Welcome to the world of geofencing apps! As a parent, you want to ensure the safety of your children, and geofencing apps can help you do just that. These apps use GPS technology to create virtual boundaries around a specific area and send alerts when a person enters or exits that area. In this article, we will be discussing the top 5 geofencing apps that really work for parents in 2023.
Geofencing apps are becoming increasingly popular and with good reason. They offer peace of mind to parents by allowing them to keep track of their kids’ whereabouts at all times. In the following sections, we will dive deep into what geofencing apps are, how to choose the right one, and provide an overview of the top geofencing apps that parents can use to keep their children safe.
What is a Geofencing App?
A geofencing app is a mobile application that uses GPS or Wi-Fi signals to track the location of a device and create virtual boundaries or “fences” around specific areas. When the device enters or exits a fence, the app sends a notification or alert to the user. Geofencing apps can be used for different purposes, including location-based advertising, asset tracking, and child safety monitoring.
Mobile geofencing apps come in different types and formats, including native apps for iPhone and Android, web-based applications, and third-party software. Some apps, like Wyze geofencing and Whats Geofence, are designed for specific purposes, while others offer a wide range of features and functionalities.
Geofencing apps can be useful for parents who want to keep their children safe and monitor their whereabouts. By setting up virtual fences around specific locations, parents can receive notifications when their child enters or leaves a designated area, such as home, school, or a friend’s house. This can help parents keep track of their child’s movements and ensure their safety, especially in situations where the child may be at risk.
How to Choose a Geofencing App?
When looking for a geofencing app to keep your child safe, there are several factors you need to consider. Here are some tips to help you choose the best app for your family:
- Compatibility: Make sure the app is compatible with your child’s device and operating system.
- Geofencing Range: Choose an app with a geofencing range that suits your needs. Some apps offer customizable geofencing ranges that allow you to set specific boundaries for your child.
- Real-Time Location Updates: Choose an app that provides real-time location updates so that you can track your child’s movements accurately.
- Alerts and Notifications: Look for an app that sends alerts and notifications when your child enters or exits a specific area.
- Additional Features: Consider other features like website blocking, social media monitoring, and screen time management to help you keep your child safe in the digital world.
- User-Friendly Interface: Choose an app with a user-friendly interface that is easy to navigate and use.
- Customer Support: Look for a company that offers excellent customer support and has a good reputation for reliability.
By considering these factors, you can choose a geofencing app that will help you keep your child safe and give you peace of mind.
Famisafe Geofencing App
Famisafe is one of the best geofencing apps available for parents who want to keep an eye on their children’s location. The app is easy to use and customizable, allowing parents to create safe zones and receive alerts when their child enters or leaves these areas.
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Real-Time Location | The app allows parents to track their child’s location in real-time, providing peace of mind when they are away from home. |
| Geofencing | Parents can create safe zones around their home, school, or other locations. When their child enters or leaves these areas, the app sends an alert to the parents’ device. |
| Screen Time Management | Famisafe also allows parents to set screen time limits and block specific apps on their child’s device, promoting healthy device usage habits. |
| App Usage Tracking | The app tracks how much time the child spends on specific apps, allowing parents to monitor their child’s online activities. |
In addition to these features, Famisafe also offers a web filter that blocks inappropriate content and a suspicious text alert that notifies parents when their child receives a message containing potentially harmful language. The app is available for both Android and iOS devices.
Note: Famisafe requires a subscription to use. Prices vary depending on the plan selected.
Qustodio Geofencing App
Qustodio is another popular geofencing app that parents can use to keep an eye on their children’s whereabouts. The app can be easily downloaded from the App Store or Google Play Store and can be installed on both iOS and Android devices.
One of the key features of the Qustodio geofencing app is its real-time location tracking. The app allows parents to set up geofencing alerts so they can be notified when their child enters or exits a designated area. This can be particularly useful for parents who want to ensure their child stays within a safe zone, such as their neighborhood or school.
Parents can also set up time restrictions within the Qustodio app, which can be useful for limiting a child’s screen time or restricting access to certain apps during specific hours. The app also provides detailed reports on a child’s online activities, including websites visited and searches conducted.
For parents who want to keep tabs on their child’s social media use, the Qustodio geofencing app also monitors popular social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Parents can view their child’s social media activity and even block certain contacts or keywords to ensure their child stays safe online.
Qustodio Geofencing App Features:
| Feature: | Description: |
|---|---|
| Real-time location tracking | Allows parents to set up geofencing alerts when their child enters or exits a designated area. |
| Time restrictions | Allows parents to set up time restrictions within the Qustodio app, limiting screen time and access to certain apps. |
| Activity reports | Provides detailed reports on a child’s online activities, including websites visited and searches conducted. |
| Social media monitoring | Monitors popular social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and allows parents to view their child’s social media activity and block certain contacts or keywords. |
Overall, the Qustodio geofencing app is a comprehensive parental control app that can keep children safe both online and offline. Its real-time location tracking and social media monitoring features make it a popular choice among parents who want to ensure their child’s safety.
