We know its common to get new devices around Christmas, so we wanted to give this warning. Not all devices support parental controls/accountability apps. Generally speaking the newer the device, the less likely it is to support it.
"Big Tech" generally gives lip service at best to online safety. Before you make a purchase for yourself or your child, consider how you will protect the device and if you're happy with that level of protection.
The filth (pornography, etc) on the internet seeps into everything.
If you have any questions about a device feel free to ask in a reply.
Generally speaking:
- gaming consoles nowdays have internet browsers and no great way to monitor them
- VR headsets can't be monitored
- some smart watches can access the internet, and there's no way to monitor them. If you want a smart watch some fitness watches provide basic features without offering a built in web browser
- if you're buying an android, Truple will run, but it runs best on flagship Samsung Galaxy S## (not the FE or fan edition model) or Google Pixel phones
- Our new iPhone/iPad solution works great but is more inconvenient than android to use
Use caution buying new tech devices this Christmas
#17 by truple at 12/2/2025, 6:12:34 PM
moderatorotherThanks for the information. You said if I had any questions about a device I could ask in reply. So I just posted a thread "Not sure I want to install Best Accountability on iPad" to discuss a new device.
Additionally, since you mentioned smartwatches, I found a solution to protect the Galaxy Watch. In the wearable app on the phone, I disabled the Play Store for the watch and deleted Internet browsers off the watch. The Play Store is not possible to re-enable on the watch itself, it has to be re-enabled in the Wearable app on the phone to regain access. Therefore I used the Lock Me Out app on Android to block the Wearable and Watch Manager apps at certain times at my home location. This way I am not able to access any content on the Internet when the apps are blocked. Other app blockers may not be able to block the specific watch apps.
Additionally, since you mentioned smartwatches, I found a solution to protect the Galaxy Watch. In the wearable app on the phone, I disabled the Play Store for the watch and deleted Internet browsers off the watch. The Play Store is not possible to re-enable on the watch itself, it has to be re-enabled in the Wearable app on the phone to regain access. Therefore I used the Lock Me Out app on Android to block the Wearable and Watch Manager apps at certain times at my home location. This way I am not able to access any content on the Internet when the apps are blocked. Other app blockers may not be able to block the specific watch apps.
by CedarWaxwing 5d 15h 44m ago