Remove child mode from android. A useful mode for children and their parents. Built-in Android parental controls

Many parents often have situations when children ask to give them your smartphone for playing games or watching videos, most of course give it, because it is easier for the child to give than to explain why "no". In this connection, then problems begin, calls from people who assure that you called them, meaningless SMS sent according to the law of meanness, to the most important people, for example: to the authorities. Then you have to make excuses that it is not you who are drunk, but the child is indulging. In general, there are a lot of options for messing with your phone, so why do you need these problems?

The MIUI shell for such parents has useful function, called "Children's Mode". To enable it, you need to go to the settings.

2. Click on the line "Advanced"

4. If you did not ask graphic key for a private zone, the system will ask you to create. You can login with your fingerprint.

5. We select applications that will be available for the child.

A blank desktop will open, with only those applications that you allowed in the previous step. The child will not have access to the notification shade and other system parameters. To exit the mode, you need to press the "Exit" button in the lower area of ​​the desktop, after entering the secret key or leaning your finger against the sensor, the child mode will close.

Modern children are drawn to digital gadgets almost from the cradle. The most popular devices for them today are smartphones and tablets. Parents have to think about how to protect their child from bad content on the Internet, keep their data safe and protect the gadget from accidental formatting. We will tell you about the ways to limit and control the actions of a child on a mobile device in this article.

Restricting the child's access to the device with built-in Android tools

It is worth starting with the fact that operating system Android doesn't offer too many options in this regard. The first thing we can do on a children's smartphone or tablet is to activate the option “ Parental control"In the application settings Google play... This will allow you to filter the content in the store based on the age limit. Here you can choose to set the maximum acceptable rating for games and applications.

In theory, the feature is very useful, but in practice it is not very effective, since most of the content on Google Play is rated 3+. If it is still bearable with games, then with applications it is a complete mess. Even with a minimum age rating, a child can download and install banking clients, online stores, utilities to configure the system and getting ROOT and much more. By the way, we also recommend that you check if it is attached to Google account bank card, otherwise you risk losing all your money.

Starting with Android 4.2, the mobile OS has a multiplayer mode for tablets. This feature has proven to be in great demand for families who have to use a shared device. For smartphones, this feature was added to Android 5.0 Lollipop. Multi-user mode allows you to create multiple users on the device with their own accounts or a guest profile.

What does it do? Firstly, each user has his own desktop, his own set of applications with certain settings that do not affect the other user in any way. However, in this case, the child receives the same rights as the adult. He can only be banned from calling and sending SMS.

We control the actions of the child on Android with third-party applications

Most simple solution, so that the child does not do business on a smartphone or tablet, is the installation of a children's launcher.

The Kid's Shell launcher looks like a hello from the past. The interface of the application, despite its target audience, resembles the first Android version- looks out of date and very strict. Obviously, the developers paid more attention to the functional component of the program than to its appearance... Kid's Shell is a kind of sandbox, within which a child can perform any actions on a smartphone or tablet that you allow him. This will not affect the basic data and system settings of the device.

The full version of the application opens additional functions... Among them is the ability to change the desktop wallpaper, set a time limit on the tablet, block Internet access, allow incoming calls, and more.

Unlike Kid's Shell, this launcher has a really childish interface with fun backgrounds, fun icons and matching fonts. The launcher's desktop is divided into four categories: Games, Development, Learning, and Other. or change application shortcuts, you cannot add new categories to the desktop. By default, all installed applications are in the fifth category, which is inaccessible to children. To open access to them, just drag the shortcut into one of the necessary categories.

The paid version of the launcher allows you to set time limits both for individual applications and for an entire category. As soon as the time comes to an end, a corresponding notification is displayed to the child, then the program or game is closed. "Parental Control" also allows you to view statistics running applications during the week. On the this moment the developers have another program of the same name that can work as an add-on to the launcher, allowing you to track your child's location and manage settings remotely.

The advantage of Parental Control over the previous application is that free version the launcher allows the child to receive and make calls, which for some parents is very important point.

Kidix launcher attracts attention from the very first glance thanks to its simple and well thought-out interface with vivid characters and unobtrusive interactive prompts when setting up the application. And the main advantage of the program is that it is completely free. The basic features of Kidix are the same as other children's launchers. Main screen Apps contains three categories of programs into which you distribute the apps available to your child. Kidix automatically blocks access to device settings and notification panel.

