Are you worried about your child’s excessive screen time reducing their creativity and well-being? In today’s tech-driven world, managing screen time is a top parenting concern. Overuse can lead to sleep issues, poor diet, inattention, and other adverse effects. Setting clear boundaries for device use is crucial, and we’ve evaluated numerous screen time apps to bring you the top ten free options for Android and iOS.
How We Selected the Best Screen Time Apps
We rigorously tested and researched screen time apps, choosing the best based on their features, performance, and value.
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User-Friendly Design: Apps feature intuitive, interactive interfaces for easy navigation.
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Regular Updates: Seamless compatibility with the latest Android and iOS versions.
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Reliable Support: Exceptional customer service for user assistance. Some apps are entirely free for basic screen time management, while others offer free trials or affordable premium plans with advanced customization for app-specific limits and location-based rules, often with refund guarantees.
Top 4 Screen Time Apps for Android
1. MobileTracking Parental Control & Screen Time App
MobileTracking Parental Control is a versatile, user-friendly app for managing screen time, helping parents monitor and guide their children’s digital habits while ensuring safety in both online and offline environments.
Screen Time Features:
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Set time limits for overall screen use or specific apps and categories.
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Schedule screen-free periods for study, bedtime, or family time.
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Whitelist essential apps to remain accessible at all times.
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Apply location-based limits, allowing games at home but not at school.
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Access daily and weekly activity reports to foster healthy digital behaviors.
Additional Features: Monitor online activity, view live device screens, block harmful games, sync notifications from apps like Facebook or WhatsApp, track real-time locations, and access phone surroundings via camera and audio.
Pros:
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Intuitive, engaging interface.
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Option to hide the app for discreet monitoring.
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Developed by experienced professionals.
Cons:
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Limited to Android devices for screen time management.
Free Trial & Pricing: 3-day free trial with full access; $9.99/month for 2 devices, $19.99/quarter or $59.99/year for 10 devices.
2. Kidslox Screen Time Parental Control
Kidslox offers a straightforward parental control solution, simplifying screen time and app usage management to support balanced digital habits.
Screen Time Features:
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Lock devices instantly with one tap.
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Create schedules for screen or app usage.
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Grant extra screen time for tasks like homework completion.
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Allow kids to request additional screen time via the app.
Additional Features: Track locations and block specific apps or websites.
Pros:
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Rapid updates.
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Attractive, user-friendly design.
Cons:
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Blocked apps may occasionally remain accessible.
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Screen time tracking can be inaccurate, locking devices prematurely.
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Children may disable the app easily.
Free Trial & Pricing: 3-day free trial (requires payment info); $49.99/year for 1 device, $79.99/year for 10 devices.
3. FamilyTime Screen Time Control App
FamilyTime empowers parents to manage their children’s smartphone and tablet usage with customizable rules for bedtime, dinner, and more.
Screen Time Features:
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Easily limit screen and app usage.
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Set predefined rules for bedtime, homework, or dinner.
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Block apps instantly with one tap.
Additional Features: Track locations, block internet or domains, monitor driving speed, and schedule internet access.
Pros:
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Free version tracks app usage.
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3-day free trial for premium features.
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Clear, interactive interface.
Cons:
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Free version lacks screen time limits.
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No warnings when time is running out.
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May miss some app usage data.
Free Trial & Pricing: 3-day free trial (requires payment info); $29/year for 1 device, $49/year for 3 devices, $69/year for 5 devices.
4. Qustodio Screen Time Control App
Qustodio provides a centralized platform to manage family devices, offering robust tools to limit screen time and protect privacy.
Screen Time Features:
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Set daily time limits for specific days.
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Schedule daily downtime periods.
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Pause internet access instantly.
Additional Features: Monitor social media, calls, texts, and locations; send emergency alerts; restrict specific domains.
Pros:
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Free to set daily screen time and downtime schedules.
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Easy-to-use, interactive dashboard.
Cons:
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Free version lacks app-specific limits or blocking.
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Cannot set unique rules for different apps.
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Teens may bypass or remove the app.
