Step-by-Step Guide: How to Lock Screen for Kids on Android and iPhone

With children gaining access to smartphones and tablets at younger ages, it's crucial to implement robust safety measures. Screen locks for kids offer a simple yet effective way to control device usage. Still don’t know how to lock screen for kids? Keep on reading to find the desired answers!

• Part 1. How to Lock Screen For Kids [Built-in Settings]
• Part 2. Third-party Screen Locks for Kids [2024 Newest]
• Part 3. Main Screen Locks on Mobile
• Part 4. Conclusion
• Part 5. FAQs about Screen Lock for Kids

How to Lock Screen For Kids [Built-in Settings]

To ensure your child's device usage stays balanced and safe, both Android and iOS devices offer built-in settings that allow you to lock the screen or limit access to specific apps.

Lock iPhone screen for kids

To set up a screen lock for kids on your iPhone, you can use the Guided Access feature. This built-in tool allows you to restrict your child to a single app and disable certain screen areas. Here's how to enable it:

Step 1: Enable Screen Time

• Open Settings and scroll down to Screen Time.
• Tap Turn On Screen Time and follow the prompts.
• You can set up a Screen Time Passcode to prevent changes.

Step 2: Set App Limits and Downtime

• Go to App Limits, then tap Add Limit to select specific categories (like games or social media) that you'd like to restrict.
• You can also set Downtime, where only certain apps (like calls or messaging) are allowed during the set hours.

Step 3: Use Guided Access

• For focused screen locking, enable Guided Access by going to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access.
• Once enabled, you can triple-click the Home or Side Button in any app to lock the screen to that app, preventing your child from leaving the app or using other functions.

Set a screen lock for Android

Android devices offer a feature called Screen Pinning or App Pinning to lock the screen for kids. Here's how to set it up:

Step 1: Enable Digital Wellbeing

• Open Settings and search for Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls.
• Tap on Dashboard to see how much time is being spent on apps.

Step 2: Set App Timers

• In the Digital Wellbeing section, tap on the app you want to limit.
• Set a Timer for that app. Once the time is up, the app will be locked until the next day.

Step 3: Use Screen Pinning

• Go to Settings > Security > Screen Pinning (this may vary slightly depending on the device).
• Turn on Screen Pinning and Ask for PIN Before Unpinning.
• Open the app you want your child to use, then tap the Overview Button (square icon) and pin the app. This will lock the screen to the chosen app until you enter your PIN to unpin it.

These built-in features provide a simple way to lock your screen for kids, ensuring they stay within the intended app and can't access other parts of your device.

Third-party Screen Locks for Kids [2024 Newest]

While built-in settings offer basic screen lock features, third-party apps provide more comprehensive solutions to lock screen for kids. Let's explore two popular options for 2024:

KidsGuard for Children

KidsGuard for Children, developed by ClevGuard, is a powerful parental control app that helps you safeguard your child's online experiences. It offers an array of features to monitor and manage your child's digital activities:

• Real-time location tracking • Call and SMS monitoring • Social media interaction oversight • Website block: • Screen time limits:

KidsGuard for Children allows you to remotely lock your child's Android phone using its screen time feature. All you need is to click on a button within the app and your kid’s screen will be locked immediately.

Norton Family

Norton Family is another excellent option for parents looking to set up a lock screen for kids. It offers a range of features to help keep children safer and more focused online:

• Web content filtering • Video monitoring on YouTube • Location tracking • School Time feature for focused learning

Norton Family lets you set screen time limits and schedules, allowing you to lock your child's device during specific hours or instantly when needed. This feature is particularly useful for managing device usage during school hours or bedtime.

Main Screen Locks on Mobile

There are several types of screen locks available:

• Passcode: Requires entering a numerical code.
• Pattern: Involves drawing a pattern on a grid.
• Fingerprint: Uses a fingerprint sensor to unlock.
• Facial Recognition: Uses facial features to unlock.

Conclusion

This guide has explored various methods to lock screen for kids, from built-in features on iPhones and Android devices to comprehensive screen locking solutions like KidsGuard Pro and Norton Family. By putting these screen lock techniques into action and staying informed about new developments, parents can create a safer digital environment for their kids.

FAQs about Screen Lock for Kids

How can I lock the screen on my child's device while they are watching videos?

To lock the screen on an Android device while your child is watching videos, navigate to the settings menu and select either 'Security', 'Security & location', or 'Biometrics and security', depending on your device. Then, go to 'Advanced' or 'Other security settings', and enable 'App pinning' to keep the screen locked on the current app.

How can I prevent my kids from changing the screen settings on an iPhone?

On an iPhone, you can use Guided Access to prevent changes to screen settings. First, go to 'Settings', tap 'Accessibility', and enable Guided Access. Next, select 'Passcode Settings' and set a Guided Access passcode. Optionally, you can also enable Face ID or Touch ID to end a Guided Access session.

What is the process to lock the screen on YouTube Kids?

To lock the screen on YouTube Kids, open the app and tap the lock icon located in the bottom right corner. When the menu appears, press 'Timer', then enter the required passcode or answer to proceed. You can then adjust the slider to set the desired duration for the screen lock.