The main focus of the developers is on time limitation. Here you can configure the access time to a certain category of programs, set several time intervals at once, and even specify the allowed hours separately for weekdays and weekends. If this is not enough, you can set a daily time limit for each of the categories with applications.

A separate function is the ability to receive and make calls. The launcher has a convenient, and most importantly, a simple built-in dialer, into which you can add only selected phone numbers and emergency services... The child can only call them. In the future, Kidix developers plan to add remote control and educational tasks to the launcher.

In addition to children's launchers, there are a number of simple utilities that deny access to certain applications. This solution can be useful if the child uses his parents' mobile device.

Bear Lock is an application blocker in the form of a friendly bear Jasper, which will tell your child in a playful way which programs he is not allowed to access. With Bear Lock, you can easily put a password on any installed application and even system settings... Thus, your mail, instant messengers, SMS messages, calls and other applications will be blocked.

After activating the protective functions, the utility turns on the application blocking instantly. To prevent a resourceful child from uninstalling Bear Lock or any other application on the device, the program provides a function for protecting them with a password.

Bear Lock is free, but offers additional paid features such as protection of notifications, taking pictures when unsuccessful attempts to bypass the lock, fake lock message and the ability to pause Bear Lock. But, in principle, free options will be enough to protect applications.

The Touch Lock app does the same. Only unlike Bear Lock, this program is designed for very young children who do not yet quite understand how to operate a smartphone and tablet, but they are already trying to do it in full. Touch Lock protects your mobile device from children by locking the buttons. The app offers two lock modes:

• all mechanical buttons;
• all mechanical buttons and screen.

In the first case, the child can actively control the device using gestures, that is, play educational games, or simply draw on the screen. In the second case, absolutely everything is blocked, with the exception of the shutdown button. This method is suitable, for example, for watching cartoons when no buttons or screen taps are required. Activating Touch Lock is very simple. It is enough to click on one of the two modes in the curtain.

The most serious applications that restrict a child's actions on a smartphone or tablet are specialized services that offer a comprehensive parental control solution. This is often one of the options remote control a child's device.

Google's Family Link app is designed for parents who want to monitor their kids' activities on smartphones and tablets. Android... The utility allows you to create an account google entry for a child under the age of 13 and set certain rules for her.

Using Family Link, you can remotely monitor your child's actions on a mobile device, allow or block the launch of applications. Content downloads from the Google Play store, including purchases, will be subject to prior approval by adults. Parents can view reports of children's activity for a week and a month, see how much time their child spends on each of installed applications, as well as set a daily limit on the use of a smartphone and "night hours" for recreation. In this case, the child will be prohibited from absolutely everything, except for calls. In addition, you can manually lock your child's device remotely at any other time when you need to take a break. Parents can even change the lock password for their smartphone or tablet.

Family Link restricts the child's access to the Internet, more precisely, the child will be able to open only those sites that are on the allowed list, or you can let the program automatically block sites with "adult" content. In addition, there is a filter for safe google search... As an additional option, the program can determine the location of the child's smartphone. Naturally, parents can perform all these actions remotely, provided that the Internet is working on the children's device and logged into a Google account.

Family Link is currently only available in the United States. Even if you download the program, you must request an invitation to use it. In addition, Family Link only works on devices with Android 7.0 Nougat and above. Unfortunately, free analogues does not exist, there are similar ones, but already paid.

The Safe Kids application from the antivirus company Kaspersky Lab is a cross-platform protection service with remote monitoring and parental control functions. Like Family Link, the program works on a client-server basis. Safe Kids is installed on the device of a child and an adult and is activated under a common account... Parents can add unlimited devices and child profiles within one account.

Safe Kids is based on covert monitoring rather than outright prohibition. Moreover, children can see what prohibitions and restrictions have been established for them. Parents have at their disposal almost all options for blocking certain applications and web content. This allows you to restrict the child not only from certain unwanted web pages and programs, but also entire categories of applications and sites that fall under age restrictions or parental filters. A distinctive feature of Safe Kids is the "Request Permissions" feature, which allows a child to ask an adult to open access to a prohibited application or site.

Monitoring children's activity in mobile version applications and in personal account the site varies greatly. So, for example, on the site you can view detailed statistics on the use of a mobile device by a child per day, week and month. Here you can also see which sites the child visits most often, which search queries enters which programs it launches and how much time it spends in them. Another feature that can only be configured on the site is to control the time children use devices. There is an opportunity to set a daily limit for each day of the week.

The extended functionality of Safe Kids is available by subscription. In the paid version, the service offers additional detailed reports and notifications on calls and SMS messages, the ability to receive information about the location of the child, plan a flexible weekly time schedule when it is allowed to use the device, and even set the permitted territorial zones on the map. In addition, Safe Kids can track your child's activities social networks VKontakte and Facebook, make a copy of publications, notify friends about changes.

Eventually:

Obviously, there is no one solution for parents in this matter. There are actually a lot of applications that can help adults prepare a children's tablet or smartphone, as well as protect their own devices from the child's actions. We tried to select the best of them, pre-dividing the applications according to complexity and availability. available options... In the future, the choice will depend on the goals that you set for yourself. If you want to keep your little one safe from unwanted programs and web content, regular app blockers are fine. In order to make control of your tablet / smartphone easier and limit the time spent at the device - install a children's launcher. And if the task is complete remote control of all the child's actions, you should pay attention to a complex solution in the form of special services.

In general terms, Parental Control is a series of measures to restrict access to device resources. Whether it's launching apps, browsing sites, or downloading content. Often this function can be found in the settings of the tablet itself, or by installing additional utilities specially developed for this.

Now, let's take a closer look at how to set parental controls on your tablet.

For IOS tablets

To outline the circle of available for guests iPad functions, go to Settings → General → Restrictions. Pressing the "Enable Restrictions" button activates the section settings after entering a four-character password.

Store the password in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children. Or just remember.

Losing a password is fraught with the most unpleasant consequences, because it will be required to run each item included in the restrictions. For example, the Safari browser.

Other equally interesting features in the same section are below. You can securely launch Youtube, Siri, iTunes. Prevent uninstallation / installation of programs, in-app purchases. Refine the rating for content from the AppStore at your discretion.

The "Guided Access" mode will be interesting for parents of babies. It isolates the work on the tablet within one active application and prevents any attempts to call other applications. At the same time, it protects and helps focus the little user.

Another useful option for guide access is the time limit. You can set the time interval after which the tablet will go into sleep mode in order to control the duration of the session and protect the eyes of children.

To start a guided session, open the required application and press three times home button... To exit the guide access mode, press the home button three times and enter the password set in the guide access settings.

For Android tablets

There is a similar function in tablets on Android base since version 5.0 Lollipop. To activate it, go to Settings → Security → Screen pinning. To pin the application, click the "Browse" button and drag the title of the application window to the middle of the screen.

After that, a pin icon will appear in the bottom corner. When you click on the pin, a request for confirmation of the action pops up. To exit the mode, press the "Back" and "Browse" buttons simultaneously.

Starting in version 4.2, it became possible to create additional user profiles with limited access... This is very convenient if you have to share the device with someone.

Google Play restrictions

To restrict the purchase and download of adult content from Google Play, go to the store settings and turn on parental controls. To do this, you will need to provide a PIN.

Apps and launchers

If you need even more functionality from parental control, right up to tracking the location of the tablet, then both in Google Play and in the AppStore there is big choice various applications, free and not so, that know how to do it.

Launcher programs (such as "Kids Place", "KidRead", "Me!") Turn the tablet into a child's toy. The launcher is a separate shell, bright and attractive, which can be customized as you please: pack applications for games and study in the appropriate sections, disable the ability to make calls and perform other financially costly actions, leave the right to play around with the design and some settings.

Another good way to protect yourself is to enable Safe Search on Google. Open the search settings page and check the "Enable Safe Search" box. At the bottom of the page, click Save.

Most popular searches have this feature implemented as well. It can be used to filter adult content when searching from any device. Unfortunately, this option is not the most reliable, and prohibited materials will continue to be available via direct links.

If your kid uses a tablet and you are worried about the safety of data, then install parental control on the device. Our article will tell you how to do this.

Navigation

With the help of modern technology, children learn to learn about the world, develop attentiveness, reaction, and just have a good time. But, before giving the tablet in the hands of a child, it must be prepared for use.

Of course, you can get a ready-made and customized tablet right away. It is already completely ready for use by a child: shell, applications, customization administration and the distribution of rights between parent and child.

