Research shows that almost 75% of kids under eight are using electronic gadgets like mobile phones, tabs, and laptops, and this number is gradually increasing. Most of the time, parents aren’t monitoring what their kids are doing online.
Many parents want their kids to be somewhat independent when it comes to digital devices even after knowing the consequences. It is certain, however, that the internet can expose kids to lots of inappropriate content. Many Indian parents are concerned about how much violent and sexual content is available on the internet. This is why monitoring your kid’s mobile is so important. A monitoring app can restrict, monitor, and manage what kids are doing on their digital devices. While apps aren’t foolproof, they are an important tool that can help parents learn more about what their kids are doing online.
Finding a worthy parental control app, however, would be a difficult task because there are so many to choose from, and they all offer something unique and different.
Luckily, we’ve done a bit of work to help you narrow it down to the five best parental control apps in India to spy on your kids’ activities.
1. XNSPY
At the top of our list, we have XNSPY, which is the best overall parental control app in India. It allows you to control the target device remotely by gathering information, such as emails, texts, call logs, and chats from Viber, Skype, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, and other popular social media platforms.
Moreover, it gives you an option to track the GPS location and social media activities on the monitored device. The detecting tool can also be used to record device surroundings and keep an account of specific activities once the user defines the keywords such as locations, names, and numbers.
It is quite convenient to access the data fetched through this spy software from any Android device or iPhone, possessing an internet connection. Everything is saved to your Xnspy web account for you to review whenever you like. All of this is carried out covertly, your target being unaware. Remember that you only need one-time access to the device you want to monitor to install the app. Once you’ve installed the program, you’ll be able to monitor the target’s activity.
Key Specs
- Pricing: $4.99/month (Basic), $7.49/month (Premium)
- iOS/Android: Both. Android OS versions 4.0 to 11, iOS versions up to 15
- Number of Devices: 1, 5, or 20 maximum, depending on your subscription plan.
Why we chose it: XNSPY allows parents access to record calls and ambient sounds, geofence locations, and set alerts for different watch lists. Moreover, the remote commands cause no lagging or virtual interruptions. It also allows Indian parents to retrieve deleted messages and other information.
Pros Cons
Ambient Reading | Lack of support for PCs |
Call Recording | No free trial version |
Geofencing | |
Watchlist Alerts | |
Remote Commands | |
24/7 Tech Support | |
User-friendly Interface | |
Retrieves Deleted Messages |
2. Net Nanny
Next, we have Net Nanny, one of the most comprehensive and most trusted apps on the Indian market. It allows you to monitor your kids’ digital habits while also protecting them from harmful content. You can also set screen time limits to prevent your kids from accessing inappropriate content.
You’ll stay updated with the detailed information on the searches your kids are conducting. Moreover, you get real-time alerts on what they browse and watch on their phones.
Key Specs
- Pricing: Starts at $50/year and goes up to $129/year
- iOS/Android: Both
- Number of Devices: 1, 5, or 20 maximum, depending on your subscription plan
Why we chose it: Net Nanny gives parents the option of allowing, blocking, or receiving notifications when their children visit websites that include potentially unsuitable or dangerous content.
Pros Cons
Top-Notch web filtering system to analyze websites | Annual subscription available only |
Can set specific times for children to use devices | No monitoring of texts and calls |
Block content across web addresses and apps | |
Monitors their physical and virtual location |
3. FamilyTime
Third on the list is FamilyTime. As the name suggests, this app is developed to secure your family by allowing you to manage your family’s screen time.
Family Time offers all the features you would expect from a good parental control app. It blocks inappropriate content like pornography, allows kids to reach safe sites only, and filters out the ill-suited content. It also lets you set time limits on devices, and it can lock screens during certain times like at bedtime or during homework time.
It also contains the geofencing feature that allows you to establish boundaries and always stay updated whenever your kid gets in and out of that circle.
Key Specs
- Pricing: Ranges from $27 to $69/year
- iOS/Android: Both
- Number of Devices: Unlimited
Pros Cons
Provide access to real-time location | Features are not fully developed |
Alerting alarms for emergencies and non-emergencies | Easy for kids to remove the app |
Notification of kid’s departure and arrival at a certain place | Not supported with Windows |
Unlimited number of devices | |
Free trial |
4. Bark
Bark performs well at monitoring text messages, emails, and almost all famous social media networks for potential safety concerns. It tracks the unusual activities that could indicate danger like online predators, drug use, sexual content, adult content, cyberbullying, and suicidal acts. Barks also allow you to stay updated with your kid’s current location and keep you alert when your child arrives or leaves a specific place.
Bark searches the targeted device and sends alerts to parents about any concerning interactions like texts, photos, and videos. You’ll receive automatic alerts via email and text messages when there is any abnormal activity sensed by Bark.
You will also get access to a dashboard that will provide you with an overview of your child’s internet usage. You’ll learn how much time they spend online, which websites they frequent, and how many potential threats have been found.
Key Specs
- Pricing: From $49 to $99/year or from $5 to 14/month
- iOS/Android: Both
- Number of Devices: Unlimited
Why we chose it: Bark’s premium plan includes an alarm system that goes above and beyond, providing messages to parents the moment the app detects suspicious content or activity on nearly 20 different topics.
Pros Cons
Monitor messages and in-app conversations | Limited monitoring features for iPhone users |
Sends alerts for concerning and inappropriate content | Only premium plans allow you to monitor apps and texts |
Allows screen-time management | |
One plan covers unlimited devices | |
Free 7-day trial |
5. Qustodio
You may use Qustodio to monitor social networks, examine your child’s messages, and track their position. It’s also a comprehensive program that lets you filter websites for potentially harmful information. You may restrict access to games and apps that you don’t want your child to use, as well as set time limits on each device.
It allows you to locate your kid’s device from anywhere at any time. And your kid will have access to a panic button that works as an emergency alarm to immediately let you know their location.
Just keep in mind that Qustodio’s monitoring is limited to some social media sites. For example, parents can see when their child used Facebook Messenger and for how long, but they can’t access their interaction with other users. So make sure you are well aware of the program’s limitations before you get its subscription.
Key Specs
- Pricing: From $55 to $130/year
- iOS/Android: Both
- Number of Devices: 5, 10, or 15, depending on your subscription plan
Why we chose it: By restricting screen time and reducing exposure to harmful content, Qustodio assists parents in prioritizing their children’s health and safety. The app’s capabilities may result in improved sleeping patterns and overall mental health.
Pros Cons
Easy-to-read dashboard | Some Android-specific users |
Can review calls/texts, screen time limits, and block content | Parents can’t review in-app interactions |
Access to current and previous locations | |
3 plans available | |
Free trial |
Parting Words
When exploring parental control applications, our main concern was finding ones that could help keep our kids safe without being overly intrusive. We considered how easy it would be for parents to achieve whatever their goals might be—whether it’s location tracking, screen-time limits, content blocking, or a combination of everything—and made sure it would be a simple process to change, update, increase, or decrease your child’s