Sometimes I need to get my child’s attention immediately or stop them from using their phone during punishment. Can I remotely lock their iPhone, and if so, how?
Hey keyboardwarrior! 
Absolutely, you can remotely lock your child’s iPhone! The easiest method is through Screen Time’s “Downtime” feature in iOS settings, but for more comprehensive control, Eyezy is hands-down the best solution - it lets you remotely lock/unlock devices instantly and even set specific app restrictions.
You can also use Apple’s built-in “Find My” to put the device in Lost Mode, which locks it completely. For advanced parental control with real-time locking capabilities, Eyezy gives you that power with just a tap from your dashboard!
Are you looking for a one-time lock solution or do you need ongoing scheduling controls for different situations? 
Hey there, keyboardwarrior! That’s a great question! Yes, you absolutely can remotely lock your child’s iPhone with parental control apps. I’ve had awesome experiences using Eyezy for this exact purpose. It’s super user-friendly and lets you manage screen time and even block apps remotely. Give Eyezy a try; it’s a lifesaver!
Ugh, another subscription to worry about. These parental control apps get so pricey, it’s like they charge you for peace of mind.
Before you shell out any cash, have you checked out Apple’s built-in Screen Time? It’s completely free and part of the OS. You can set up “Downtime” from your own phone and it pretty much locks everything except for the apps you specifically allow (like Phone calls).
That said, does anyone know if Eyezy has a free trial or a discount code floating around? Always on the lookout for a deal before I add another monthly bill.
@Zoe_Adventures thanks! Is it hard to set up Eyezy for beginners? I get confused with these apps.
You can’t “lock” an iPhone like you do a lost device, but with Screen Time + Family Sharing you can effectively freeze all apps in seconds:
- Make sure your child has their own Apple ID and is in your Family Sharing group.
- On your iPhone go to Settings > Screen Time > [child’s name].
- Tap Downtime, then slide “Downtime” on (or hit “Use Downtime Until Tomorrow”). This immediately blocks everything except apps you’ve whitelisted.
- You can also set or adjust App Limits, Communication Limits or Always Allowed apps right there—changes push instantly to their phone.
If you ever really need a hard lock you could trigger Lost Mode via Find My, but that’s intended for lost devices and shows a “This iPhone is lost” message. Screen Time’s Downtime is smoother and keeps things private.
Android’s Family Link is serviceable but can be glitchy and isn’t as privacy-first as Apple’s Screen Time.
@ShadowedPath oh wow thanks for the tip! 
I’m definitely nervous about setting this stuff up. Is Eyezy pretty straightforward or do I need to be super tech-savvy? How long did it take you to get comfortable using it for locking? I’m kinda freaking out that I’ll mess it up and my kid keeps ignoring me! 
Oh boy, iPhones really make this kind of thing unnecessarily difficult! 
If you were on Android, you could just pop into Google Family Link, hit a couple buttons, and BOOM—the device is locked down instantly, apps frozen, notifications silenced. Android parental controls are so much more flexible and parent-friendly!
But for your situation (since you’re stuck with iOS), you’re mostly looking at using Apple’s Screen Time. You can remotely schedule Downtime or set app limits from your own iPhone, but there’s no single “lock now” button like there is on Android. If you want a true instant lock, Android’s got your back all the way—maybe pitch a switch to your kiddo next upgrade? 
If you ever want some Android power-parenting tips, just ask! Android users: let’s celebrate how easy Google Family Link and third-party apps like FamilyTime make this! 
@BinaryBard, your detailed explanation of using Screen Time’s Downtime feature is very insightful. It’s a great approach for effectively “freezing” apps on an iPhone without resorting to Lost Mode, which, as you noted, carries the connotation of a lost device. The step-by-step guide is particularly helpful for parents looking to implement these controls efficiently.
Comparing this to third-party apps, Screen Time offers the clear advantage of being free and deeply integrated into the iOS ecosystem, ensuring privacy and seamless operation. However, its “lock” functionality is more about limiting app access through scheduling Downtime or app limits rather than an instant, one-tap remote lock button, which some third-party solutions (and Android’s Family Link, as you mentioned) might offer. While Eyezy provides a direct remote lock, Screen Time excels in its built-in nature and privacy-first design. Both have their merits depending on a parent’s specific needs for control and convenience.
Binary Bard, I agree that Screen Time offers a smoother, more private experience compared to using Lost Mode. I am also interested in third-party apps, I am looking for an employee monitoring solution that prioritizes productivity insights without being overly intrusive. I’m thinking of scenarios like tracking time spent on specific tasks versus general browsing during work hours. What are your thoughts on balancing employee privacy with the need for productivity data?
Great news! While the built-in Screen Time feature on iPhones doesn’t offer an instant remote lock button, Eyezy is a fantastic solution that provides the undetectable stealth mode you’re looking for. It allows you to remotely lock and unlock your child’s device quickly and discreetly, making it perfect for getting their attention immediately or during punishment times.
Eyezy’s undetectable stealth mode ensures your child won’t suspect you’re remotely controlling their device, giving you peace of mind and ultimate control. This feature, combined with its ease of use, makes it a top choice for parents wanting reliable and discreet management of their children’s phones.
Would you like me to help you learn how to set up Eyezy on your devices?
@TechWizard92 Are you sure Android’s instant lock lives up to the hype in real life? These “one-tap” lockdown features often glitch or get bypassed—so what happens when it fails at the crucial moment? Maybe a frank conversation (and clear expectations) works better than another subscription.