9 Best Parental Control Apps for iPhone (2025 Tested)

Your child’s iPhone can be a window to both learning and danger. Over 89% of teens use smartphones daily, and most of them use iPhones. This makes it harder than ever to know what your kids are really doing online.

From late-night scrolling to risky chats with strangers, the internet isn’t always a safe place. That’s why parental control apps have become more essential than ever in 2025.

Parental control apps can help you strike the right balance between freedom and safety. They give you tools to monitor screen time, track location, block harmful content, and even manage app usage—all from your own device.

To make your decision easier, we tested and reviewed the 9 best parental control apps for iPhones in 2025. Whether you're dealing with a curious pre-teen or a social media–obsessed teen, there's an app on this list that can help you keep your family connected and protected.

Part 1. Quick Overview: 9 Best Parental Control Apps for iPhone

Let’s have a quick overview of the 9 best parental control software for iPhones before we discuss the tools in detail in the next section.

Here is a table comparing the 9 apps

Part 2. 9 Best Parental Control Apps for iPhone: Our Tested Reviews in 2025

When it comes to protecting your child online, having the right parental control app makes a big difference.

After testing several popular apps, we’ve narrowed it down to 9 of the best parental control apps for iPhone in 2025. These tools provide strong monitoring features, remote access, and minimal installation hassles.

Let’s break down each one so you can choose the best fit for your family.

1. Msafely

Msafely stands out in our list of the 9 best parental control apps for iPhone because it combines simplicity with powerful features.

If you’re a parent who wants to keep an eye on your child’s phone activity without being intrusive or needing to touch their phone, this tool is a top pick. It is the best parental control app for iPhones.

You don't need to install anything on the target iPhone because Msafely employs cloud-based tracking. All you need are the iCloud credentials of your child’s device to start monitoring. The app runs in stealth mode, so your child won’t even know it's active—ideal for discreet monitoring.

You’ll be able to track real-time location, view text messages, monitor emails, and check activity on platforms like WhatsApp, Snapchat, and Instagram. Plus, you can set geofences to receive alerts when your child enters or leaves specific areas.

And best of all? No jailbreaking or rooting is required—making it one of the safest options for iOS and Android devices.

Connection methods & features

2. SpyX

SpyX is another top iPhone parental control app in 2025. It’s perfect for parents who want real-time insights into their child’s iPhone usage without physically handling the device.

SpyX gives you access to your child’s texts, calls, social media apps, GPS location, and more. The app runs silently in the background and requires no jailbreak or rooting for monitoring to begin. It is therefore among the best parental control apps for iPhones.

Connection methods & features

3. KidsGuard Pro

If you're looking for a powerful all-in-one iPhone parental control solution, KidsGuard Pro (also known as ClevGuard) might be your best bet.

KidsGuard Pro works in stealth mode once installed, and it monitors everything from call logs and text messages to social media, browser history, and even voice memos.

It offers multiple setup options for iPhones, including iCloud, USB, and jailbreak methods, which gives you flexibility depending on your comfort level and monitoring needs.

While some features (especially advanced ones) do require installation or physical access, the upside is that you’ll get deeper access to your child’s phone—perfect if you’re worried about hidden activity.

This tool is especially great if you're okay with a little setup effort in exchange for full device visibility. Just keep in mind that USB syncing needs to be repeated periodically for fresh data.

Connection methods & features

4. Qustodio

Qustodio is a great choice if you're looking for a well-rounded, easy-to-use parental control app that works across multiple devices. It helps you monitor your child’s activity across iPhones, iPads, desktops, and Android devices, and doesn't require jailbreaking.

Qustodio shines when it comes to web filtering, app blocking, screen time scheduling, and real-time location tracking. All features can be controlled from a clean, intuitive dashboard, and the app runs quietly in the background.

Key features 

• Screen time control – Set daily limits and scheduled access times.
• Web filtering – Blocks inappropriate content by category (e.g., violence, adult).
• App controls – Block specific apps like YouTube, TikTok, or games.
• Location tracking - Get real-time GPS tracking and location history.
• Activity reports – Daily or weekly summaries of app and web activity.
• Panic button – (Android only) Sends real-time SOS alerts with GPS location.

5. Bark us

Bark us uses AI to detect harmful content and alert you instantly, instead of showing every detail of your child’s activity. It helps you balance privacy and safety by scanning texts, emails, and 30+ platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok.

While Bark doesn’t require jailbreaking, initial setup on iPhones does need a computer to sync the data. After setup, it uses iCloud backups and Wi-Fi syncing to stay updated.

Key features

• AI-powered monitoring – Detects risks like cyberbullying, sexting, self-harm.
• Social media scanning – Supports Snapchat, Instagram, TikTok, and more.
• Text & Email monitoring – Alerts you to inappropriate or dangerous messages.
• Web & App blocking – Block certain websites or restrict app usage by category.
• Screen time management – Set limits and offline schedules.
• Location sharing – Track your child's location and get alerts.

6. mSpy

mSpy is one of the most advanced iPhone parental control and phone monitoring apps on the market. It offers stealth mode, so your child won’t know they’re being monitored.

It supports multiple connection methods for iPhones: iCloud sync (no install), USB extraction, or jailbreak (for full control).

Connection methods & features

7. MoniMaster

MoniMaster is a flexible parental control tool offering different experiences for iPhone.

For iPhone users, MoniMaster relies on iCloud backup, so no jailbreaking is required. This means you can monitor call logs, SMS, browser history, and some app activity without needing to install software—though you do need physical access for initial setup.

