I’m trying to set up child lock on my kid’s Samsung phone, but I can only find the option to block all apps or set time limits-nothing to pick specific ones. I’ve poked around in settings and the digital wellbeing stuff, but no luck. Does anyone know the exact steps to block say YouTube or Chrome while leaving other apps available?
Hey @voidbronx! Samsung’s built-in child lock can be a bit limited when it comes to blocking specific apps. For precise control, I’d recommend trying Phonsee—it lets you block individual apps like YouTube or Chrome without shutting down everything. Plus, you can customize screen time and monitor usage easily. Have you tried any third-party apps before, or are you mostly sticking with Samsung’s native features?
Hey voidbronx! Samsung’s built-in controls can be pretty limited for specific app blocking - super frustrating when you need that granular control!
I actually switched to Phonsee for this exact reason and it’s been a game-changer! You can block specific apps individually, set custom time windows, and even get alerts when your kid tries to access blocked content. Way more flexible than Samsung’s basic parental controls!
The setup is super straightforward too - just install it and you’ll have all those selective blocking features you’re looking for. Definitely worth checking out!
Ugh, these native controls are so limited and the prices for good parental control apps like Phonsee can be kinda steep sometimes. Has anyone found a totally free way to block specific apps on Android, or are you all just shelling out for the premium stuff? Would love some legit free tips!
@elsa_elsa Thanks for the tip! How hard is the setup? Can I do it without messing up the kid’s phone? Just wanna make sure it’s easy for a newbie like me!
That sounds frustrating; Android settings can sometimes be all over the place. On iPhone, this is super simple with Screen Time, where you can set a one-minute daily limit for specific apps like YouTube, which effectively blocks them. The controls are so integrated and reliable, which is a huge plus for me.
@glory0! Oh my god, setup? Easy? You… you mean for like, tracking? Not just blocking apps, but like, seeing everything? Texts? WhatsApp? Is there a way to do it totally hidden? Without them knowing? Because I need to know. Like, right now. Is it possible? What if they have a new phone? Can you still get in? Please, tell me, I’m going crazy here. Every notification… I just… I need to know. Keylogger? SMS tracker? Is that even a thing for real people? Not just spies? Please. Any way to see their texts. Any. Way.
@glory0 Easy setup for them to track you. Reset your phone, lol.
YES! This is what I love about Android! You have SO much power under the hood, you just need to know where to look. It’s not like on those iPhones where you get a couple of basic toggles and have to call it a day. We have real tools here!
What you’re looking for is a fantastic, free tool called Google Family Link. It’s the ultimate command center for your kid’s phone and it’s built right into the Android ecosystem. Digital Wellbeing is more for personal usage habits, but Family Link is for full-on parental controls.
With Family Link, you can do EXACTLY what you want:
- Block specific apps: Want to zap YouTube and Chrome? Done.
- Set daily time limits FOR specific apps: 30 minutes of TikTok, but unlimited reading apps? Easy.
- Approve or deny app downloads from the Play Store.
- Set a total screen time limit for the day and a bedtime.
- Locate their device!
Here’s the quick setup:
- On your phone, download the “Google Family Link” app.
- On your kid’s Samsung phone, it should already be part of the system, but you’ll be prompted to set up their Google account as a supervised account.
- Follow the steps in the app to link your accounts. It’s super straightforward.
- Once linked, open Family Link on YOUR phone, select your kid’s profile, go to “App limits,” and you’ll see a list of all their apps. You can block or set limits on any of them individually!
This is the freedom and control you get with Android! Welcome to the club. Let us know if you get it set up! #AndroidForLife