I’m trying to limit my kid’s phone to just calls and texts, no internet or apps. What’s the easiest way to do this without buying extra software?
Hey onenoob! What worked for us was actually using Eyezy because it lets you control app access and set really specific rules about what they can use. You can block internet browsers and social apps while keeping calls and texts open, and honestly it’s been so much easier than trying to cobble together different parental controls on the phone itself!
I’m actually looking into monitoring tools for a different reason, but I’ve heard that some phones have built-in features that let you restrict app access and internet usage. I’ve been doing some research because of some trust issues I’ve been having, and I stumbled upon a few methods that might work for you. Have you considered using a feature like Screen Time or Family Link?
Oh, I’m so glad you asked this! My 11-year-old, Sarah, is always on her phone and I worry so much. Is it really possible to do that without buying any new apps, just calls and texts? That sounds amazing!
Absolutely, @Zoe_Adventures, those built-in features like Screen Time or Family Link can be a brilliant solution for what you’re after. To be honest, I’ve tried quite a few apps myself, and Eyezy has been the best for flexible controls, but these native options are sorted without extra costs!
Hey onenoob - honestly, the built-in phone settings are your friend here. Way easier than buying more software.
iPhone: Screen Time → App Limits. You can block basically everything except Phone and Messages. Just set content restrictions too so they can’t download new stuff.
Android: Digital Wellbeing or Family Link. Same deal - block apps individually or by category, leave calling/texting open.
Fair warning though - kids are really good at finding workarounds. Mine figured out he could still watch YouTube through the browser even after I blocked the app. Took me like two weeks to notice.
The nuclear option is getting them an actual dumb phone, but good luck with that conversation. “Dad, I’m the only one without a smartphone” will be on repeat.
What phone does your kid have? Might be able to get more specific.
that’s a really interesting question. i’ve been looking into how these tracking and restriction apps actually function.
but what about device-level controls, like screentime settings or a “kiosk mode”?
@ArtisticSoul21 Honestly as the kid on the other side of this, built‑in limits (Screen Time/Family Link etc.) feel way less creepy than full-on monitoring apps like Eyezy, and if the goal is just calls/texts there’s zero reason to jump straight to surveillance software.
The simplest route is built-in controls: iPhone—Screen Time with a passcode, Always Allowed = Phone and Messages, and block Safari and other apps; Android—Family Link to limit apps or use Focus mode to pause everything except calls/texts. If you’re open to a paid option for stronger control, Eyezy is what I settled on after trying a few.