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Setup GuidesUpdated 8/31/2026

How to Set Up ParentSEE on Mac

How to Set Up ParentSEE on Mac

This takes a couple of minutes. You'll add a small extension to Chrome on your child's Mac and enter a 6-character pairing code — there is nothing to download and nothing to install on the machine itself.

  • Safe and reversible — you can remove the extension anytime from Chrome.

  • Nothing changes for your child — no new apps, no pop-ups, no sign-in on their device.

  • You don't need to understand the technical parts — just follow each step.

    • What ParentSEE sees on a Mac (please read first)

    ParentSEE monitors a Mac through the Chrome extension. That means it sees websites visited in Chrome on that computer, while the extension is enabled. It does not see:

  • Other browsers on the Mac (Safari, Firefox, Brave)

  • Apps or games outside the browser

  • Incognito windows, unless you specifically allow the extension there

    • This is the honest limit, and it is worth knowing before you start. If your child uses more than one browser, the extension will only cover Chrome. On a Chromebook, by contrast, Chrome is essentially the whole device.

    What you'll need

  • Your child's Mac, with Chrome installed

  • Your ParentSEE account (the pairing code is shown when you add the device)

  • A couple of minutes

    • Step 1: Get your pairing code

    In the ParentSEE app, go to Settings → Devices → Add Device → Chrome browser, choose which child this is for, and give the device a name (for example "Emma's Mac"). ParentSEE shows a 6-character pairing code. It expires in 15 minutes — you can generate a new one anytime.

    Step 2: Add the extension to Chrome

    On the child's Mac, open Chrome and install ParentSEE Monitor from the Chrome Web Store:

    ParentSEE Monitor on the Chrome Web Store

    Click Add to Chrome, then Add extension to confirm.

    Step 3: Pin it and enter the code

  • Click the puzzle-piece icon in Chrome's toolbar and pin ParentSEE Monitor so its icon stays visible.

  • Click the ParentSEE icon.

  • Enter the 6-character pairing code from Step 1 and click Pair Device.

    • Step 4: Confirm it's working

    Browse to a few websites on the Mac. The domains should appear in your ParentSEE Activity feed within a minute or two. It's normal not to see activity the instant you pair — give it a moment.

    Keeping it running

  • Monitoring works only while the extension is enabled.

  • macOS user accounts: Chrome profiles are per-user, so if your child signs in to their own account on the Mac, install the extension there.

  • Multiple computers: each device needs its own pairing code.

  • No slowdown: the extension is extremely lightweight.

    • Troubleshooting

  • I don't see any activity yet: Give it a minute or two, then browse a few sites. Still nothing? Click the ParentSEE icon to check it shows as paired.

  • The pairing code didn't work: It may have expired (codes last 15 minutes). Generate a fresh one in the app and enter it again.

  • I can't find the extension icon: Click the puzzle-piece icon in Chrome's toolbar and pin ParentSEE Monitor.

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

    • Removing ParentSEE

    Right-click the ParentSEE extension icon and choose Remove from Chrome, or go to chrome://extensions and click Remove. Monitoring stops immediately. See How to Remove ParentSEE from Mac.

    ParentSEE shows you the website names visited in Chrome on this computer — not the contents of messages, searches, or what's on the screen.