But there are not so many such models on the market, and their cost is an order of magnitude higher than universal ones and the characteristics are much inferior to them. Moreover, it is not a fact that the child will not abandon such an interesting toy tomorrow.

If this scenario does not suit you, then you can independently configure a regular tablet. How to set parental controls on Android?

Special casings for children

This is the surest solution for customizing your gadget for your little one. In this case, the application shell is placed on top of the main one. It does not allow you to get into the system settings, applications, correspondence, social networks, and so on.

The child is shown only a bright menu with a limited number of applications. He cannot leave this environment, because for this he must enter a password. Each such application has its own set of parameters, but despite this, the setup is quite simple.

Kids place

The most popular application of all is Kids Place. It is free, the interface is well thought out, it is easy to learn, even for the most inexperienced users.

The shell completely replaces the Android launcher, which does not allow you to go to the normal screen of the system.

At the first start, you create a pin-code, without which the child will not be able to change anything.

All available applications are displayed in resizable tiles. If desired, the icons can be categorized with small pictograms and stickers.

Among the important options, it is worth noting the possibility of autorun, forced inclusion of the mode "In the plane ", call barring, timer of use, as well as setting blocking on mechanical buttons.

Famigo sandbox

If the previous application is a wrapper with configurable limits, then this is a comprehensive service. Its central module is the "sandbox", from where the child can run only allowed applications.

Adding content is very interesting. The program has its own base and indicates suitability for use by children, if the program has been tested and the age is specified in the settings.

Moreover , Flamigo it even has a special store with both paid and free apps. Their baby can add to "A wish list "... There are still portals for entertainment Wowzer and Fun.

You can finish the list of utilities with flexible settings and an interface for administration that help adjust application work.
By the way, despite all the advantages, there is one huge disadvantage for many - the application is paid and costs $ 7.99 per month. But on the other hand, it has a trial period of 7 days, during which you can appreciate all the advantages of the program. Of course, the cost is not so small, but it is quite adequate for the constantly evolving software.

Kids shell

This shell also replaces the main launcher and makes it possible to make a list of applications for the child, and also has a package recommended to install programs. It is also possible to set restrictions for a specific situation.

Kid's shell for Android

Although, the interface is a little frustrating, as it was made in the style of the first versions of the Android system, but your kid is unlikely to notice this fact.

If the child can confidently work with the tablet, and your gadget works on the Android version 4 .3, then you should configure the user profiles.
Starting with this firmware, it became possible not only to create several users at once - with wallpapers, shortcuts, widgets, and so on, and to regulate the available programs.

Kid's Shell setup step 1

Kid's Shell setup step 2

Kid's Shell setup step 3

Kid's Shell setup step 4

Kid's Shell setup step 5

For example, you can make available only a reader, a player with certain cartoons, several games and Skype for communicating with grandparents.

Of course, creating "limited users" is not the best solution, but if you add useful third-party software, then it will be very much even nothing.

For instance , "Norton Family parental control" will restrict access to certain sites on the Internet. And if you purchase the paid version, then control over sms and downloadable programs will be established. At the same time, monthly reports will be received regarding the activity.

Other ways to protect your tablet

• Ranger Pro Safe Browser Is a browser that allows you to securely navigate the Internet.
• If you want your baby to always be under control and the moral component comes first, then install the service. Zoe mob... So, for a small monthly fee, you can track up to five devices, set up alerts if a child leaves a certain area, view SMS and calls, and also clean the device. This is very convenient, especially since control can be carried out not only from a computer, but also through ZoeMob.
• And the last "harsh" method is free AppLock blocking access to programs, options, settings and content.

Basically, it is not intended for setting up a tablet for a child, but it does an excellent job with this task.

How to set up Google Play correctly?

Before giving your toddler a tablet, set up the use of the Google Play store.

• First make sure there is a mark around the stitch "Password", if it is not there, then be sure to put it. This is important, especially if you shop frequently and have already saved your credit card.

• Next, set a restriction on the displayed content. To do this, go to "Content filtering"... Here you can choose one of four items: "For all ","For kids ","For teenagers" and "For adults"... Among all, only the second will suit you, because the child should not see unnecessary content.

By the way, Google surprised its users with teen-friendly content. Apps, they argue, “may include sexual content, imaginary or realistic violence, bad language and crude humor, drug, alcohol and smoking references, social functions, and gambling simulators.”
So it is better to choose the mode exactly "For kids " and set a password.

