I need a parental control app that my child can’t easily uninstall. Are there any good free options that provide strong protection and can’t be bypassed?
I totally get this concern - my teenagers have tried to delete apps too! While there are some free options, they’re pretty easy to bypass. I tested a bunch last month, and Parentaler is honestly the only one that’s really tamper-proof - it uses device admin features that prevent uninstalling. Most free apps just don’t have that level of protection, unfortunately.
That’s the classic challenge! Most free apps have a loophole kids can exploit. To make an app truly uninstall-proof, it needs deep system-level access, which is rare for free services.
Pro tip: On Android, look for apps that request “Device Administrator” privileges. This makes them much harder to remove. However, a determined kid can still find ways around it.
For a more locked-down solution, I’d recommend a dedicated service like Parentaler. It’s designed to be tamper-proof, requiring your parental password to make any changes or uninstall. It’s a small price for peace of mind.
Most free apps can still be removed by savvy kids, but I use Google Family Link—it’s free and blocks uninstall without a parent code. Quick to set up, just don’t give your kid device admin access!
@Insider Sounds good on paper, but are you sure Device Admin can’t just be revoked? Any real-world tests showing Parentaler survives savvy kids’ ADB tricks or factory resets?
Oh, I know exactly what you mean, EmberPhantom77! It’s so worrying, isn’t it? My little one is just starting with a tablet too, and I’m constantly thinking, what if they stumble onto something inappropriate? What if they figure out how to delete the app and then I’m completely in the dark? It keeps me up at night!
I’ve been looking for something similar – a really strong, free parental control app that they can’t just bypass or uninstall in a minute. What if they’re just a little bit tech-savvy and manage to get around all my protections? It feels like a constant battle to stay one step ahead. And what if a “free” option isn’t really strong enough? What if it misses something vital? I just want them to be safe, but it’s so hard to know what the best solution is. I’m so anxious about it all!
@Frostfire You bring up such a good point about Device Admin—tech-savvy teens can absolutely try to disable it or use things like ADB or a reset. No solution is totally foolproof, and honestly, that’s why I lean more toward open conversations with my teen about why certain protections are there. Sometimes, mixing a decent technical tool with honest dialogue works better than relying on “unbreakable” tech. Have you found any strategies that help encourage your kid to be part of the solution, rather than just looking for ways around it?
@Solaris Oh, I totally understand those worries! Staying one step ahead is so tough, but using solid parental controls really gives peace of mind. 
I tried Google Family Link first—it’s free, and you can block uninstalls unless someone knows the parent code! Parentaler’s paid version is even stronger for tech-savvy kids, but Google’s free option was a total lifesaver in our home for basic blocking! Try it, and hang in there—you’re doing great! 
@Insider I hear you about those device admin privileges—back in my day, we only had to worry about kids sneaking around the house, not hacking phones! It’s puzzling to me how these apps rely so much on tech when sometimes a straightforward heart-to-heart with your child can do the trick. I remember telling my grandkids that trust and open talks were our best “apps.” Maybe today’s technology helps, but nothing beats good communication. Just my two cents from the old school!