Download & set up MyParental in five minutes

Before you start: do it together

The best five minutes you'll spend on MyParental happen before you open an app store: sit down with your child and explain what you're setting up and why. MyParental is always visible on the child's device — there's no hidden mode — so setup is the natural moment to show them the map, the rules, and exactly what you can and can't see. Kids who help configure their own limits argue about them far less.

Step 1 — Install on your phone (the parent device)

1. Open the App Store (iPhone/iPad) or Google Play (Android) and search for "MyParental", or use the buttons at the top of this page.
2. Tap Install, then open the app.
3. Choose "I'm a parent" and create your free account with an email address and password.
4. The app creates your family circle and shows a one-time pairing code. Keep this screen open — you'll need the code in step 2.

Step 2 — Install on your child's device

1. On your child's phone or tablet, install MyParental from the same store (it's one app for both roles).
2. Open it and choose "This is a child's device".
3. Enter the pairing code from your parent app. The two devices link in a few seconds.
4. Add your child's name and photo so they're easy to spot on the family map.

Step 3 — Grant the right permissions

This is the step where most setup problems happen, so the app walks you through each prompt. Here's what to expect and why each permission matters:

• Location → "Always allow". Required for the live map and geofencing alerts to work in the background. "While using the app" only updates when the app is open on screen, which defeats the purpose.
• Notifications → Allow. So the child device can show its own status, and your parent device can receive arrival alerts.
• Android only — Usage access. Powers app usage tracking and screen time limits. The app deep-links you straight to the right settings screen.
• Android only — Battery optimization exemption. Stops Android from putting the app to sleep, which would delay location updates.

Step 4 — Choose your starting settings

You're live as soon as pairing finishes — your child's pin appears on the family map. Three settings worth doing in the first session:

• Add two geofences — home and school are the classics. You'll get automatic arrival and departure alerts from day one. (The Free plan includes two saved places; Premium makes them unlimited.)
• Agree on screen time rules — if you're on Premium, set a daily limit and a bedtime schedule with your child, not just for them.
• Test the SOS button — on Premium, have your child press it once while you watch your phone, so you both know exactly what it does before it's ever needed.

Adding more children or a second parent

Repeat step 2 for each additional child device — every child gets their own pin, rules and reports under the same account. To add a co-parent, invite them from Settings → Family circle; they install the app, choose "I'm a parent", and accept the invite. Both parents see the same map and can manage the same rules. One account, and one subscription if you go Premium, covers everyone.

Troubleshooting quick fixes

• Pairing code rejected: codes expire quickly for security — generate a fresh one from the parent app and make sure both devices are online.
• Child's pin not updating: check that location is set to "Always allow" and, on Android, that battery optimization is off for MyParental.
• No arrival alerts: confirm notifications are allowed on the parent device and the geofence radius isn't too small — 150–200 m works well for most places.
• Still stuck? Head to our contact page — most setup issues are solved in one reply.