
  4. AirDroid Parental Control

Once done, you'll receive instant alerts when the keywords appear in your child's social apps.

These are just some of AirDroid features. It also offers a complete family protection package. You can try the complete version free for 3 days after signing up!

2. Qustodio – Best for Families with Multiple Kids

Qustodio is a cross-platform child monitoring and device management software designed for parents. With Qustodio, you can check your child's online activities, set screen time limits, block harmful websites, track real-time locations, and even monitor their social media usage. This app works on Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, and Chromebook. It's feature-rich, easy to use, and trusted by families worldwide.

Child phone monitoring app

Main Features of Qustodio

  • Screen Time Management: Set daily time limits and schedule allowed time periods.
  • App Control: Allow or block specific apps (like TikTok, YouTube, etc.).
  • Website Filtering & Blocking: Automatically block harmful sites or add your own block list.
  • Social Media Monitoring: Track activities on WhatsApp, Instagram, and Line.
  • Multi-Device Support: Monitor multiple kids' devices at the same time.

Drawbacks of Qustodio:

  • Limited monitoring features: Only supports three social media monitoring (WhatsApp, Instagram, and Line.)
  • Higher cost: Only the annual subscriptions are available, which may be expensive for some families.
  • Possible delays in app control: On Android, app blocking and time limits may take a few minutes to apply.

3. FamiSafe – Powerful GPS Tracking for Kids' Safety

FamiSafe is a parental control and child monitoring app by Wondershare, known for its smart GPS tracking and online safety features. Parents can check their child's real-time location, limit screen time, filter web content, and make sure their child's digital life stays safe. It works on iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS, offering a friendly interface and flexible settings.

FamiSafe child phone monitoring app

Main Features of FamiSafe:

  • Real-Time Location Tracking & Geofencing: See your child's live location and set safe zones with alerts.
  • Screen Time Control: Set daily limits or schedule internet access times.
  • Web Filtering: Automatically block harmful sites to protect your child's online safety.
  • YouTube Content Monitoring: Check what videos your child has watched and their search history.
  • Driving Behavior Tracking: See if your teen drives too fast, brakes hard, or shows other risky driving habits (ideal for families with teens driver).

Drawbacks of FamiSafe:

  • Possible delays in updates: Location tracking or app blocking may take a few minutes to apply.
  • Limited social media monitoring on iOS: Due to iOS system restrictions, monitoring is less detailed compared to Android.

Conclusion

That's our complete guide to child phone monitoring! Based on different family needs, here are our recommendations:

  • For complete monitoring: AirDroid Parental Control offers full device activity tracking and is the top choice for overall parental monitoring.
  • For multi-device families: Qustodio supports cross-platform monitoring, making it great for managing multiple kids' devices.
  • For precise location tracking: FamiSafe's advanced GPS features make it perfect for families with teens who drive or travel alone.

Parents should choose the right tool based on their needs, and most importantly, keep open communication with their children to build healthy digital habits together.

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Elsa
Elsa
Elsa has worked on a number of iOS & Android solutions, she can always find her way around almost any application. She is an accomplished, skilled and versatile writer with more than 7 years of technical article writing experience.
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