How to Set Up ParentSEE on Android

ParentSEE monitors an Android phone through settings on the phone itself: Private DNS, which lets ParentSEE see which websites the phone visits, and the ParentSEE app, which shows which apps are used and for how long. ParentSEE gives you a pairing code for the app and a Private DNS address for the phone. This guide explains each step, what it does, and how to check it.

What ParentSEE sees on Android

Websites: Private DNS routes the phone's website lookups through ParentSEE, so we see domain names only (youtube.com, roblox.com). We never see page content, messages, searches, photos, or passwords.

Apps: with usage access granted, the ParentSEE app reports which apps are used and for how long. It reports app names and durations, never what happens inside them.

For the full picture, read What ParentSEE Can and Can't See.

Setting up Private DNS (websites)

When you add the child's phone, ParentSEE shows a Private DNS address for it that looks like abc12345.dns.parentsee.com. Each phone has its own address. Copy it, then:

On Samsung phones:

On Pixel and most other Android phones:

If you can't find it: open the Settings app and search for "Private DNS", open the setting, choose Private DNS provider hostname, paste the address, and tap Save.

Setting up the ParentSEE app (apps)

On the child's phone, install the ParentSEE app and enter the pairing code. The app walks you through the rest. Two permissions matter:

Usage access. Android asks you to grant this in a system Settings screen. The app takes you there. It lets ParentSEE report which apps are used and for how long. It does not let ParentSEE see inside any app.

Notifications. While monitoring runs, ParentSEE shows a persistent notification on the phone. This is deliberate: whoever is holding the phone can always see that monitoring is on. Monitoring will not start until the phone is allowed to show it, so please leave it visible. It isn't clutter; it's how ParentSEE stays honest with your child.

Check that it's working

Open a website on the child's phone, then look at your ParentSEE activity feed. After Private DNS is first set, this usually takes a couple of minutes, sometimes faster. App activity appears as the phone is used.

What your child sees

The ParentSEE app is visible on the phone: it has an icon, and it shows the persistent notification while monitoring runs. Private DNS is a normal Android setting your child can see in Settings. Browsing and apps work exactly as before. ParentSEE watches, it never blocks or slows anything. We think monitoring a child's phone should never be a secret from the child.

Troubleshooting

Removing ParentSEE

Monitoring stops. ParentSEE never prevents removal, and it doesn't hide it either: the parent's ParentSEE app is notified when monitoring stops.