7 Easy Steps to Remove Parental Controls on Any Device

Parental controls

It’s a common experience for children growing up: at some point, you’ll want to be able to access content your parents have blocked. Parental controls can be a great way to keep your kids safe online, but they can also be frustrating when you’re trying to access websites or apps that you’re old enough to use. Fortunately, there are a few ways to take off parental controls. First, you can try talking to your parents about it.

If that doesn’t work, you can try using a VPN. A VPN, or virtual private network, will encrypt your internet traffic and send it through a secure tunnel. This will allow you to bypass parental controls and access blocked content. However, you should be aware that using a VPN can slow down your internet speed and may not be compatible with all websites and apps. Finally, you can try using a proxy server. A proxy server is a computer that acts as an intermediary between your computer and the internet. This can allow you to bypass parental controls and access blocked content. However, you should be aware that using a proxy server can also slow down your internet speed and may not be compatible with all websites and apps.

No matter which method you choose, it’s important to remember that taking off parental controls without your parents’ permission can be a violation of their trust. If you’re caught doing so, you may face consequences such as having your internet access revoked or being grounded. So, before you decide to take off parental controls, it’s important to weigh the risks and benefits and make sure that it’s the right choice for you. If you’re not sure if you’re ready to take off parental controls, talking to your parents about it is the best way to make a decision that’s right for you.

Understanding Parental Control Restrictions

Parental controls are settings that allow parents or guardians to set restrictions on what their children can access on the internet and other devices. These restrictions can include:

Content filtering: This blocks access to certain types of content, such as pornography, gambling, and violence.
Time limits: This sets limits on how long children can spend using the device or accessing certain content.
App and game restrictions: This blocks or limits access to certain apps and games, such as those with inappropriate content or excessive in-app purchases.
Location tracking: This allows parents to track their children’s location.
Communication controls: This blocks or limits children’s ability to communicate with certain people or through certain apps.

Parental controls can be implemented on a variety of devices, including computers, smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles. They can be set up through the device’s settings or through third-party apps.

Parental controls can be a useful tool for parents to help protect their children from harmful content and from spending too much time on devices. However, it is important to remember that parental controls are not a perfect solution. They can be bypassed by tech-savvy children, and they can also be inadvertently disabled by parents.

It is important for parents to talk to their children about internet safety and to set realistic expectations about device usage. Parental controls can be a helpful tool, but they should not be used as a substitute for parental involvement and supervision.

Identifying Your Device and Operating System

Identifying your device’s operating system (OS) is crucial for determining the appropriate steps to remove parental controls. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you identify your device’s OS:

1. Mobile Devices:

Android: Go to Settings > About Phone or About Tablet > Android Version.
iOS: Go to Settings > General > About > Version.

2. Computers:

Windows: Right-click on the Start menu > System > About.
macOS: Click the Apple logo in the top left corner > About This Mac.
ChromeOS: Click the Clock in the bottom right corner > Settings (gear icon) > About ChromeOS.

3. Smart TVs and Streaming Sticks:

Samsung Tizen: Go to Settings > General & Privacy > About TV.
LG WebOS: Go to Settings > General > About this TV.
Roku: Go to Settings > System > About.
Amazon Fire TV: Go to Settings > System & Networks > About.

Platform	How to Check OS
Android	Settings > About Phone/Tablet
iOS	Settings > General > About
Windows	Right-click Start > System > About
macOS	Apple logo > About This Mac
ChromeOS	Clock icon > Settings > About ChromeOS

Once you’ve identified your device’s OS, you can proceed to the next steps to remove parental controls specifically tailored to that OS.

Removing Parental Controls via Settings

If you’ve forgotten your parental control passcode or are no longer the child’s guardian, you can remove parental controls via the device’s settings. Here are the steps:

1. Access the Settings App

Go to the device’s home screen and tap on the Settings icon. This icon typically has a gear or cogwheel symbol.

2. Navigate to Parental Controls

Depending on the device and operating system, the path to parental controls may vary. Generally, it can be found under the following sections:

Parental Controls
Family Sharing
Screen Time
Digital Wellbeing

3. Reset or Remove Parental Controls

Once you’ve located the parental controls section, look for an option to reset or remove the controls. This option may be labeled as:

Device/Operating System	Reset/Remove Option
iPhone/iOS	Disable Screen Time Remove Passcode
Android	Reset Parental Controls Remove Device Administrator
Windows 10	Remove Family Member Disable Family Safety
MacOS	Remove Parental Controls Disable Screen Time

Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the process. Once you’ve removed the parental controls, the device will no longer have any restrictions imposed.

Using Third-party Software for Control Removal

1. Identify Compatible Software

Research and select third-party software compatible with your device and operating system. These apps often have user-friendly interfaces and provide step-by-step instructions for parental control removal.

2. Download and Install the Software

Follow the instructions provided by the software vendor to download and install the program on your device. Ensure you have administrative privileges to make any system changes.

3. Run the Software and Scan Your Device

Once installed, launch the software and initiate a scan of your device. The software will detect any active parental control applications and present you with options to remove them.

4. Removal Process

The exact removal process may vary depending on the software you choose, but it typically involves:

Disabling the Parental Control Application: Locate the parental control application in the software interface and disable its functioning.
Removing Application Preferences: Identify any registry keys or system settings associated with the parental control application and delete them to prevent traces of its presence.
Uninstalling the Parental Control Software: Finally, locate and uninstall the parental control software itself from the device’s control panel or application manager.
Verifying Removal: Check the software’s interface to confirm that the parental control has been completely removed. Additionally, test certain functions or websites that were previously restricted to verify their accessibility.

5. Restart Your Device

Once the parental controls have been removed, restart your device to ensure any changes are fully implemented and to prevent residual effects of the parental control application.

Software Name	Compatible Operating Systems
iKeyMonitor	Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
XNSPY	Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
mSpy	Windows, macOS, iOS, Android

Resetting Your Device to Factory Settings

If you’re unable to remove parental controls with the previous methods, you can consider resetting your device to its factory settings. This will erase all data and settings stored on your device, including the parental control settings. However, note that this method should be used as a last resort as it will erase all your personal data.

Here are the steps for resetting your device to factory settings:

Back up your data: Before proceeding with the reset, ensure you have backed up your important data, including photos, videos, contacts, and any other essential files. You can back up your data using cloud services, external storage devices, or your computer.

Locate the factory reset option: The method to perform a factory reset may vary depending on your device and operating system. Generally, you can access the factory reset option from the Settings menu of your device. Look for options such as “Reset to Factory Defaults,” “Erase Device,” or “Factory Data Reset.”

Confirm reset: Once you’ve located the factory reset option, you will be prompted to confirm the reset process. Read and understand the warning message carefully, as it informs you that all data will be erased. Confirm the reset by following the on-screen instructions.

Wait for completion: The factory reset process may take a few minutes to complete. Do not interrupt the device during this process.

Set up your device again: After the factory reset is complete, your device will reboot. You will need to set up your device from scratch, including creating a new user account and setting up any necessary settings.

Device	Factory Reset Option
iPhone	Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings
Android	Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset)
Windows PC	Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC > Remove everything

Contacting the Device Manufacturer

If you’re unable to remove parental controls through the device’s settings or your child’s account, reaching out to the device manufacturer may provide a solution. Here’s what you need to do:

Call Customer Support

Locate the device manufacturer’s customer support number through their website or documentation. Call the number and explain your situation to the customer support representative. They may be able to provide you with a solution or escalate your case.

Chat Online

Many device manufacturers offer live chat support on their websites. This can be a convenient way to connect with a support agent in real time and get assistance with parental control removal.

Send an Email

If you’re not comfortable with calling or chatting online, you can send an email to the device manufacturer’s customer support address. Clearly describe your issue and provide as much detail as possible. They will typically respond within a few days.

