Android Mobile Devices

Built-In Settings

Google Play Parental Controls

Google Play Parental Controls allow the user to set a password on app purchases and restrict content for anything available on Google Play (apps, books, movies, TV).

Google’s Instructions: Link
Five Minute Fix: Link
3rd Party Instructions: Link

Screen Lock

Setting a screen lock on your own phone increases security in general, but also keeps your children from borrowing your phone for less-restricted internet access.

Google’s Instructions: Link

Apps

Qustodio (Filter)

Qustodio has filtering, but also additional options including location tracking and call and text monitoring. They have apps for Windows, Android, MacOS, iOS, Kindle, and Nook.

Qustodio Website: Link
Google Play Store: Link

Net Nanny (Filter)

In addition to filtering content, Net Nanny allows you set set time limits on app use, set up separate user accounts, and mask text-based profanity. It works on Windows, Android, MacOS, and iOS.

Net Nanny Website: Link
Google Play Store: Link
Installation and FAQ: Link

Covenant Eyes (Accountability Software & Filter)

Covenant Eyes filters and sends reports, but the main idea behind this app is to promote accountability to another person. By sending web usage reports to another individual, it provides an opportunity to have a discussion on proper internet usage. Covenant Eyes has apps for Windows, Android, MacOS, and iOS.

Covenant Eyes Website: Link
Google Play Store: Link
Android Installation Instructions: Link

Applock (App Locker)

Applock by Domobile Labs is an app that restricts the user from opening apps of your choice, and adds some additional security features to your phone.

Google Play Store: Link
Installation Instructions: Link

OpenDNS (DNS Filter)

Using OpenDNS on a phone or tablet is not as easy as installing a filtering app, and requires that your device be rooted. Several steps in this process are beyond the capacity of the technology beginner, so you may find other options are more convenient.

OpenDNS is a company that provides DNS services. DNS services are typically provided by your internet service provider (ISP), but when you set your phone or computer to use OpenDNS instead, you can filter webpages before they ever get to you. OpenDNS can also increase the speed of your connection by caching common websites. The nice thing about Open DNS (and other DNS filters) is that they work well together with app filters, allowing you to have two layers of filtering without too much trouble.

In order to set up OpenDNS on your phone, you need will need to do the following:

  1. Install an app that lets you specify DNS servers, called Set DNS: (Google Play Store: Link) or see OpenDNS Instructions: Link
  2. Use that app to set your DNS servers to 208.67.222.222 and 208.67.220.220
  3. Install a DNS Updater app like Dynamic DNS Update (Google Play Store: Link) and set it to relay your DNS address to OpenDNS.
  4. Set up an account with OpenDNS and configure your filtering settings.