Over the years, Google has increased a number of parental control options for devices running an Android OS. Some functions differ depending on the version of the operating system and the device’s manufacturer. But the parental control functions boil down to three main options: giving your child his own restricted account, putting a lock on specific apps, or controlling the websites the kid can use.
Limit Access to Just One App
If your smartphone or tablet has the Android 5.0 Lollipop OS or a newer version, simply “pin” a particular app to the screen of your device. You may then give your gadget to your child and he can’t leave the specific app unless you key in your PIN. This means that your child stays on one app and won’t browse your personal accounts or surf to any inappropriate websites. This also ensures that the time your child spends on your device is used wisely, particularly if the app is an educational program.
To implement this function, you need to:
- Access the device’s Settings.
- Choose “Security.”
- Look for the “Advance” option.
- Enable “Screen pinning.”
- Ask the system to require your PIN or security unlock pattern prior to unpin an
application.
- Open the app you want to pin on the screen of your device.
- Choose the “Overview” option to access the device’s app cards.
- Click the pin on your chosen app.
Create a Restricted User Profile on Your Tablet
If your tablet uses the Android 4.3 or a higher version, you are able to create and manage a restricted user profile for your child. This is a feature exclusive for tablets as of yet. Using the restricted profile, you can add which apps and content your kid can access.
To set up a restricted profile, you need to:
- Access the Settings screen.
- Click “Users.”
- Add a user.
- Choose “Restricted Profile”
Once the new profile is created, you may then secure the profile and move between the primary user account and the restricted profile straight from the lock screen.
Create an Internet Filter
Sadly, the restricted profile feature of Android has yet to present an option to constrain adult content from being browsed through Google Chrome or any other net browsers. To create a internet filter for your kid, you have two ways to go around the problem.
- Go to Google Play using your Android smartphone or tablet and choose a web-filtering app. Install the program as instructed.
- Configure the parental control functions from your router if WiFi is the only way to access the internet in your home.
Use the Google Play Parental Control Features
Google’s Play Store offers its own set of parental control features. To obtain these options, you
need to:
- Visit Google Play on your Android device.
- Click “Menu.”
- Choose “Settings.”
- Click “Parental Controls.”
- Key in a parental control PIN.
- Fill up the necessary data needed such as your kid’s age and the apps and programs he can download.
It’s important to note that no one can download or purchase an app unless the special parental control PIN you set up is keyed-in.
Based on experts that sell cell phones, Android parental control features help in maintaining a healthier and safer internet environment for children.
