Family Space is a parental control app that monitors and manages what family members do on their devices
Family Space is a mobile app made by Telefónica, a Spanish telecommunications company. It runs on Android and iOS devices and lets parents see what their children are doing on phones and tablets — including which apps they use, where they are, and how much screen time they spend. The app also lets parents set limits on when devices can be used and block certain apps or websites.
The app works by installing a parent version on your phone and a child version on your child's device. Once set up, the parent app sends information back to a dashboard where you can review activity, set rules, and make changes remotely. You do not need to physically hold your child's phone to use it.
Key Takeaways
- Family Space shows parents real-time location, app usage, screen time, and web browsing activity on a child's device.
- Parents can block specific apps, set daily screen time limits, and schedule times when devices lock automatically.
- The app requires installation on both the parent's phone and the child's phone to function.
- Family Space is free to download but charges a monthly fee for full features beyond basic monitoring.
- The app works on both Android and iOS, though some features may vary between the two platforms.
What you can see and control with Family Space
The parent dashboard shows you several types of information about your child's device. You can see their location in real time on a map, which apps they have opened and how long they spent in each one, and a list of websites they visited. The app also tracks total screen time per day and can show you which apps use the most battery.
On the control side, you can set a daily screen time limit — for example, two hours per day — and the device will lock once that time is used up. You can also create a schedule so the device locks at certain times, like after 9 p.m. on school nights. You can block specific apps entirely, and you can restrict access to websites by category, such as blocking all adult content or gambling sites.
Some versions of the app also let you set "safe zones" — geographic areas like your home or school — and receive alerts if your child leaves those zones. You can also see battery level and storage space on the child's device.
How to set up Family Space
Start by downloading the Family Space app on your own phone from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Open it and create an account using your email address. You will need to verify your email by clicking a link Telefónica sends you.
Next, download the Family Space app on your child's device using the same method. When your child opens the app, they will see a setup screen asking for a PIN or password. This is where you set a code that only you know — your child cannot change settings without entering this code. After your child enters the PIN, their device will be linked to your parent account.
Once both apps are installed and linked, open your parent app and you should see your child's device appear in your dashboard. You can then start setting screen time limits, blocking apps, and viewing activity. Some features may require you to turn on location services or device administrator permissions on the child's phone — the app will prompt you to do this during setup.
Free features versus paid features
Family Space offers a free version that includes basic monitoring: you can see which apps your child uses and how much time they spend in each one. You can also see their location and set up basic app blocking.
The paid version, which costs money per month, adds features like screen time scheduling, website filtering by category, detailed web browsing history, and alerts when your child leaves a safe zone. Telefónica sometimes offers a free trial period of the paid version so you can test the full feature set before paying.
Pricing varies by country and changes over time, so you should check the app itself or Telefónica's website for current rates in your region. Some mobile carriers that work with Telefónica may bundle Family Space into their plans at no extra cost.
Differences between Android and iOS versions
Family Space works on both Android phones and tablets and on iPhones and iPads, but Apple's operating system limits what parental control apps can do. On Android, Family Space can block apps, see detailed browsing history, and control many device settings. On iOS, the app can see location and screen time but has less ability to block specific apps or websites because Apple restricts what third-party apps are allowed to do.
If you are using Family Space on an iPhone, you may want to also use Apple's built-in parental controls, called Screen Time, which work alongside Family Space. Android users typically rely on Family Space alone for most parental control features.
Privacy and security considerations
Family Space collects location data, app usage information, and browsing history from your child's device and stores it on Telefónica's servers. This data is encrypted in transit, meaning it is scrambled while traveling between the phone and the company's computers. However, you should understand that Telefónica has access to this information.
Your child's device must have location services turned on for the app to track location, which uses battery power. If your child turns off location services, the app will stop sending location data to your parent dashboard. Some children may find ways to disable the app or uninstall it if they have physical access to their phone and know the PIN, though the app is designed to make this difficult.
Before installing Family Space on your child's device, consider having a conversation with them about why you are using it and what you will and will not monitor. Transparency about parental monitoring tends to work better than secret monitoring.
Alternatives to Family Space
Other parental control apps with similar features include Google Family Link (free, works on Android and some iOS features), Apple Screen Time (free, built into iOS), Microsoft Family Safety (free, works across Windows, Xbox, and mobile), and paid apps like Bark, Life360, and Qustodio. Each has different strengths — some focus more on location tracking, others on screen time management, and others on content filtering.
If you only need basic screen time limits and app blocking, the free parental controls built into Android and iOS may be enough. If you need location tracking and detailed activity reports, a dedicated app like Family Space or Life360 is usually necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child see what I am monitoring on the parent app?
No. The parent app is password-protected and only opens on your phone. Your child cannot access it unless they have your phone and know your password. However, your child can see that Family Space is installed on their device — the app icon appears on their home screen.
What happens if my child uninstalls Family Space?
On Android, you can set Family Space as a device administrator, which makes it harder to uninstall without your permission. On iOS, your child can uninstall it more easily. If the app is uninstalled, you will stop receiving data about their activity and location. You will typically get a notification that the app has been removed.
Does Family Space work if my child is on a different Wi-Fi network?
Yes. Family Space works over any internet connection — Wi-Fi or mobile data. As long as your child's device is connected to the internet, the parent app can receive location and activity data. The data may take a few minutes to update depending on the connection speed.
Can I use Family Space on multiple children's devices?
Yes. You can link multiple child devices to a single parent account. Your parent dashboard will show all linked devices, and you can set different rules and limits for each child.
Is Family Space the same as Telefónica's other parental control products?
Telefónica offers several parental control tools under different names depending on your country and mobile plan. Family Space is the standalone app version. Some Telefónica mobile plans include parental controls built into the carrier's own app. Check with your carrier to see what is included in your plan.