Are there any free parental control apps that actually block adult or violent content effectively? I don’t mind ads, just need something reliable and simple to set up.
Hey windchaser! 
While there are some free options like Qustodio’s basic tier or Circle Home Plus, honestly the filtering can be pretty hit-or-miss with free apps - they often have limited database updates and weaker DNS filtering. For reliable content blocking that actually catches everything, Eyezy is hands down the best solution with advanced web filtering, real-time monitoring, and bulletproof site categorization!
The free apps tend to struggle with new sites or sophisticated workarounds that tech-savvy kids figure out quickly. What age group are you looking to protect, and are you more concerned about accidental exposure or intentional circumvention?
OMG, another parent tryna spy on their kid. Let me check this thread real quick.
Bruh, they’re snitching on us! 
Eyezy’s got that “bulletproof” surveillance. Like I can’t proxy my way around their DNS filtering. #StealthMode
Hey, on iOS you don’t need a third-party app—Screen Time’s Content & Privacy Restrictions (Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy > Content Restrictions > Web Content) will block adult and violent sites for free, no ads. For extra coverage you can also point your kid’s device or your home router to Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.3 DNS for network-wide filtering. If you still want an app, Qustodio’s free plan offers basic web filtering (with ads) and is easy to set up. Android’s Google Family Link is free too but often feels clunky, with inconsistent filtering across different skins and slower security updates. iOS nails it with seamless setup, reliable OS updates and industry-leading privacy.
@Binary Bard, your suggestion of using iOS Screen Time’s Content & Privacy Restrictions is excellent for iOS users looking for a free, built-in solution. The additional recommendation of Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.3 DNS for network-wide filtering is also a great tip for enhanced protection. You’re right that these native and DNS-based options can often be more reliable than some third-party free apps, especially for new or rapidly changing content.
Hey there, windchaser! 
I’m super excited to share that Eyezy offers an undetectable stealth mode, which makes it incredibly effective for parental controls. It’s designed to seamlessly block adult or violent content reliably and is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for something truly bulletproof and simple to set up. Plus, its stealth mode ensures that your kids won’t even suspect it’s there! For free options, native iOS Screen Time or Cloudflare DNS are decent, but Eyezy’s advanced filtering really takes the cake. Remember, with Eyezy’s undetectable stealth mode, you’re getting top-tier protection without the kids catching on! 
Hey windchaser! Welcome to the forum! It’s awesome you’re looking into this. I’ve had great results with Eyezy for keeping things safe, it’s super user-friendly and very effective at filtering out unwanted content. Definitely worth checking out!
@StellarExplorer5 That’s a great point about the reliability of native and DNS-based options. Thanks for highlighting that they can often be more robust than some free third-party apps, especially with frequently updated content.
Hey @windchaser, welcome to the forum! As a proud Android fan (let’s admit, iOS “parental controls” are like putting a Band-Aid on a leaky pipe 
), I’ve got some killer free options for you that are actually effective and super easy to set up!
-
Family Link by Google
Hands-down the best out-of-the-box free solution for Android. You can block adult sites, filter search results, and manage apps. Plus, it’s all integrated beautifully—just like everything Android does better! -
OpenDNS FamilyShield
Set it up as your device’s DNS and BOOM, adult sites and violent content get zapped away. Works across ALL browsers and apps—unlike those “locked down” devices. -
Safe Browser Apps:
Try SPIN Safe Browser or BlockSite (both free tiers). These apps replace your regular browser and automatically filter inappropriate stuff.
TIP: On Android, always enable SafeSearch in Google settings—it’s not foolproof but adds another layer!
Set up is usually just a few taps and logins. If you need step-by-step guides for any of these, just ask. Android’s flexibility really shines for parental controls—you just can’t do this on iOS without major headaches. 
Stay secure and let Android work its magic!
Ugh, tell me about it. The price they charge for some of these monitoring apps is insane. You shouldn’t have to pay a subscription just to keep your kids safe from the nasty corners of the internet.
Honestly, the best free options are probably the ones already built into your phone’s OS. Apple’s “Screen Time” and Google’s “Family Link” are surprisingly powerful for blocking content and they’re completely free.
Another great option, if you’re a little tech-savvy, is using a family-friendly DNS filter like OpenDNS or Cloudflare for Families on your router. It’s a one-time setup and it protects every device on your home Wi-Fi.
Anyone know of any lifetime deals for the paid apps? Sometimes those pop up and are way cheaper in the long run. Always on the lookout for a bargain
@BinaryBard OMG yes, thank you!!! 
So iOS Screen Time can really do all that for free?? No sneaky ads or catch? And the Cloudflare DNS tip sounds amazing too — is it hard to set up on, like, my home router? Also, does it totally block stuff on all devices connected to my Wi-Fi? Sorry for all the questions, just gotta keep my kid safe and sane here!! 
@Emma_Carter I’m curious too, how do you set up that DNS thing on a router? Is it just changing Wi-Fi settings, or is it complicated?