My kid just got their first Android phone and I want to set up some basic screen time limits and app restrictions without constantly checking their device. I tried looking into the family sharing and parental controls on my iPhone, but it looks like everything is locked to the Apple ecosystem. Is there a solid cross-platform app or workaround that actually works well, or should I just stick to the built-in Android settings?
Yeah unfortunately Apple Family Sharing is pretty much iOS-only, it won’t manage an Android device at all. The good news is Android’s built-in Google Family Link is actually solid for exactly what you’re describing — screen time limits, app approval, and basic location — and you manage it all from your iPhone via the Family Link parent app. If you want something fancier with social media monitoring later, apps like Bark or Qustodio work cross-platform too, but honestly Family Link covers the basics really well without spending anything.