Free Trial & Pricing: Free for basic screen time limits; $54.95–$99.95/year for app usage controls.
Top 4 Screen Time Apps for iPhone
1. OurPact Parental Control & Screen Time App
OurPact is a powerful app for managing family screen time, offering comprehensive controls from a single platform.
Screen Time Features:
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Set daily device usage limits.
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Schedule downtime for dinner, bedtime, or family time.
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Allow, schedule, or block specific apps.
Additional Features: Block texts, set text rules, restrict websites, ensure safe searches, and track locations with geofencing.
Pros:
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Free to schedule daily downtime.
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Engaging, intuitive interface.
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Supports multiple device monitoring.
Cons:
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Free version lacks app-specific controls.
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Blocking/unblocking apps can be slow.
Free Trial & Pricing: Free for basic screen time limits; $6.99–$9.99/month or $69.99–$99.99/year for app usage controls.
2. Bark Screen Time Limit App
Bark uses advanced algorithms to monitor and regulate screen time across devices, helping parents ensure online safety.
Screen Time Features:
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Track and control screen time on smartphones, tablets, and PCs.
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Set personalized limits and schedules.
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Provide detailed reports and alerts on online risks.
Pros:
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User-friendly interface.
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Sophisticated risk detection.
Cons:
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May occasionally flag false positives.
Free Trial & Pricing: 7-day free trial (requires payment info); $14/month.
3. Apple’s Screen Time App
Apple’s built-in Screen Time feature offers insights into device usage and robust controls for managing app and web activity.
Screen Time Features:
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Schedule downtime to allow specific apps only.
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Set time limits for app categories (e.g., gaming).
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Restrict explicit content and web browsing.
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Use passwords to secure settings.
Pros:
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Native iOS feature, reliable and simple.
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Completely free.
Cons:
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Requires iOS 12 or later.
Free Trial & Pricing: Free.
4. FamiSafe Screen Time Limit App
FamiSafe is a comprehensive parental control app with advanced screen time management and monitoring features.
Screen Time Features:
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Set smart schedules for screen time.
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Monitor and limit app usage.
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Block inappropriate social or gaming apps.
Additional Features: Track locations, filter websites, detect explicit content, send alerts, and block in-app purchases.
Pros:
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3-day free trial and guest mode.
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Frequent updates.
Cons:
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May miscalculate screen time, locking devices early.
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Inaccurate tracking for some apps.
Free Trial & Pricing: 3-day free trial (requires payment info); $9.99/month for 5 devices, $19.99/quarter for 10 devices, $59.99/year for unlimited devices.
How Much Screen Time Is Too Much for Children?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) estimates children average 3 hours of TV screen time daily, with up to 7 hours total across devices like tablets and computers. AAP guidelines recommend:
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Under 18 months: No screen time, except video chats.
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18–24 months: Limited educational content with caregiver supervision.
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2–5 years: 1 hour of non-educational screen time on weekdays, 3 hours on weekends.
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6+ years: Educate kids on balanced screen use.
Most children exceed these limits, making screen time apps essential for managing usage and promoting healthier habits.
Tips to Reduce Children’s Screen Time
Involving kids in setting limits fosters cooperation. Try these strategies:
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Prioritize Family Time: Engage in daily face-to-face interactions without devices.
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Plan Screen Time Together: Set shared goals and expectations for reduced screen use.
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Gradual Reduction: Start by cutting screen time by 20 minutes daily, increasing over time.
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Model Healthy Habits: Choose offline activities like reading to set a positive example.
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Encourage Alternatives: Promote outdoor play or hobbies to replace screen time.
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Hide Devices: Keep screens out of sight during screen-free hours to reduce temptation.
Building a balanced relationship with technology early sets the foundation for lifelong healthy habits.
Conclusion
Whether managing your child’s screen time, addressing personal device overuse, or fostering better digital habits, these top free screen time apps offer effective solutions. We recommend MobileTracking Parental Control as a comprehensive tool, seamlessly integrating screen time management with location tracking, app monitoring, and online safety features to support modern parenting.
