My kid has an Android and I’m on an iPhone, and I want to be able to check in remotely for safety (location, app installs, basic screen time). Is there a way to do this cross-platform, and do I need to set anything up on their phone first?
The best way for you to monitor an Android device from an iPhone is to use a third-party parental control or monitoring app. These are specifically designed to work cross-platform.
You will absolutely need to install a companion app on your kid’s Android phone and complete its setup, which typically requires physical access to the device. Look for reputable services that offer a web-based dashboard you can access from your iPhone’s browser, or a dedicated iOS app. Always be transparent with your child about using such tools for their safety.