Best Parental Control Apps
for Android in India (2026)
From screen time limits to live location, parental control apps cover a wide range. Here's an honest look at what's available in India, what each app actually does, and which one fits which kind of family.
Last updated: June 2026 · 8 min read
What "Parental Control" Actually Means
The phrase covers very different things. Some apps limit screen time. Some block apps or websites. Some share a child's live location. Some do all three. Before picking an app, decide what problem you're actually trying to solve.
I want to know where my child is
Live location sharing (Raksha, Google Family Link)
I want to limit phone usage time
Screen time controls (Google Family Link, Screen Time)
I want to block specific apps or websites
Content filtering (Family Link, Kids Place)
I want an SOS if something goes wrong
Safety circle with alerts (Raksha)
I want to monitor messages and calls
Monitoring software — check legal requirements in your state
App-by-App Comparison
Google Family Link
FreeBest for: Children under 13 with a supervised Google account
WHAT IT DOES
- Screen time limits by day or app
- App approval — child requests, parent approves
- Content filters (Google Play, Chrome)
- Live location on Google Maps
- Works on any Android phone
LIMITATIONS
- Child must have a supervised Google account (under 13)
- Teens (13+) can opt out — supervision becomes advisory
- No SOS / emergency alert feature
- Location only visible in the Family Link app, not shareable
Raksha
Free (basic) / ₹199/monthBest for: Families who want real-time location + emergency safety for all ages
WHAT IT DOES
- Live location for the whole family (children, parents, elderly)
- SOS alert — one tap sends location to all guardians
- Remote ring, flash, and lock from anywhere
- Silent photo on theft attempt
- Works on teens and adults (no supervised account needed)
- Built for Indian OEM phones (Xiaomi, Motorola, Samsung)
LIMITATIONS
- No screen time or app blocking
- All family members need to install the app
- Full features require subscription
Kids Place
Free / ₹299 one-timeBest for: Young children — restricting what they can access on the phone
WHAT IT DOES
- Kiosk mode — locks phone to approved apps only
- Prevents accidental calls or purchases
- PIN-protected exit (parent unlocks)
- Works on any Android phone
LIMITATIONS
- No location tracking
- No SOS or emergency feature
- Child can bypass on reboot (without full setup)
Norton Family
₹1,499/yearBest for: Parents who want detailed reports + web filtering
WHAT IT DOES
- Web filtering (block categories: adult, gambling, etc.)
- Time supervision — set daily limits per device
- Search monitoring
- Location check-in
LIMITATIONS
- Paid subscription required
- Location tracking limited compared to dedicated apps
- Heavy on battery due to continuous monitoring
- Not optimised for Indian OEM battery quirks
Which App for Which Age?
Age Under 8 — Google Family Link + Kids Place
Lock the phone to safe apps. Family Link handles screen time and content filters. Kids Place prevents accidental changes.
Age 8–12 — Google Family Link
Supervised Google account lets you approve app downloads, set daily screen time, and see live location from the Family Link parent app.
Age 13–17 — Raksha
Teens can opt out of Family Link supervision. Raksha works without a supervised account — your teen joins a family circle and you see live location. The SOS button adds a safety net without feeling like surveillance.
Age 18+ — Raksha
Adults share location voluntarily within a family circle. Useful for college students, women commuting late, or elderly parents who want family to know they are safe.
The Battery Problem in India
Most Indian families use Xiaomi (MIUI), Motorola, Samsung, Realme, or OnePlus phones. All of these aggressively kill background apps to save battery. This is a real problem for parental control apps that need to run continuously.
After installing any monitoring or tracking app, do this on every family member's phone:
Xiaomi / MIUI
Settings → Apps → Manage apps → [App] → Battery saver → No restrictions
Samsung
Settings → Apps → [App] → Battery → Unrestricted
OnePlus / OxygenOS
Settings → Apps → [App] → Battery → Allow background activity
Realme / ColorOS
Settings → App Management → [App] → Battery → Allow background activities
Motorola
Settings → Apps → [App] → Battery → Unrestricted
See the full guide: Why Tracking Apps Stop Working on Indian Android Phones
The Conversation Matters More Than the App
Hidden monitoring breeds resentment, especially with teenagers. The most effective approach is transparent: tell your child what you've installed, why, and what you can see. Research consistently shows that teens who know they're being tracked are less likely to take risks — and more likely to use SOS features when they're in trouble.
A useful framing: "This app is so I know you're safe, not so I can check up on you every minute." Then actually follow through — don't use location data to police routine activities.
For a script and common questions: How to Talk to Your Child About Phone Monitoring
Quick Decision Guide
Q: I want screen time limits and app controls
→ Google Family Link (free, works for under-13)
Q: I want live location + SOS for the whole family
→ Raksha (works for all ages, no supervised account)
Q: I want to lock a young child’s phone to safe apps
→ Kids Place (free kiosk mode)
Q: I want content filtering and web reports
→ Norton Family (paid, more detailed reporting)
Q: I want both screen time AND live location
→ Google Family Link + Raksha together