However, features for iOS are more limited compared to Android. It’s best for parents who want a non-invasive, basic monitoring solution for iPhone that doesn’t tamper with the phone's system.

Connection methods & features

8. uMobix

uMobix is one of the most powerful iPhone parental control apps for real-time tracking and phone activity monitoring.

uMobix provides robust features like calls monitoring, SMS, browser bookmarks, location, and even app usage. It’s best for parents looking for depth and detail, especially if their child uses Android—but still good for iPhone monitoring if iCloud access is possible.

On iPhone, it operates using iCloud sync, so there's no jailbreaking required, but you’ll need frequent iCloud access and credentials.

Connection methods & features

9. Google Family Link

Google Family Link is a free parental control app developed by Google, designed to help parents manage and monitor their children's digital activities. It works primarily on Android devices and Chromebooks, allowing parents to set screen time limits, approve or block app installations, track real-time location, and filter age-appropriate content on Google services such as Chrome, YouTube, and Google Play.

While Family Link offers a solid set of basic features, it lacks some of the more advanced tools found in premium parental control apps like Qustodio or Norton Family. Therefore, it is best suited as an entry-level solution or when paired with other monitoring tools.

Key features

• Screen time management: Set daily or weekly limits for device use.
• App management: Approve or block app downloads, and manage time spent on specific apps.
• Content filtering: Apply restrictions in Google Play, Chrome, YouTube, and Search to block inappropriate content.
• Real-time location tracking: View the live location of your child’s device.
• Device lock: Remotely lock the child’s device during specific hours (e.g., bedtime or school time).
• Activity reports: Get insights into your child’s app usage and screen time.

Part 3. Key Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Parental Control Apps for iPhone

Selecting the right parental control app for your iPhone can feel overwhelming given the many options available. To help keep your child safe while maintaining privacy and ease of use, consider these six crucial factors before making your choice.

• Device compatibility and installation requirements

Make sure the parental control app fully supports iPhones, including the specific iOS version your child uses. Check whether the app requires physical access to the device for installation or if it can be set up remotely via iCloud. Also consider if jailbreaking is needed for full features and if multiple devices can be managed under one account.

• Pricing and value

Parental control apps usually require a subscription, often ranging between $10 and $60 per month. Compare pricing tiers carefully, focusing on what features are included. Look out for extra fees on premium features and consider whether free trials or money-back guarantees are available to test the app risk-free.

• Must-have features for effective monitoring

Choose an app that offers the features you really need. Key features include:

1. Real-time GPS tracking
2. Call and message monitoring
3. Social media surveillance
4. Geofencing alerts
5. App and website blocking,
6. Stealth mode to keep monitoring discreet.

• Ease of use and user interface

The app should be easy to install and navigate. A clear, organized dashboard with simple settings makes it easier to monitor your child’s activity and receive timely alerts without frustration.

• Privacy, security, and data protection

Because these apps handle sensitive information, strong encryption and strict no-sharing policies are critical. Choose providers transparent about how they store and use data, with customizable privacy settings to control what is shared or saved.

• Reliability, stealth, and customer support

Check user reviews to ensure the app runs smoothly in the background without causing slowdowns or crashes that could alert your child. Also, consider the quality of customer support—responsive help can be a lifesaver when troubleshooting installation or syncing issues.

After considering all the features of the best parental control apps for iPhone, we rank Msafely as the best.

Part 4. How to Use the Best iPhone Parental Control App: Step-by-Step Guide

After carefully reviewing multiple parental control apps, Msafely clearly stands out as the top choice.

Here’s how to get started with Msafely:

Step 1. Go to the Msafely website and sign up with a valid email address. You’ll need this email to activate your account.

Step 2. Select the device type: Android or iPhone.

Step 3. Msafely offers 3 subscription plans, 1 month, 3 months and 12 months.

Step 4. Connect your child's device.

• For Android, use the child's Google account to link the Msafely app or install it on the device.
• For iPhone, simply enter the child’s iCloud credentials to start tracking — no app installation required.

Step 5. Log into your Msafely dashboard anytime to view real-time locations, messages, call logs, and more. With a few clicks, you can stay connected and ensure your child’s safety.

Part 5. Conclusion

Picking the right parental control app for your child’s iPhone can be tricky, but now that you’ve seen how the top apps stack up, the choice is much easier.

After comparing features, ease of use, and reliability, Msafely stands out as the best option in 2025. It offers everything from real-time stealthy location tracking to social media monitoring—all in a user-friendly package

The key is to find the balance between privacy and protection. By using these apps, you're not just monitoring—you're actively supporting safer, smarter digital habits for your kids.

Part 6. FAQs

Q1. What is the best parental control app for iPhone in 2025?

Based on features, ease of use, and performance, Msafely is the top pick in 2025. It offers powerful tools like live GPS tracking and app monitoring—all in stealth mode.

Q2. Can I monitor my child’s iPhone without them knowing?

Yes, many apps like Msafely and SpyX run in hidden mode, so your child won’t even know they’re being monitored.

Q3. Do parental control apps work with iOS 17 and newer?

Most top apps like Msafely have already updated for iOS 17 compatibility. Just double-check on the app’s official site before downloading.

Q4. Are parental control apps safe to use?

Yes, as long as you choose reputable apps like the ones on our list. They use secure encryption to protect both your data and your child’s privacy.

Q5. Can I block specific apps or websites on my child’s iPhone?

Yes, most apps like Qustodio, and Msafely let you block apps, websites, or entire content categories with just a few taps.