Spyic Geofencing App
Spyic is a mobile monitoring solution that offers several helpful features to keep children safe. Its geofencing app is designed to provide parents with a reliable way to monitor their child’s whereabouts in real-time.
The app has the ability to create virtual boundaries around certain locations, such as home, school, or the park. Parents will receive real-time notifications when their child enters or exits any of these locations. Parents can also view location history for up to 90 days.
Spyic geofencing app works on both Android and iOS operating systems. For Android, the app requires physical access to the target device for installation. Once installed, the app icon can be hidden, and it runs in the background. For iOS, Spyic relies on the iCloud backup of the target device for location tracking.
Features of Spyic Geofencing App
Spyic’s geofencing app offers several features to help parents monitor their child’s location:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Real-time location tracking | Parents receive notifications when their child enters or exits predefined locations. |
| Location history | Parents can view location history for up to 90 days. |
| Stealth mode | The app runs in the background and can be hidden from the target device. |
| Geofence editing | Parents can add or remove geofence locations as needed. |
The app also offers other essential features, such as call monitoring, text message tracking, and social media monitoring, to help parents keep their children safe.
“Spyic’s geofencing app is an excellent choice for parents who want to keep their children safe and monitor their whereabouts in real-time.”
Bark Geofencing App
Bark is a popular geofencing app for parents that can help keep their children safe. The app lets parents set up virtual boundaries around specific locations, such as their child’s school or a park. When their child crosses these boundaries, the app sends an alert to the parents. Bark also allows parents to view their child’s location in real-time, making it easy to keep track of them.
One of the standout features of Bark is its ability to monitor social media and other online activity. The app can alert parents to potential dangers, such as cyberbullying and online predators, and provides resources to help parents address these issues. The app also has a comprehensive screening process that ensures children’s personal data is kept private.
Another feature of Bark is its ability to flag potentially harmful content in text messages, emails, and other forms of digital communication. The app can detect signs of depression, suicidal thoughts, and other concerning behaviors, allowing parents to intervene and seek help when needed.
Compatibility
Bark is available for both iOS and Android devices, and it offers a web-based dashboard for easy monitoring. The app is compatible with a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers, making it easy to keep tabs on kids’ activity across multiple platforms.
Pricing
Bark offers a 7-day free trial, after which parents can choose from two subscription options. The first option is $14 per month, and the second is $99 per year, providing a significant discount for long-term use. Bark also offers discounts for families with multiple children, making it an affordable choice for parents who want to monitor their children’s digital activity.
Customer Support
Bark offers excellent customer support, with a responsive support team that’s available 24/7. The app also provides comprehensive resources on its website, including frequently asked questions, video tutorials, and user guides. Parents can also reach out to the support team via phone or email for personalized help.
mSpy Geofencing App
One of the top geofencing apps for parents is mSpy. This app is designed to help parents keep their children safe by tracking their location and setting up geofences around specific areas. With mSpy, parents can monitor their child’s movements in real-time and receive alerts if the child enters or exits a restricted area.
The mSpy geofencing app is compatible with both Android and iOS devices, making it easy for parents to keep track of their children no matter what device they are using. The app is also very easy to use and has a simple interface that allows parents to set up and customize their geofences quickly and easily.
| Features | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Real-time location tracking | Parents can track their child’s movements in real-time and ensure their safety. |
| Geofencing | Parents can set up geofences around specific areas and get alerts when their child enters or exits them. |
| Social media monitoring | Parents can monitor their child’s social media activity and protect them from online threats. |
| Call and message monitoring | Parents can monitor their child’s calls and messages and ensure they are not communicating with dangerous people. |
| App blocking | Parents can block certain apps on their child’s device to protect them from inappropriate content or online predators. |
Overall, mSpy is an excellent geofencing app for parents who want to ensure their child’s safety. With its real-time location tracking, geofencing, and social media monitoring features, parents can rest assured that their child is safe and protected from online threats.
Other Geofencing Apps
In addition to the top 5 geofencing apps discussed in this article, there are many other options available for parents who want to keep their children safe. Here are some other geofencing apps worth considering:
| Geofencing App | Features |
|---|---|
| iOS Geofencing | This is a native geofencing app included within iOS devices that allows users to set up location-based triggers and receive notifications when they are entered or exited. |
| Google Maps Timeline | Google Maps Timeline allows users to track their location history and set up geofencing alerts for specific places like home, school, or work. |
| Life360 | Life360 is a family locator app that uses geofencing to provide real-time location sharing, alerts when family members arrive or leave certain locations, and driving safety features. |
| Zenly | Zenly is a social location-sharing app that uses geofencing to alert users when friends are nearby or arrive at a specific location. |
While these apps may not have all the features of the top 5 geofencing apps discussed here, they can still be useful for parents who want to keep track of their children’s whereabouts.
