What Apple's Screen Time already does
With Family Sharing, you set up Screen Time for your child's iPhone directly from your own device. It's free and deeply integrated into the system.
- Downtime for set times, for example at night
- App Limits for categories or individual apps
- Always Allowed apps and contacts
- Restrictions for content, websites and purchases
- Ask to Buy for downloads and purchases
- Screen Time usage reports
If these features are enough for you, you don't need an additional app. We say that openly.
When a parental app helps in addition
Everything in one place
Rules, location, requests and help messages in one family overview instead of spread across several settings and apps.
Modes for everyday life
School mode, Bedtime or Free time as easy-to-understand rules that fit your family's routine.
Requests with a reason
Your child asks for more time or an app and explains why. You make a conscious decision instead of just tapping yes or no.
Rewards
Tasks with a time bonus: your child sends a photo as proof, and you approve the minutes.
Places and help
Zones for home or school with notifications about arrivals and departures, plus help messages with the available location.
Knowledge, not just bans
Age-appropriate topics on algorithms, advertising, scams and privacy – with conversation starters for parents.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Apple Screen Time | Kydly |
|---|---|---|
| Downtime and App Limits | Yes | Yes, as rules and modes based on Apple's interfaces |
| Web and purchase restrictions | Yes | Yes, based on Apple's interfaces |
| Requests with the child's reason | Requests for more time and purchases | More time or an app, with a reason |
| Location and places with notifications | Via the separate Find My app | In the family overview, zones from 100 m to 5 km |
| Help message with location | The system's Emergency SOS | Prepared family messages such as “Please pick me up” |
| