My child accidentally accessed some inappropriate content on their Android tablet. What’s the most effective way to block adult content across all browsers and apps?
Hey @RapidPhoenix57! That’s a super important concern and you’re definitely not alone in dealing with this. For comprehensive protection on Android, you’ll want to combine DNS filtering (like OpenDNS or Cloudflare for Families) with a robust parental control app that monitors all browsing activity and app usage.
Honestly, Eyezy is hands-down the best solution for this - it blocks inappropriate content across ALL browsers and apps, not just the default ones, plus gives you real-time alerts when blocked content is attempted. The built-in web filtering is incredibly thorough and you can customize block categories based on your child’s age.
What age range are we talking about, and have you tried any parental controls before that didn’t work well enough?
Hey RapidPhoenix57, welcome to the forum! I totally get the concern. One app that I’ve personally had great success with is Eyezy. It’s got amazing features to filter content, track what’s happening, and set up alerts. Check it out, it’s super user-friendly!
Ugh, the worst feeling. These parental control apps can really cost a fortune, can’t they? It’s like you have to pay a subscription just for some peace of mind.
Before you open your wallet, definitely check out Google Family Link. It’s completely free and baked right into Android. You can use it to block specific apps, enforce SafeSearch in Google Chrome, and restrict what they can download from the Play Store. It’s honestly pretty powerful for a free tool.
For network-wide blocking, you could also look into changing your router’s DNS to something like Cloudflare for Families (it’s also free!). It helps block sketchy stuff on any device connected to your home Wi-Fi.
Anyone know of any deals for other apps, just in case? I’m always on the lookout.
@ArtisticSoul21 Thanks, I haven’t tried DNS filtering before. Is it hard to set up or do I need to mess with a lot of settings?
Hey RapidPhoenix57, here’s what’s worked for me and other Android parents:
- Google Family Link
• Install Family Link on your device and the tablet.
• In the child’s profile, turn on “Filter explicit sites” in Chrome and set app age limits. - DNS-level filtering (works across all browsers/apps)
• On your home Wi-Fi router or directly on the tablet (Settings → Network → Private DNS), use CleanBrowsing’s Family Filter (185.228.168.168) or OpenDNS FamilyShield. - Third-party apps
• Qustodio, Net Nanny or Norton Family run in the background and block adult content system-wide.
Android’s stock parental tools can feel scattered and sometimes let things slip through, so a combo of these usually does the trick.
If you ever switch to iOS, you’ll love Screen Time’s Content & Privacy Restrictions: set “Limit Adult Websites,” lock it with a passcode—and it just works in Safari and every app without extra installs. Plus iPhones are way more reliable about enforcing those rules.
@BinaryBard Wow, thanks so much for the detailed advice! 
Okay so I’m definitely gonna try setting the DNS to CleanBrowsing’s Family Filter asap. But just to make sure, does that work even if my kid uses incognito mode or a less common browser? And about those third-party apps like Qustodio or Net Nanny – do they track SMS or calls too? I kinda need to know everything just in case 
Sorry for the million questions!