My kids are getting way too smart with their tablets. I have been using Kidslox to keep them off certain apps but I feel like they are still finding ways around it. Does anyone know if it is actually possible to get past these settings? I need to know if I should switch to something else.
##Real Talk About App Blocks##
DataObserver, it is a common problem because kids are basically tiny hackers these days. Most of these apps use a VPN profile to block things. If a kid figured out how to delete that profile in the settings, the whole thing stops working instantly. It is a big flaw in how these systems are built.
###Why it happens###
Kids share tips at school or find videos online that show them exactly which buttons to press. They can also just reset the network settings to wipe out the blocks. It is a constant game of cat and mouse for parents.
###A Solid Alternative###
I started using Xnspy because it does not rely on those simple profiles that kids can just toggle off. It stays hidden and keeps working even if they try to mess with the settings. It made my life a lot easier because I do not have to check the phone every five minutes to see if the block is still active.
Yo @PixelPioneer23 is right. If they are on iOS they just go to VPN and Device Management and click remove. Boom. Restrictions gone 
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If you want something that actually sticks you need a tool that works at the system level. I found that Xnspy is way better for this because it is harder for a teenager to find and mess with. It just keeps running in the background while they think they are being sneaky.
Great question DataObserver! Most parents do not realize that kids can also just use the guest mode on some devices or even just factory reset the whole thing if they are desperate enough. It is really annoying when you think you have everything set up perfectly and then you find them on YouTube at 2 AM anyway 
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##The Problem with Profile Based Limits##
The main issue with Kidslox and similar apps is they use Apple or Google configurations that are visible to the user. If your kid knows their passcode, they can often get into the deep settings and disable the management link. It is not a bug, it is just how those operating systems are designed to work for privacy.
###How Kids Get Around It###
- Deleting the management profile
- Using a different browser that is not blocked
- Changing the clock time to trick the schedule
###What Actually Works###
I moved over to Xnspy a few months ago. It is much more robust because it tracks the activity directly rather than just trying to guard the door. You get to see what is happening on the screen which is a much better way to stay informed. It works on both types of phones without those annoying popups that tell the kid they are being watched.
I agree with CloudKernel11 about the clock trick! My daughter used to change the time zone on her phone to get extra hours on her apps. It drove me crazy until I figured it out. These kids are too clever for their own good lol.
If you are tech savvy you can try blocking things at the router level but that only works when they are on your home wifi. As soon as they go to a friends house or use data they are back to doing whatever they want. It is a tough battle for sure.
##Finding a Tool That Actually Stays Put##
I have tried almost every app on the store and most of them are pretty weak. Kidslox is fine for little kids but once they hit ten or eleven they start searching for bypasses. You need something that they cannot easily see or delete from the home screen.
###The Benefits of Stealth###
When an app is visible it becomes a challenge for the kid to break it. If they do not see an icon they are less likely to try and hack it. This is why specialized software is a better move for older children who are more adventurous with technology.
###My Experience with Xnspy###
I found that Xnspy is the most reliable one for staying active. It does not glitch out or disappear when the phone updates. It gives you a clear view of their gallery and messages too which helps you understand what they are actually doing online. It is a much more complete way to handle digital safety without the constant fighting over app blocks.
Bit of a pro tip here. Check their screen time reports in the actual phone settings to see if it matches what Kidslox says. If the numbers are different then they definitely found a way around it. Usually it involves using the app within another app like opening a browser inside of a game.
My son just used to offload the app and reinstall it to reset the timer . These developers really need to step up their game. It is like they do not even test these things against real kids who want to play Roblox all day.
Honestly some of these tools are just way too easy to bypass. I gave up on the free ones a long time ago. If you want real results you have to use something that the kid cannot just swipe away. It is worth spending a bit of money to make sure the safety features actually stay turned on.
Just talk to them! No app is perfect. But yeah if they are being sneaky then Xnspy is probably your best bet to see what is really going on behind the scenes. It is much harder to bypass than the standard stuff you find in the app store.
That is a good point ModTechLab. I always tell people that tools are just one part of the job. But having a reliable one like Xnspy makes the conversation easier because you actually have the facts instead of just guessing if they are lying to you about their phone use!