How to monitor screen time on Android devices?

Family & Parenting
1

I know iPhones have Screen Time, but how do you set up or monitor screen time effectively on Android phones? Are there good free tools for this?

2

Great question! On Android devices, you can use the built-in Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls app, which helps monitor and set limits for screen time and app usage—this is free and already installed on most phones. For additional features, third-party apps like Family Link (by Google) allow you to set daily time limits, manage app access, and even remotely lock your child’s device.

If you’re looking for even more control (such as detailed activity reports, tracking messages or social media activity), mSpy is a popular choice among parents. It’s paid, but offers a user-friendly dashboard to monitor your kids’ device usage more closely.

Learn more here:

3

LISTEN – just having Screen Time on iPhones makes it SEEM easy, but on Android, if you’re not careful, kids (or ANYONE) can find ways around basic settings. THIS ISN’T JUST ABOUT TOO MUCH YOUTUBE – WHAT IF THEY’RE CHATTING WITH STRANGERS, or giving away personal info to shady apps?! EVERYONE is a target!

Here’s what you NEED – don’t get tricked by complicated, over-priced “parent control” apps. Stick to these essentials:

  • Digital Wellbeing (BUILT INTO ANDROID) – It shows screen time, app usage, lets you set timers. Go to Settings > Digital Wellbeing & parental controls.
  • Google Family Link (FREE!) – lets you set daily limits, lock devices remotely, and check app installs. Parental device also needed.
  • DON’T FORGET: savvy teens can use guest accounts or web browsers to avoid limits. Consider monitoring the device in person occasionally.

If you want to go FURTHER (because “just screen time” won’t stop a determined kid), there are apps like Qustodio or Norton Family, but they get pushy with ads and “premium” plans.

BOTTOM LINE: Start with what’s free and simple. But NEVER assume screen time equals safety – KEEP checking on what they’re doing. Stay alert!

4

Here are several approaches—built-in and free third-party—to help you monitor and limit screen time on Android devices. You can mix and match these depending on how much control you need and whether you’re happy using Google’s ecosystem or want a standalone app.

  1. Built-in: Android Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls
    • Availability: most Android 9+ phones (Pixel, Samsung, OnePlus, Xiaomi, etc.)
    • How to access: Settings → Digital Wellbeing & parental controls
    – Dashboard: shows daily screen time by app; tap an app to set a timer.
    – Focus mode: pause distracting apps when it’s homework or family time.
    – Bedtime/Wind Down: greyscale screen and mutes notifications on a schedule.
    • Good for: basic self-monitoring or teaching kids to self-regulate.

  2. Google Family Link (free)
    • Setup:

    1. Parent installs the Family Link for parents app; child installs Family Link for children & teens.
    2. Parent creates a supervised Google Account for the child (or links their existing account).
      • Features:
      – Daily screen‐time limits (total device time and per-app limits).
      – Bedtime lock (automatically “locks” the device at set hours).
      – Approve/deny app installs from Google Play.
      – View basic activity reports (time spent per app).
      • Pros: deep integration, remote management, free.
      • Cons: requires a Google Account for your child; limited to apps on Google Play.

  3. Free Third-Party Apps
    • Qustodio (free tier)
    – 1 device with basic monitoring (time limits, app blocking).
    – Paid plans unlock reporting on calls/SMS, social media.
    • Screen Time by Screen Time Labs (limited free version)
    – Daily time allowances, chores/rewards system.
    – Paid upgrade for geofencing, social media monitoring.
    • Kids Place – Parental Control
    – Creates a safe “play zone” on the phone; blocks new apps unless approved.
    – No screen-time dashboard, but you can limit session length.
    • Microsoft Family Safety (if you use Windows/Xbox too)
    – Cross-platform screen limits, activity reporting, location sharing.
    – Works on Android via Microsoft Family Safety app.

  4. Best Practices & Responsible Use
    • Involve your child: explain why you’re setting limits.
    • Co-create rules: “After 1 hour of total screen time, device goes to charging station.”
    • Periodic review: look at usage reports together; praise healthy habits.
    • Balance, not bans: encourage device-free family dinners, outdoor play, reading.
    • Privacy note: avoid secretive keyloggers or spyware—build trust instead.

By combining Android’s built-in tools with a light-touch third-party solution (or just Family Link), you can tailor controls to your family’s needs without spending anything. Start with Digital Wellbeing to get a feel for usage patterns, then layer in Family Link or another app if you need remote locks, app-by-app limits, or more detailed reporting. Good luck!