Geofencing App Comparison
Now that we’ve discussed the top 5 geofencing apps for parents, let’s compare them to see how they stack up against each other.
| App | Price | Platforms | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Famisafe | $9.99/month | iOS, Android | Real-time location tracking, geofencing, app blocker, web filtering, screen time control, suspicious photos detection |
| Qustodio | $49.46/year | iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Kindle | Real-time location tracking, geofencing, app blocker, web filtering, screen time control, panic button |
| Spyic | $39.99/month | iOS, Android | Real-time location tracking, geofencing, call monitoring, text message tracking, social media tracking, keylogger |
| Bark | $14/month | iOS, Android | Real-time location tracking, geofencing, web filtering, screen time management, social media monitoring, text and email alerts |
| mSpy | $8.33/month | iOS, Android, Windows, Mac | Real-time location tracking, geofencing, call and text message monitoring, keylogger, social media tracking, web filtering |
All of the apps offer real-time location tracking and geofencing, but they differ in terms of pricing, platform support, and additional features.
Famisafe is the most affordable option and offers a range of features beyond geofencing, including app blocking, web filtering, and screen time control. Qustodio is the most expensive option but supports multiple platforms and has a panic button feature. Spyic is ideal for parents who want to monitor their child’s phone activity extensively, with features like social media tracking and keylogging. Bark offers social media monitoring and text and email alerts, making it a good option for parents who want to keep an eye on their child’s online activity. Finally, mSpy offers a range of monitoring features, including call and text message monitoring, making it suitable for parents who want to keep track of their child’s communications.
Ultimately, the choice of geofencing app will depend on the specific needs of each family. It’s important to consider factors like price, features, and platform support when making a decision.
How to Set up Geofencing App
Setting up a geofencing app is an easy process that can help parents ensure their children’s safety. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to set up a geofencing app:
- Download the geofencing app of your choice from the app store.
- Install the app on your phone and your child’s phone.
- Open the app and create an account.
- Log in to the app with the account you just created.
- Follow the app’s instructions to set up a geofence around your child’s safe area, such as their school or home.
- Select the notification settings you prefer. Some apps enable you to receive notifications when your child enters or leaves the geofenced area.
- Test the app to ensure it is working correctly by leaving the geofenced area with your child’s phone and checking if you receive the appropriate notification.
Each app may have slightly different steps for setting up a geofence, but most apps provide clear instructions within the app itself.
Customizing Geofencing Settings
Many geofencing apps provide customizable settings to better meet your family’s needs. Here are some of the features you may be able to customize:
- Geofencing radius: You can adjust the distance around the safe area to create a larger or smaller geofence.
- Notification frequency: You can adjust the frequency of notifications for when your child enters or leaves the geofenced area.
- Time restrictions: You can limit the time of day your child can leave the safe area.
- Location tracking: You can track your child’s location, so you know where they are at all times.
Customizing these settings can help ensure your child’s safety and give you peace of mind.
FAQ
Q: Can I use geofencing apps to track my child’s location without them knowing?
A: It depends on the app you are using. Some apps require the user’s consent, while others can be set up secretly. However, it is important to have an open and honest conversation with your child about tracking their location and why you want to use a geofencing app. Building trust and having clear communication can go a long way in keeping your child safe.
Q: Can geofencing apps drain my phone’s battery?
A: Geofencing apps do consume some battery life, as they need to use your phone’s GPS location services constantly. However, most apps have been optimized to minimize battery usage. It is still recommended to check the app’s battery usage and adjust the settings accordingly to ensure optimal performance.
Q: Are geofencing apps accurate?
A: The accuracy of a geofencing app depends on various factors, such as the GPS technology in your phone, the strength of your phone’s signal, and the app’s algorithm. Some apps may have better accuracy than others, so it is important to research and read reviews before choosing an app.
Q: Can I set up multiple geofences using one app?
A: Yes, most geofencing apps allow you to set up multiple geofences for different locations. This can be useful if you want to monitor your child’s movements between school and home, for example.
Q: How can I ensure my child’s privacy when using a geofencing app?
A: It is important to choose an app that respects your child’s privacy and only collects the necessary data. Some apps allow you to set up geofences for specific times of the day, such as during school hours, and turn off tracking outside of those times. Additionally, make sure to secure your app with a strong password and use a secure network when accessing the app.
Q: Do I need to pay for geofencing apps?
A: Most geofencing apps offer both free and paid versions. The free version may have limited features, while the paid version may offer more advanced features and better support. It is important to weigh the benefits and costs before making a decision.
If you have any additional questions or concerns about using geofencing apps, it is recommended to reach out to the app’s customer support or seek advice from a trusted professional.