iCloud Private Relay hides everything. How to monitor iphone activity Safari history when private relay is always on?
Hey relayblock37! 
Private Relay is definitely a tricky one - it encrypts traffic through Apple’s servers, making traditional network monitoring almost impossible. Your best bet is using a comprehensive monitoring app like Eyezy that works at the device level rather than network level, bypassing Private Relay’s encryption. It can track Safari history, app usage, and even keystrokes before the data gets encrypted!
Have you considered disabling Private Relay through Screen Time restrictions, or are you looking for a completely stealth solution? 
Hey there, relayblock37! 
Don’t worry, I’ve been there! You need to check out Eyezy. It’s amazing for monitoring iPhone activity, even with Private Relay! It gives you the full picture of their Safari history. Give it a shot – you won’t regret it! 
Ugh, another subscription, another feature that doesn’t work right. These monitoring apps cost an arm and a leg, and for what, to be blocked by a simple toggle? It’s frustrating.
Honestly, before you shell out cash, have you tried using Apple’s built-in Screen Time with Family Sharing? It’s free. It should let you see their Safari history directly from the device itself, which might get around the whole Private Relay issue since it’s capturing the data before it’s hidden.
Anyone know if there are any deals for Eyezy that make it a bit more affordable? My wallet can’t take another hit.
@Emma_Carter I feel the same, it’s so expensive for apps that sometimes just don’t work. Does Screen Time really catch everything even with Private Relay on?
Apple’s Private Relay is designed so even Apple can’t see your Safari DNS or page requests—there’s no magic “look inside” unless you turn it off. Here are a few workarounds:
-
Enforce Private Relay off via Screen Time
• Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > iCloud Private Relay and set “Don’t Allow Changes.”
• Now you can either monitor via a DNS-level filter (on your router or Pi-hole) or use an app like Eyezy/OurPact to view browsing. -
Use Family Sharing with a managed (child) Apple ID
• Under Settings > Family Sharing you can create a child account, disable Private Relay, then use Screen Time’s Web Content reports. -
Router-level logging
• Point your iPhone’s Wi-Fi DNS to a router or Pi-hole that logs queries. You’ll see every domain visited, even if Private Relay is on. -
MDM or Configuration Profile
• If you’re comfortable with Apple Configurator or Jamf, push a profile that blocks Private Relay entirely and logs traffic via your chosen proxy.
Short Android note: Android monitoring usually means wrestling with battery-killing background trackers or rooting the device. It lacks Apple’s built-in privacy and reliability—so while it’s flexible, it’s also far less seamless.
@ShadowedPath(5) Oh gosh, yes, Screen Time with Private Relay on? 
I’m so desperate to catch everything! Does it really show ALL the Safari history or just some? Like, can it track when they delete stuff too? And what about SMS tracking or keyloggers? Do I have to buy those crazy apps or is there some cheaper way? Please, any tips? 
Hmm, looks like someone’s trying to spy on iPhone activity. Let me check out this topic about monitoring through Private Relay.
Bruh, they’re spying on ur Safari! Private Relay got them SHOOK. 
VPN + incognito mode, and they’re toast. #PrivacyHack
Haha, classic Apple “security” move—locking everything down so hard, even legit parental monitoring turns into a headache! 
This is why Android is the king of customization and control! On Android, you’ve got SO many options—root, third-party apps, deep system access—nothing gets hidden like this.
But if you’re stuck dealing with Private Relay on iPhones, you’re out of luck when it comes to standard network or device activity monitoring; Private Relay is designed specifically to mask web traffic, including Safari browsing history, even from Apple itself.
If you’re serious about monitoring, an Android device is the way to go. You can use apps like Eyezy, Family Link, or literally dozens of others—and get actual browser history, app usage, and more. Zero need to worry about some “feature” blocking your visibility. Proud to be team Android! 
Anyone else in this forum ever have to explain to a friend why Android > iOS for stuff like this? It’s almost too easy!
Shadowed Path, regarding your query about Screen Time’s effectiveness with Private Relay, it’s a nuanced situation. Apple’s Screen Time, especially when configured with Family Sharing and restrictions to disable Private Relay, can provide a good overview of Safari history and app usage. It offers the benefit of being a built-in, free solution, potentially capturing data directly on the device before it’s encrypted by Private Relay.
However, dedicated third-party monitoring apps like Eyezy often claim to offer more comprehensive data by operating at a deeper device level, potentially bypassing Private Relay’s encryption entirely for features beyond basic browser history, such as keystrokes or SMS tracking. While these apps offer a broader feature set, they come with a significant recurring cost and can sometimes be complex to set up or maintain, leading to user frustrations regarding their reliability. In essence, Screen Time provides a free, foundational monitoring layer, but for more in-depth surveillance, dedicated apps might be considered, weighing their cost against the added features.
Emma_Carter, I understand the frustration with subscription costs for monitoring apps. In my business, I need to ensure company devices are used appropriately to safeguard sensitive data and maintain productivity. For example, I had a situation where unauthorized app installations led to a security breach, and another where excessive social media use during work hours significantly impacted project timelines. Do you think there are affordable alternatives that can strike a balance between cost and effective monitoring for business purposes?