Video: Parental Controls on Android

An own smartphone or tablet, which almost every child has, is a window into a huge, attractive and inviting, but far from harmless virtual world... Parental controls will help protect minors from harmful information, as well as limit the time they spend on the Internet and playing games. Today they are being developed not only for stationary computers, but also for mobile devices based on Android.

I propose to get acquainted with several programs that allow you to filter and block unwanted content, as well as have other functions useful for parents.

Google Play features

The simplest parental control tool is present in Android by default - this is one of Google functions Play. With its help, you can prevent the installation of applications that are not suitable for the child's age.

For this:

The Content Filtering Settings list contains 3 sections: Applications & Games, Movies, and Music. As for music with explicit lyrics, access to it can be either completely allowed or denied.

In the other two sections, there is a gradation by age (rating) - from 0 to 18 years old. Choose one that is appropriate for your child's age.

Unfortunately, the Russian version of Google Play parental controls does not filter all content in the store. For example, it will not prevent a child from downloading a comic strip or a book containing non-childish information. In addition, this option is ineffective if the child knows how to use the browser, so parents of children over 7-8 years old are better off installing a separate protective application - one of those that I will talk about further.

Parental control from antivirus vendors

Parental control on Android can be organized by means of antivirus, which may already be installed on your child's phone or tablet. Such products include, for example, F-Secure SAFE and Quick Heal Total Security.

There are also individual programs of this class from antivirus vendors. They can be used both as an addition to the main product and by themselves. Let's take a closer look at some of them.

Safe Kids is available in free and paid versions.

Among its functions:

• Filtering web content.
• Search filtering (allows you to exclude from search results sites with inappropriate content).
• Locking the device in set time(excluding calls).
• Determination of the geographic location (the parent can find out where the child is).
• Monitor device usage and send reports to your phone or email parent.

The app is easy to set up and simple to use. All the main ways to protect child safety are present in it. It is suitable for both teen and toddler control. But you can use it only by mutual agreement, since there is no protection against uninstallation in it: if the child objects to the restrictions, it will uninstall the program without any problems.

Norton Family parental control (Symantec)

Norton Family has almost the same feature set as Kaspersky's product. And it is also available in paid and free versions.

The free version includes:

• Website visit control function (logging).
• Filtering web content.
• Immediate warning of parents about undesirable actions of the child.

The paid option additionally contains the ability to selectively control access to applications, create a report on the use of the device for 90 days, receive weekly or monthly summaries by e-mail about the time spent by the child at the device and about the actions on it.

Unlike SafeKids, Norton Family has uninstall protection, but some especially cunning teenagers still manage to disable it.

The set of possibilities is somewhat wider. The free version includes:

The additional functionality is more suitable for parents of younger students who are away from home for a long time.

Standalone parental control apps

Perhaps one of the most functional and flexible parental control tools, but paid (from $ 5.95 per quarter).

Among its features:

• Safe search in all popular browsers.
• Individual settings blocking sites (black and white lists).
• Limiting web surfing by time (you can create a schedule for each day of the week).
• Remote control settings and rules (from an adult's smartphone).
• Limiting the use of the device.
• Reports on the child's online activity (time and content of visited sites, search queries).
• The ability to allow or deny a child access to certain content in real time.
• Hide apps not intended for use by children (individually configurable).
• Blocking applications by operating time.

Despite the abundance of features, SafeKiddo is quite simple to use. In addition, it can be used to control multiple children using separate rules for each.

Kids Zone Parental Controls

Kids Zone Parental Controls are useful for creating separate profiles for children on a device that is used by an adult. The program is intended mainly for kids. Available in free and paid versions.

With Kids Zone you can:

• Create an individual profile for each child on your phone or tablet, set their personal wallpaper on the desktop. Only those apps that you allow will be displayed in the kids' profiles.
• Protect program settings from changes using a pin code.
• Limit the time of using the device.
• Block outgoing calls and SMS.
• Deny internet access.
• Prohibit downloading and installing programs from Google Play and other sources.
• Block access to device settings and personal data of the parent's account.
• Monitor children's use of the device.
• Unlock by pressing one button (when you need to answer a call).

The only disadvantage of Kids Zone is that it is not translated into Russian. But in all other respects it is quite good.