Check for Online Forums

You may find it helpful to check online forums dedicated to your specific device. Other users may have faced similar issues and shared solutions that have worked for them. Keep in mind that unofficial advice should be taken with caution.

Visit an Authorized Repair Center

In some cases, you may need to visit an authorized repair center to have the parental controls removed. This option is usually more expensive than contacting customer support but may be necessary if other methods don’t yield results.

Create a New User Account

If all else fails, you can try creating a new user account on the device. This will allow you to bypass any parental controls that were previously in place. However, it’s important to note that this solution may not be available on all devices or may result in the loss of your child’s data.

Gaining Access to Admin Accounts

1. Check Your Email

Sometimes, parental controls can be set up through an email account. Check your inbox for messages from the service provider or device manufacturer.

2. Look for a Physical Key

Certain devices, such as Amazon Fire tablets, may require a physical key to disable parental controls. Check the device’s packaging or documentation for details.

3. Contact the Service Provider

If you can’t find any access information, contact the service provider or device manufacturer. They may be able to help you reset your account or provide alternative access methods.

4. Factory Reset

As a last resort, you can factory reset the device. This will erase all data and settings, so be sure to back up any important information before proceeding.

5. Use a Third-Party Tool

If all else fails, you can try using a third-party tool to bypass parental controls. However, these tools are not guaranteed to work and may compromise the security of your device.

6. Seek Professional Help

If you cannot regain access to your device, consider seeking professional assistance from a computer technician or IT specialist.

7. Additional Tips for Bypassing Family Link on Android Devices

For Android devices managed by Google Family Link:

Method	Steps
Use Safe Mode	Reboot the device into safe mode and uninstall the Family Link app.
Create a New User Profile	Create a new user profile on the device and set it up without a Family Link account.
Use a Third-Party File Manager	Install a file manager app from the Play Store and navigate to the Family Link app’s data folder. Delete the app’s data and cache files.

Employing Technical Workarounds

Disable Parental Controls with a VPN

A virtual private network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection, concealing your activities from your parent’s monitoring software. By connecting to a VPN server outside your home network, you can bypass the parental controls imposed by your router.

Use a Proxy Server

Similar to VPNs, proxy servers act as intermediaries between your device and the internet. They redirect your traffic through their own servers, allowing you to access blocked websites and circumvent parental controls. However, proxies are less secure than VPNs and may not be as effective at hiding your activity.

Configure a Custom DNS Server

Your DNS server translates website addresses into their corresponding IP addresses. By configuring a custom DNS server, you can direct your traffic away from your ISP’s DNS server, which may be subject to parental controls. Recommended custom DNS servers include Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) and Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1).

Disable Parental Controls from the Router

If you have access to your router’s configuration settings, you may be able to disable the parental controls directly. This method varies depending on the router model, but generally involves logging into the router’s web interface and navigating to the parental control section.

Bypass Parental Controls on Mobile Devices

Most parental control apps on mobile devices can be bypassed by resetting the device to factory settings. This will remove all installed apps, including the parental control software. However, it’s important to note that this method will also delete all of your data, so make sure you have backed up any important files.

Use a Browser That Doesn’t Support Parental Controls

Some parental control software doesn’t work with certain browsers. By switching to a browser that the software doesn’t support, you can bypass the restrictions. Some browsers known for their resistance to parental controls include Brave, Tor, and Firefox (with certain extensions installed).

Block the Parental Control Software with Host Files

Your device’s host file maps website addresses to IP addresses. By editing the host file and adding entries for the websites you want to access, you can prevent your browser from being redirected to the parental control software’s block page.

Use a USB Drive to Install a New Operating System

If all else fails, you can create a bootable USB drive with a new operating system and install it on your device. This will replace the existing operating system, including any parental control software. However, this is a more advanced solution and should only be attempted by experienced users.

Securing Your Device Post-Removal

Once you have successfully removed parental controls, it’s crucial to take additional steps to secure your device and prevent unauthorized access or misuse.

Change Passwords and Security Settings

Change all passwords associated with your device, including your login password, email password, and any passwords for apps or websites you access frequently. Additionally, enable two-factor authentication whenever possible to add an extra layer of protection.

