How to Cancel Screen Time App (Third-Party) in 2026

There are many third-party "Screen Time" parental control apps that charge $5-15/month. If you're paying for one, you probably don't need it — Apple and Android have powerful built-in alternatives for free.

How to Cancel

iPhone/iPad (App Store subscription)

1. Open Settings → tap your name at the top
2. Tap Subscriptions
3. Find the Screen Time app subscription
4. Tap Cancel Subscription

Android (Google Play subscription)

1. Open Google Play Store
2. Tap your profile icon → Payments & subscriptions
3. Tap Subscriptions
4. Find the Screen Time app and tap Cancel

Free Built-In Alternatives

Both Apple and Google include comprehensive parental controls for free:

Apple Screen Time (Free, built into iOS)

• App time limits per category or individual app
• Downtime scheduling (disable apps during bedtime/homework)
• Content restrictions (age ratings, web filters)
• Communication limits (control who kids can contact)
• Family Sharing lets you manage remotely from your own phone

Google Family Link (Free, for Android)

• App approval before download
• Screen time limits and bedtime scheduling
• Location tracking
• Content filters for Google Search, Chrome, YouTube
• Remote device lock

When Paid Apps Make Sense

There are a few scenarios where a paid parental control app might still be worth it:

• Cross-platform families: One kid has iPhone, another has Android — Qustodio or Bark work across both
• Social media monitoring: If you need to monitor specific app content (not just time limits)
• School Chromebooks: Built-in tools don't cover school devices

For most families, the built-in tools handle 90%+ of what paid apps offer.