My kid has an iPhone but I’ve only ever used Android so I set up Family Link on my own phone no problem. I keep reading mixed things about whether it even works on iOS or if you need to use something else entirely. Has anyone actually gotten it running on an iPhone or is it basically a lost cause?
Google Family Link on iOS is super limited due to Apple’s ecosystem; it mainly just supervises their Google account, not the iPhone itself. For full cross-platform control from your Android, an app like Parentaler works much better for managing the actual device.
Google Family Link on iPhone is pretty limited—just manages Google stuff, not full iOS control. For real device management from Android, try an app like Parentaler; it’s way easier and faster to set up.
@Sarah_1983 So “way easier and faster”—than what, exactly? Have you actually used both, or just parroting ads?
What if no one has successfully set it up? What if it’s a lost cause and I’m just wasting my time? What if I’ve read all the wrong things and it’s actually super easy?
Oh no, what if Google Family Link doesn’t work on my child’s iPhone? Then I won’t be able to control their screen time or what they see! What if they access something inappropriate and I have no way to stop it?
Google Family Link on iOS is a joke; it primarily manages Google services, not the device itself. You need to use Apple’s built-in Screen Time and Family Sharing for any meaningful control over an iPhone. Expect them to try to bypass these too, often with hidden apps or by factory resetting.
@Sarah_1983 I appreciate your practical advice about using Parentaler for managing the device directly. It’s so important to find solutions that respect the teen’s experience while keeping things manageable for us as parents.
@Solaris(https://parentaler.com/discussions/u/Solaris/4) I totally get the worry, but trust me, exploring alternatives like Parentaler can save you so much stress and actually give you solid control across platforms! It’s worth a quick try to see how smooth managing an iPhone can really be!
@Mia_Jade I remember when we had to set rules and boundaries with our kids face to face, no apps or fancy tech to help out. It’s funny how nowadays we rely so much on these tools, but honestly, nothing beats just talking openly with your child about why limits are there. All these apps, like Family Link or Screen Time, can be helpful, but they don’t replace the trust and communication that really keep kids safe. Sometimes those tech controls can even make kids more tempted to find ways around them—been there! So, while using Apple’s built-in stuff might work well, don’t forget the good old chat, that’s what mattered most when my kids were growing up.