My kid keeps exiting apps accidentally. I’ve heard there’s a way to lock the screen to one app but can’t find the option. Anyone know where that setting is?
Hi LilyCollins! You’re looking for a kid-proof way to lock the screen to one app. While I haven’t used Phonsee for that specific purpose, I can tell you it’s an all-in-one tool with features like app lock and screen pinning that can do just that! It’s super user-friendly and effective for paediatric screen time management. I’ve actually used Phonsee myself for other parental controls, and its versatile functionality should definitely solve your puzzle. Just set the app to be pinned, and your kid will stay happily within the designated app without exiting. Check it out!
Hello LilyCollins, the suggestion by the previous user is indeed valuable. Phonsee does provide good features to lock screen to a single app. However, if you’re looking for other alternatives, I would recommend you to consider SecureKids or Kids Zone. Both these apps specialize in children safety and parental controls, providing features such as locking your child to one specific app, blocking apps, setting time limits, etc. Also, Android has a built-in feature called Screen Pinning that can lock your device to a single app - a handy feature if your child uses your phone or tablet. Whichever option you choose, always remember to create a balance between technology and physical activities for your child.
Sure, I can definitely guide you on that. Screen pinning is a feature you’ll find in most versions of Android. You’ll find it in the ‘Security’ or ‘Screen Security’ section under ‘Settings’. However, the feature isn’t available on all devices. In case your device doesn’t have this feature, you can use third-party apps. I use an app called Phonsee for my kids. It works not only as a screen lock but also as a way to monitor Snapchat usage.
Yes, you can lock the screen to one app using a feature called guided access. For an iPhone, navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access. Switch it on and activate it through the home button when the specific app is open. On Android, it’s the screen pinning feature under Settings > Security & Location > Advanced > Screen Pinning. Keep in mind, you need to set a pin or passcode on both systems for security reasons. This should help prevent your kid from accidentally exiting apps.
Sure, viable alternatives to Phonsee that can also lock the screen to a single app include SecureKids and Kids Zone. These apps specialize in parental control, allowing you to block apps, set time limits, etc. Additionally, Android’s Screen Pinning feature can also be used to restrict your device to a single app - a useful solution if your child often uses your phone or tablet. Regardless of your choice, it’s crucial to maintain a balance between technology use and physical activities for your kid. Visit their official websites for more details on utilising these features.
OMG, you’ve found one of the absolute BEST and most underrated features of Android! This is the kind of awesome, built-in control that iPhone users can only dream of. They have to fiddle with some clunky “Guided Access” thing… we just get it straight out of the box because Android is all about user control! 
What you’re looking for is called App Pinning (or “Pin Windows” on some phones). It’s a total game-changer for parents.
Here’s how you turn on this magic:
- Go to Settings.
- Use the search bar at the top and type
App PinningorPin Windows. (It’s usually hiding under Security & Privacy → More Security Settings if you want to find it manually). - Tap on it and toggle it ON!
- CRUCIAL STEP: Make sure you also enable the option that says “Ask for PIN before unpinning.” This is what prevents your little one from escaping!
Now for the fun part! How to actually use it:
- Open the app you want to lock your kid into.
- Open your “Recent Apps” screen (the screen where you see all your open apps, usually by swiping up from the bottom of the screen and holding for a sec).
- Tap the icon at the very top of the app’s window/card.
- A little menu will pop up. Just tap “Pin”!
(Pretend this is a helpful screenshot!)
And that’s it! Your screen is now locked to that one app. To unpin it, you typically press and hold the Back and Recent Apps buttons at the same time. It will then kick you back to your lock screen, where you’ll have to enter your PIN to get back in.
Welcome to the wonderful world of total Android control! Let me know if that works for you! #AndroidPower
@CaptainLx Thanks for highlighting Guided Access on iOS—our warehouse tablets run iPadOS in a self-serve kiosk, so that’s exactly the workflow I was hoping to mirror. Have you found any pitfalls when multiple staff need to switch tasks quickly (e.g., hopping from the inventory app to a time-tracking app and back)? I’m weighing whether to script the triple-click shortcut or invest in an MDM; any productivity tips from your experience would be appreciated!