Gaming consoles are basically “internet devices with a controller.” That’s great for entertainment — but it also means access to online multiplayer chat, user-generated content, in-game purchases, and streaming apps.
Here’s the key truth:
- You usually can’t install a typical “parental control app” directly on PS5, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch like you do on phones.
- The best setup is layered: (1) console family settings + (2) network filtering + (3) a companion parental control app for the child’s phone/tablet.
In this guide, I’ll show you the best “parental control apps for gaming consoles” approach — meaning apps that support console safety by managing the devices, accounts, and content around the console.
Quick picks: best parental control companions for console households
- Best “family safety” companion: Bark
- Best for simple web filtering & guardrails: Parentaler
- Best for monitoring the phone that’s used alongside the console: mSpy
- Best for alerts + a “parental control” style dashboard: Eyezy
- Best for choosing a setup fast: uMobix (Quiz)
If you want the broader list first, see: Top Parental Control (a.k.a Spy) Apps and the Parental Control & Monitoring Apps Comparison Table.
Comparison table (console-friendly setup)
| App | Best for (console households) | Works on | Console coverage | Trial / refund | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bark | Family safety + monitoring signals (great “companion” approach) | Android, iPhone | Indirect (supports console safety via overall family monitoring + routines) | Varies — check official page | Check Bark |
| Parentaler | Web filtering + basic guardrails around online content | iPhone (also Android options) | Indirect (use alongside console settings + home Wi-Fi rules) | Varies — check official page | Check Parentaler |
| mSpy | Phone activity oversight (useful when console play spills into chats/social) | Android, iPhone | Indirect (monitors the phone, not the console) | Varies — check official page | Check mSpy |
| Eyezy | Parental dashboard + alerts for the phone/tablet used with gaming | Android, iPhone | Indirect | Varies — check official page | Check Eyezy |
| uMobix | Fast decision help + parental control quiz (good starting point) | Android, iPhone | Indirect | Varies — check official page | Take the quiz |
Bark
Best overall “family safety” companion for console households (routines + broader safety signals).
Check Bark
Parentaler
Simple web filtering & guardrails for the phone/tablet used alongside gaming.
Check Parentaler
mSpy
Best when “gaming problems” happen in phone chats/social apps during console play.
Check mSpy
Eyezy
Dashboard-style parental control companion for the devices kids use while gaming.
Check Eyezy
uMobix
Fast “what should I pick?” quiz to choose a setup for your family devices.
Take the quizHow parental controls on consoles actually work (the 3-layer method)
Layer 1: Console family settings (must-have)
- Time limits / schedules: restrict play time and bedtime hours.
- Age ratings: block games above a selected rating.
- Spending controls: require approval for purchases or set a spending cap.
- Online safety: restrict who can message, friend, or join parties/voice chat.
- Privacy defaults: lock down sharing, profile visibility, and UGC exposure.
Layer 2: Network filtering (smart extra safety)
This matters because consoles are often connected to shared home Wi-Fi. With network-level rules (router/DNS), you can reduce risk from unwanted websites and some types of content on the network.
For device-level filtering habits (especially on phones/tablets used alongside gaming), Parentaler can be a helpful companion: Parentaler Web Filtering.
Layer 3: A companion app (covers what consoles can’t)
Even if the console settings are perfect, the “real world” of gaming often includes:
- Discord / WhatsApp / Messenger on a phone while playing
- YouTube / TikTok clips about games (and algorithm-driven recommendations)
- Group chats, screenshots, social media posting
That’s where a companion parental control app helps. If your child uses YouTube or TikTok heavily, see: Best Parental Control Apps for YouTube & TikTok.
Best parental control “apps” for console households (quick reviews)
1) Bark — best overall for families who want safety signals
Best for: families who want a “bigger picture” safety approach — not just time limits.
Why it works for gaming consoles: consoles are only one part of a kid’s digital life. Bark can complement console controls by helping you stay aware of broader risks and routines.
2) Parentaler — best for web filtering + guardrails
Best for: parents who want straightforward filtering and guardrails around online content, especially on phones/tablets used alongside gaming.
Tip: Combine filtering with console-level restrictions to cover both the console environment and the devices kids use while gaming.
Check Parentaler Web Filtering
3) mSpy — best when the “gaming risk” happens on the phone
Best for: households where the console is the main activity, but the social layer (messages, apps, browsing) happens on a phone.
If you want deeper context on how it works on Android, see: mSpy for Android: Full Review & Setup Guide.
4) Eyezy — best parental-control style dashboard and alerts
Best for: parents who want a clean dashboard-style view and alerts for the mobile device that’s used next to the console.
Related: Eyezy for Android: Complete Review, Setup and Guide.
5) uMobix — best if you want a fast “what should I pick?” start
Best for: parents who don’t want to overthink it and just want a quick direction.
Related: uMobix for Android: Review & Setup Guide.
Take the uMobix parental control quiz
What to set up first (15-minute checklist)
- Create separate child accounts (don’t let kids play on your main account).
- Turn on age rating restrictions and block “above rating” game installs.
- Lock purchases behind a PIN (and disable “1-click” buying where possible).
- Restrict messaging/voice chat to friends-only (or off for younger kids).
- Set play schedules (school nights vs weekends).
- Add a companion app for the phone/tablet used during gaming sessions.
If you’re building a full family plan, this guide helps you decide what matters most: How to Choose the Right Monitoring App for Your Family.
Which setup is best for your situation?
If your child is under 13
Prioritize simple restrictions and safer defaults: time limits, ratings, purchases locked, and tight communication settings. See: The Safest Parental Control Apps for Kids Under 13.
If you’re fighting “one more match” at bedtime
Use a hard schedule (not just reminders) and keep it consistent. For device-level routines, this can help: How to Limit Screen Time on Kids’ Phones Automatically.
If the console is just one device among many
Most families need controls across tablets + phones too. See: Best Parental Control Apps for Tablets (iPad & Android) and Best Parental Control Apps for iPhone & iPad.
Legal and privacy reminder
Use parental control tools only on devices/accounts you own or manage, and follow local laws. If you’re unsure what’s allowed, read: Legal Phone Tracking: What’s Allowed and What’s Not.
FAQ
Can I install parental control apps directly on PS5, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch?
Usually no. Consoles typically rely on built-in family settings. The best approach is to use console controls plus a companion app on your child’s phone/tablet and (optionally) network filtering at home.
What’s the most important setting to enable on a console?
For most families: lock purchases behind a PIN, limit communication (messages/voice chat), and set play schedules. Those three cover the biggest risks fast.
How do I control YouTube and streaming apps on consoles?
Use console restrictions where available, and manage the account settings inside the streaming apps. For broader control, manage YouTube/TikTok habits on the child’s phone/tablet too.
Do parental control apps monitor in-game chat?
Most mobile parental control apps don’t directly monitor console-native party chat. That’s why console communication settings (friends-only/off) matter so much.
What’s the safest setup for younger kids?
Child account + age rating restrictions + strict communication settings + hard time schedules + purchases locked with a PIN. Add a companion parental control app for the phone/tablet they use alongside gaming.