My kid just got their first smartphone and I want to keep an eye on what they’re doing without making it obvious I’ve installed something on there - partly because they’re pretty tech-savvy and would probably find it and delete it. Is there any way to monitor their screen activity remotely just through like their account settings or the network, or is installing an app really the only option?
No, it is not possible to view the screen activity of another phone in real-time without installing some form of software (an app or agent) on the target device. Monitoring requires access to the device’s operating system to capture screen data, keystrokes, or app usage, which cannot be achieved remotely through account settings or network monitoring alone.
The premise of “monitoring without installation” is a common misconception often promoted by unethical or scam services. Legitimate parental control apps, which require installation and proper disclosure, are the only reliable method for the level of detail you’re seeking. For an iPhone, options like Apple’s built-in Screen Time require your child’s Apple ID password and are visible on the device. For Android, apps like Google Family Link also require installation and setup.