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Setup GuidesUpdated 10/15/2026

How to Set Up ParentSEE on Mac

How to Set Up ParentSEE on Mac

This takes a few minutes. You'll download an installer, run it, and paste in a setup code. It's safe, reversible, and straightforward. Apple has verified our installer, so you won't see security warnings.

  • Safe and reversible: you can remove it anytime.

  • Nothing changes for your child: no icons or pop-ups; the Mac works exactly as before.

  • You don't need to understand the technical parts: just follow each screen.

    • What you'll need

  • Your child's Mac

  • The setup code from the ParentSEE app

  • The Mac's admin password (needed to install)

  • A couple of minutes

    • Step 1: Download the installer

    In the ParentSEE app, copy your setup code and tap Download ParentSEE for Mac. It downloads a file called ParentSEE-Setup.pkg.

    Step 2: Run the installer

  • Open your Downloads and double-click ParentSEE-Setup.pkg.

  • Follow the prompts. When asked, enter the Mac's admin password (this is the password you use to log in or install software, and it's needed to set up monitoring).

  • When the installer asks for your setup code, paste the code from Step 1.

    • Step 3: Confirm it's working

    Back in the ParentSEE app, the screen updates on its own when the Mac connects, usually within 10–30 seconds. It's normal not to see activity the instant it finishes; give it a moment.

    What your child sees

    Nothing changes for them. No apps, icons, or notifications. ParentSEE runs quietly and also turns off the browser's own private DNS (Chrome, Edge, and Brave) so nothing slips past.

    Troubleshooting

  • I don't see any activity yet: Give it a minute or two. Still nothing? Contact us below.

  • It's asking for a password: That's the Mac's admin password, the one you use to log in or install software. It's a normal part of installing.

  • My internet stopped working: Don't worry, nothing's broken. Remove ParentSEE (see below) to undo it completely, then try again.

  • Anything else? Contact support@parentsee.com and we'll help.

    • Removing ParentSEE

  • Open System Settings → Privacy & Security → Profiles (or System Preferences → Profiles on older macOS)

  • Select the ParentSEE DNS profile

  • Click the minus (−) button or Remove

  • Enter your Mac password when prompted

    • Monitoring stops immediately. (To turn browser built-in DNS back on afterward: in Chrome, Edge, or Brave, open the browser's Privacy/Security settings and switch "Use secure DNS" back on.)

    ParentSEE shows you the website names this Mac visits. It never shows the contents of messages, searches, or what's on the screen.