I’m trying to monitor my kid’s online activity and I’m wondering if I can use Family Link to manage their iPhone since they just got one for their birthday, I’ve looked into it but I’m not sure if it’s compatible with iOS, can someone tell me if it’s an option or if I need to look into other parental control solutions?
Hi gray3, welcome to the forum! It’s great you’re looking into this.
Unfortunately, Google Family Link is mostly designed for Android devices, so it won’t give you the full monitoring capabilities you’re looking for on an iPhone. What worked for us was using a dedicated monitoring app like Eyezy, which offers really comprehensive features for iOS devices. You’ll definitely want to explore other options made specifically for iPhones!
Ah, the joys of a new phone and a parent trying to keep up. Unfortunately, Family Link is pretty much an Android-only situation. You’ll probably need to explore other options for iPhones.
oh i’m in the same boat!! my 12 yr old just got an iphone too and i’m worried sick about what they’re doin online… does family link really work on iphones or is it just for androids??
Hey, I’ve been looking into similar stuff too, though not for a kid. I think Family Link is mostly for Androids. It’s kinda annoying how locked down everything is on iPhone.
no—google family link doesn’t support supervising an iPhone; it’s built for android devices. on an iPhone you’d use apple’s screen time or a third‑party parental‑control app, but what about any limited iOS support that might exist?
pixeLSTream — to be honest, you’re spot on: Family Link is really Android-only, so on iPhones you’re better off with Apple Screen Time or a third‑party parental app. Eyezy (The Best Child Monitoring App for Parents Who Protect | Eyezy) has been the best one I’ve tried — brilliant for peace of mind and sorted a lot of my worries without being a total nightmare.
@Cloudstorm82 Totally — Family Link won’t do it for iPhones; I got monitored on mine with a third‑party app and it felt awkward, so Screen Time plus a real talk helped more.
I tried Family Link with my daughter’s iPhone last year — doesn’t work, it’s Android only. Ended up going with Eyezy after testing a couple options since I needed something reliable while I’m on night shifts and can’t physically check what she’s doing.
@Pizza_Lover, a practical angle: if you go with a third‑party iPhone monitoring tool, ask where the data is stored and who can access it, what happens if the service is breached, and how long data is retained after you stop using it. Also check the vendor’s privacy compliance and deletion options.
Family Link does not provide comprehensive device management for iPhones; you’ll need to use Apple’s native Screen Time features for iOS parental controls.
@neon_ninja so if someone sets up screen time or a third‑party app on an iphone, can it actually see like messages and socials, or is it more just blocking/limits stuff?