In this day and age, many people use smart phones. However, when using a cell phone, of course, users must be careful. If you're new to buying an Android phone or tablet for your child, you may want to set parental restrictions and content filters on the device to prevent your child from being exposed to prohibited content. You can create a restricted profile on your tablet, use third-party restriction apps, or enable filters and password protection for app purchases in the Play Store.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Creating and Using Restricted Profiles
Step 1. Find the cog icon on your home screen, notification panel, or app drawer, then tap on it to open the Settings menu
The device settings menu will appear.
Step 2. Swipe the screen, then tap the "Users" option
You will see a menu for adding users to the device.
Step 3. Add users with restricted access rights
Tap "Add user or profile", then select the "Restricted profile" option.
Step 4. Enter the password for the restricted account if the account is not already protected
Select the security option you want (PIN, pattern, or password), then enter the password/pattern of your choice.
When you're done, you'll see all the apps installed on your tablet, with the ON/OFF button next to them
Step 5. Name the profile
Tap the three-dot icon next to the "New Profile" option at the top of the screen. In the dialog box that appears, enter a profile name (eg child's name). Once done, tap "OK".
Step 6. Select the apps you want to allow
Now, you can choose the apps that the user can access. For example, if you only want to let your little one play games, choose games that are installed on your tablet. To select an app, tap the button next to the app name until the button turns "ON". Leave apps you don't allow in the "OFF" position.
Step 7. Use a restricted profile
Exit the Settings menu, then lock the screen. Activate the screen by pressing the Home button on the device. You will now see the lock screen, and a list of users at the bottom of the screen. Select a restricted username, then enter the user's password.
In the app drawer, users can only see the apps that you have previously selected. The visible application is the application that can be accessed by the user
Method 2 of 3: Using Parental Control Apps
Step 1. Download and install the parental control app from Play Store
Open the Play Store, then use the keyword "parental control" to search for it. Some applications will appear in search results, such as Mobile Fence Parental Control, Kids Place, Screen Time, and others. Tap an app to see its description. After finding a suitable app, tap "Install" to install the app.
Step 2. Open the parental control app by tapping its icon on the home screen or app drawer
Once the app is open, you will see various options, such as games, education, growth, and more. Add child-accessible apps in each category. Applications that fall into this category will be accessible to children
Step 3. Generate a PIN code
Most parental control apps require you to generate a PIN code. The code is used to add free applications, change settings, and close control mode. With this code, your child cannot accidentally change settings or close parental mode.
- The option to create a pin is generally in the Settings menu. Find and tap the menu button (which is usually three dots or three lines), then select "Create PIN".
- Enter the PIN you want, then tap "OK".
- For greater security, some parental control apps require you to select a security question and answer it. This question is useful if you can't remember the PIN code.
Step 4. Enter information about the child, such as name, date of birth, age, and/or gender
Generally, you can enter this information in the "Settings" menu.
Step 5. Add the app from the "Settings" menu
You will see all the apps installed on your device. Take a look at the list, then tap the app you want to allow. Once done, tap "OK".
Step 6. Let the child use the device in parental control mode
Close the settings screen, then reopen the app. You will be asked to enter a PIN code. Enter the code, and the screen will show the apps you have allowed. Now, even children can use the device safely.
Your child cannot close this mode because he or she will be asked for a PIN code. It also cannot open the settings menu without a PIN
Method 3 of 3: Setting Parental Controls on Play Store
Step 1. Find and tap the white shopping bag icon with the colored Play logo to open the Google Play Store
Step 2. Open the Settings menu
Tap the three dots at the top left of the screen, then tap "Settings" from the menu.
Step 3. Find the "Parental Controls" option under "User controls", then tap on it
Step 4. Enable parental controls by tapping the switch under "Parental Controls" to the "ON" position
Step 5. Create a PIN
You will be asked to enter a 4-digit PIN, which will be used to change parental control settings. Enter the PIN you want, then tap "OK". After that, repeat the PIN, and tap "OK".
Step 6. Set restrictions
Tap "Apps & Games" on the screen, then select the appropriate age range from the window that appears. For example, if you select the "3+" age range, Google Play will show apps for 3-7 year olds. If you select the "7+" age range, Google will also show apps for children ages 7-12, and so on.
Tips
- Android tablets allow you to create restricted profiles, which allow you to manage your child's access to certain apps. This restricted profile is available from Android 4.2 and up.
- In the Play Store, there are many parental control apps, ranging from free to paid apps. Paid apps generally provide richer features. While the features of these control apps vary, they can generally be used to restrict and/or allow access for children.
