Using ScreenCoach Together with Apple Screen Time (iOS) & Google Family Link (Android)

ScreenCoach can work alongside Apple Screen Time and Google Family Link, however it is important to avoid overlapping app blocking and time limit rules between systems.


The best setup is usually:

  • Let ScreenCoach manage screen time, rewards, modes, activities and app blocking
  • Use Apple or Google features only for the extra controls


iPhone & iPad (iOS)


Can I use Apple Screen Time together with ScreenCoach?


Yes - but only some Apple Screen Time features should remain enabled.

Some Apple Screen Time settings conflict with ScreenCoach because both systems attempt to control apps simultaneously.


Go to: iOS Settings → Screen Time


✅Safe to Keep Enabled
  • Content & Privacy Restrictions

Settings → Screen Time → Choose child → Content & Privacy Restrictions (Examples: web content filtering, app install restrictions, purchase restrictions, explicit content filtering)

  • Family Sharing / Ask To Buy

Settings → Settings → Family → Choose child (Purchase Approvals on App Store)


❌ Must Disable
  • Downtime

Settings → Screen Time → Choose child → Downtime

  • App Limits
❌ Should Disable

Settings → Screen Time → Choose child → App Limits

  • Always Allowed Apps

Settings → Screen Time → Choose child → Always Allowed

Having these enabled may conflict with ScreenCoach app blocking.


Can ScreenCoach Block Phone Calls or Messages on iPhone?

Due to Apple’s policies, ScreenCoach cannot block the Phone or Messages apps directly for safety and emergency access reasons. However, you can still apply communication restrictions using Apple Screen Time's Content & Privacy Restrictions.


For communication restrictions, use:

Settings **→ **Screen Time → Choose child → Communication Limits


Android Devices


Open:

Google Family Link → Select Child


✅ Safe to Keep Enabled

  • Location Tracking

→ Family Link → Location

  • Content Restrictions / SafeSearch

→ Family Link → Controls → Content Restrictions

  • Google Play Purchase Approvals

→ Family Link → Controls → Google Play


  • Daily Limits

→ Family Link → Controls → Daily Limit

  • Bedtime / Downtime

→ Family Link → Controls → Bedtime

  • Family Link app blocking rules

Having these enabled together with ScreenCoach may cause blocking conflicts.


Can ScreenCoach Block Calls or Messages on Android?

This depends on the Android device manufacturer and operating system version.

Some Android devices allow stronger restrictions than iPhone, however emergency calling functions may still remain available.



Can I restrict who can be called while apps are blocked?


If you wish to restrict who can be called or messaged while the apps are blocked we recommend your children use a third-party application such as WhatsApp or discord which most kids and teenagers use these days. So when they are blocked, they cannot communicate with them.


So long as you have restricted the phone and the Messages app to only be allowed to call and message the people in their contacts list using Apple's built-in technology mentioned above and android's built-in technology mentioned above


General Recommendation


For the best experience:

  • Let ScreenCoach manage screen time and app blocking
  • Use Apple Screen Time or Google Family Link only for supplementary parental controls
  • Ensure that ScreenCoach is not blocked by any other Systems and he's given 24 hour access

This helps avoid:

  • apps remaining blocked incorrectly
  • conflicting time limits
  • downtime conflicts
  • inconsistent behaviour across devices




Updated on: 21/05/2026

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