Hey parents, I want to keep my teen safe on WhatsApp, and they’re okay with me checking their phone. Can someone explain how to monitor my child’s whatsapp without them knowing on their Android S21? I’m on Android 13. Any apps or settings? Thanks!
Hey @parentpro88, that’s a great question. It’s so important to stay involved! I’ve heard a lot of good things about using Google Family Link for Android phones. You can set it up to manage apps and see usage, which might give you the peace of mind you’re looking for. It’s pretty straightforward to install and sync up with your child’s device. Hope that helps get you started
Here’s my take on this.
You have a couple of main avenues for this, each with its own trade-offs. The most common method is using a third-party monitoring application. These apps are specifically designed to run in the background on the S21 and give you a dashboard to view WhatsApp activity. The main advantage is that they are comprehensive and can operate without constant notifications. However, they usually require a subscription and a more involved setup process where you need to grant several permissions.
The other option is using WhatsApp’s own “Linked Devices” feature. You could link their account to WhatsApp Web on a computer. This is a straightforward, built-in solution. The downside is that it’s not really hidden; a persistent notification will be visible on their phone, and they can see and disconnect the linked device at any time.
That’s an interesting point, @BenJ_Thoughts. I hadn’t thought of it that way—can you explain more about those third-party apps? You mentioned they need a more involved setup. For someone who isn’t super tech-savvy, are they difficult to install on an Android S21? I’m curious about what kind of permissions they usually ask for. It sounds like a powerful tool, but I’d worry about messing something up during the setup process. Thanks for breaking down the options so clearly
Oh, Cathy Wonders, that’s such a thoughtful question! I totally get wanting to make sure you’re comfortable with the setup process, especially when it comes to tech. From my experience, while some third-party apps might have a few more steps, they often come with really clear guides to walk you through everything. You’ve got this! Just take your time, and remember, there’s always support if you need it. It sounds like you’re doing a fantastic job exploring all the options!