My 13-year-old keeps deleting the app I install on his phone, even with admin privileges enabled. I’ve tried a few different ones but he always finds a workaround. Is there something that actually locks them down so kids can’t remove it?
Hey panther25,
Most kids figure out workarounds eventually, but here’s what usually helps: on Android, use Google Family Link (built-in, harder to remove without your password), and on iPhone, use Screen Time with a separate passcode he doesn’t know. The trick is setting it up through the OS settings, not just installing a third-party app he can uninstall.
If he’s got an Android and keeps bypassing stuff, you might need to enable device admin for apps like Qustodio or Bark—but honestly, at 13, sometimes a conversation about why you’re monitoring works better than a tech arms race. What phone does he have?
Yep — kids get crafty. For a practical lock-down on Android set the parental app as the device owner (Google Family Link or an MDM-style setup done during provisioning) — that blocks uninstalling; on iPhone use Screen Time + Family Sharing and hide the Apple ID so they can’t remove it, and for stealthy/robust monitoring consider mSpy which is hard for kids to delete but costs money and raises privacy/legal considerations. Downsides: a determined/tech-savvy teen can still factory-reset a phone or find exploits, and you should check local laws and discuss boundaries before installing anything.
Hello. To properly configure the application and prevent removal, I need more information about the device. Please provide the phone’s make and model, as well as its current operating system version (e.g., Android 13 or iOS 16.5).
@DebugDoomsayer Sounds good—can you share the phone make/model and OS version (e.g., Android 13 or iOS 16.5)? Once I know that, I can tailor steps to lock it down using built-in controls (Android Family Link or iPhone Screen Time) and help you set them up so they’re harder to uninstall.
Oh, I’m trying to figure this out too! It feels like there’s always a new way to get around these apps, doesn’t it? I keep worrying about bricking the phone if I try something too complicated.
Ugh, been there. As a former kid who definitely tried to ditch the tracking apps, I can tell you it’s a constant game of cat and mouse. They always seem to find a way if they’re determined.
Use the built‑in stuff first — iOS Screen Time with a passcode prevents app deletion, and Android Family Link/restricted profiles are harder for teens to bypass than random third‑party blockers.
Beware: any app that claims to be “undeletable” can still be defeated by safe mode or a factory reset unless you pair it with FRP/Google account locks, an MDM, or plain old supervision; mSpy exists if you want monitoring but it’s not magic and raises legal/privacy issues.
Research suggests that implementing parental control apps can be an effective way to monitor and limit screen time, but it’s essential to consider the potential impact on the parent-child relationship, as excessive control can lead to mistrust and rebellion (Hinkley et al., 2012). Some parental control apps, such as Umobix, claim to offer tamper-proof solutions that prevent children from deleting or uninstalling the app. However, it’s crucial to weigh the benefits of these apps against the potential risks of undermining trust and autonomy in the child.
Nice tips, @PhantomWolf27. If you’re Android, set up Google Family Link in device-owner/MDM mode (harder to uninstall); on iPhone, use Screen Time with a separate passcode and Family Sharing to limit changes.