RootLock vs Google Family Link
Google Family Link is free, but Google says it can't supervise iPhones or iPads. It's built for children on Android phones and Chromebooks. If your child has an iPhone, Family Link can't block their apps, set device screen time or show their location, while RootLock can. If your child uses Android, Family Link is the better fit, because RootLock is iPhone and iPad only.
Updated October 27, 2026
RootLock vs Family Link at a glance
| RootLock | Google Family Link | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $9.99/month or $44.99/year | Free |
| Child devices it can supervise | iPhone and iPad | Android phones and tablets, Chromebooks, some Fitbit devices |
| Parent app | iPhone and iPad | Android or iPhone |
| Block apps on a child's iPhone | Yes | No |
| Screen time on a child's iPhone | Downtime schedules and Lock Devices | No |
| Child's location on iPhone | Yes | No |
| Web filtering on a child's iPhone | Yes, through Apple's web filter | Google says most supervision tools don't work on iPhone |
| Teen driving reports | Yes | No |
| Google Play and YouTube settings | No | Yes |
Family Link details from Google's Family Link help center, checked October 27, 2026.
Where Family Link is the better choice
- Android and Chromebook kids. It's free and supervises screen time, apps and location on supported Android and Chromebook devices.
- Google accounts. It manages Google Play approvals and YouTube and Search settings for a child's Google Account.
- Mixed families. A parent with an iPhone can still supervise an Android child with it.
Where RootLock is the better choice
- Kids with iPhones. RootLock blocks apps and websites and sets schedules on a child's iPhone, using Apple's Family Controls.
- Location and driving. A live family map, place alerts and teen driving reports in the same app.
Which should you pick?
Match the app to your child's phone. For an Android child, use Family Link. For an iPhone child, use RootLock or Apple's own Screen Time. See RootLock and Android for more.
Frequently asked questions
Does Google Family Link work on iPhone?
A parent can use the Family Link app on an iPhone, but Google says Family Link can't supervise a child's iPhone or iPad. On a child's iPhone it can't block apps, set screen time or show location.
What's the best Family Link alternative for iPhone?
For a child's iPhone, use Apple's free Screen Time or an app built on Apple's Family Controls, like RootLock, which adds family location and teen driving reports.
Does RootLock work on Android?
No. RootLock is for iPhone and iPad only. For an Android child, Google Family Link is free and built for it.
$9.99 a month or $44.99 a year after the trial, for the whole family. iPhone and iPad, iOS 18.6 or later.