Update Software and Apps

Ensure that your device’s software and apps are up to date. Software updates often include security patches that address vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit.

Install Anti-Malware and Antivirus Software

Install reputable anti-malware and antivirus software to protect your device from malware, viruses, and other threats. Keep these programs updated regularly to ensure they are effective.

Use a VPN

Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet traffic and protect your privacy. A VPN can prevent unauthorized access to your online activities.

Use Strong Passwords and Avoid Saving Them

Create strong passwords that are difficult to guess and avoid saving them in your browser or on your device. Use a password manager if necessary to keep track of your passwords securely.

Be Aware of Phishing Scams

Be vigilant for phishing scams that attempt to trick you into providing sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers. Never click on suspicious links or provide your personal information to untrustworthy sources.

Enable Find My Device Features

Enable the “Find My Device” feature on your smartphone or tablet. This feature allows you to locate your device if it is lost or stolen and remotely wipe it to protect your data.

Monitor Your Accounts for Suspicious Activity

Regularly check your financial accounts, social media accounts, and other online accounts for any unauthorized activity. Report any suspicious transactions or access attempts immediately.

Consider Encryption

Encrypt sensitive data on your device using encryption software or hardware. Encryption makes it difficult for unauthorized individuals to access your data even if they gain physical access to your device.

Additional Security Measures

In addition to the measures outlined above, you may also consider implementing the following security practices:

Measure	Description
Use a firewall	A firewall monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic and blocks unauthorized access.
Disable unused ports and services	Close any unnecessary ports or services on your device to reduce the risk of exploitation.
Use a dedicated guest network	Create a separate guest network for visitors or devices you don’t trust to prevent them from accessing your main network.
Back up your data regularly	Create regular backups of your important data to protect it from loss or compromise.

Ensuring Responsible Device Usage

Implementing parental controls is a crucial step in safeguarding children’s online experiences. However, it is equally important to foster responsible device usage habits in children to ensure their long-term digital well-being. Here are ten key strategies for promoting responsible device use:

Establish Clear Rules and Boundaries: Set specific guidelines for device usage, including designated usage times, age-appropriate content restrictions, and consequences for violations.
Monitor Usage Regularly: Keep track of your child’s online activities through monitoring tools or regular check-ins to ensure they are adhering to the established rules.
Encourage Open Dialogue: Create a safe and open environment for your child to discuss their online experiences, including any concerns or questions they may have.
Promote Privacy Awareness: Educate your child about online privacy risks and the importance of protecting their personal information.
Foster Digital Literacy: Develop your child’s understanding of how the internet works, including search engine usage, social media etiquette, and cybersecurity threats.
Negotiate Usage Time: Establish reasonable device usage limits and consider negotiating extended usage for specific activities, such as educational apps or video calls.
Create Device-Free Zones: Designate certain areas, such as the dinner table or bedrooms, as device-free zones to encourage family time and reduce distractions.
Utilize Family Media Plans: Develop and implement a family media plan that outlines expectations, rules, and consequences for device usage.
Encourage Outside Activities: Promote a balance between screen time and non-digital activities, such as playing outdoors, spending time with friends, or pursuing hobbies.
Set a Positive Example: Children learn by observing their parents’ behaviors. Model responsible device usage by limiting your own screen time and engaging in non-digital activities.

Advantages of Responsible Device Usage	Consequences of Irresponsible Device Usage
Improved mental health and well-being Enhanced social skills and relationships Increased academic performance Reduced risk of online safety issues	Sleep disturbances Social isolation Academic difficulties Increased exposure to cyberbullying and other online threats

How To Take Off Parental Controls

To take off parental controls, you may need to enter a password or PIN. Once you have entered the correct password or PIN, you should be able to access the parental controls settings and turn them off.

If you do not know the password or PIN, you may need to contact the person who set up the parental controls. They will be able to help you reset the password or PIN and turn off the parental controls.