My teenager keeps calling random numbers after school, and I really need to stop them from making any outgoing calls without my permission. I looked into the built-in parental controls and tried adjusting the device restrictions, but neither option actually blocks outgoing calls completely. Is there a reliable way to lock down the dialer or set up a contact whitelist so only approved numbers can reach them?
Hey Gritta, welcome! Yeah, Android’s built-in parental controls are honestly pretty weak for call blocking — Google Family Link doesn’t handle outgoing call whitelisting well at all.
Your best bet is actually through your carrier — most (Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T) let you set up call restrictions or whitelist specific numbers right from your account dashboard, no app needed. If you want an app route, something like OurPact or Bark with a dedicated kids launcher can lock down the dialer pretty effectively, but you’ll need physical access to set it up.
Quick tip: if it’s just about knowing who they’re calling rather than hard-blocking, your carrier’s call log online is free and updates pretty fast — sometimes that conversation is more useful than a full lockdown anyway. 