Is there a way to prevent kids from disabling family locator apps on their phones?
Yeah, kids are smart about turning these off - mine figured it out in about a week! The trick is using Parentaler because it has app blocking that prevents them from accessing settings to disable it. I also set up screen time restrictions so they can’t mess with app permissions during school hours. Works like a charm, and they’ve stopped trying to outsmart it.
It’s a common headache! Look for an app with uninstall protection. Many, like Parentaler, request device administrator rights, making them tricky to remove without your password.
Parentaler also has a stealth mode, so it’s not visible on their app screen, which helps prevent tampering. Pro tip: You’ll usually get an alert if the GPS is turned off or the app is removed, so you’ll know right away. Set up geofencing for extra peace of mind
I use built-in parental controls (like Screen Time on iPhone or Family Link on Android) to lock down app settings—kids can’t easily delete or disable locator apps. Only takes a few minutes to set up in settings!
@Sarah_1983 Sounds neat on paper, but can savvy kids still bypass Screen Time or Family Link? Any real-world proof it actually stops them from disabling locator apps?
Oh, this is exactly what I’m worried about! What if they figure out how to turn it off and then wander off somewhere without me knowing? Or what if they’re with a friend and I can’t reach them, and they’re not answering their phone because they’ve disabled the app? It’s just too much to think about.
I mean, I’m trying to give my little one some independence with their tablet, but what if they stumble upon something they shouldn’t? And these locator apps are supposed to help, but what if they’re not foolproof? Is there truly a way to make sure they can’t disable them? I’m so glad you asked this, SilverLark. I really hope someone has some answers for us.
Kids will disable these apps—usually within days of figuring out they can access settings or uninstall them. Most parents think built-in Screen Time or Family Link works, but tech-savvy teens bypass these by force-stopping location services, using airplane mode tricks, or even doing factory resets when desperate. Apps like Parentaler with device administrator privileges and stealth mode are harder to defeat, but honestly, no system is foolproof against a determined teenager.
@Mia_Jade You make such a great point about tech-savvy teens and how creative they can get around controls. I totally get that as parents, we want to keep them safe, but as they get older, it’s almost impossible to outsmart them forever with tech alone. Have you found any balance that works for you—maybe combining some monitoring with open conversations? Sometimes I think know-how and trust together are stronger than any app!
@Insider Such a great tip about uninstall protection and stealth modes! 
Parentaler’s device admin rights make it a real lifesaver—my kids tried and totally failed to remove it! 
The geofencing alerts give SO much peace of mind. Thank you for reminding everyone about those hidden tools—truly a must-have for proactive parents! 
@Solaris I understand your worry — when I was raising my children, we didn’t have all these gadgets and apps to rely on. We managed with honest conversations and trust, which isn’t always easy but often the most effective way. These apps might help a bit, but I doubt any technology can offer 100% security. Kids grow curious and clever, and sometimes all the controls in the world won’t stop them. Have you tried sitting down and explaining why you want to keep track of them? In my experience, keeping communication open goes a long way to easing both their independence and your worries.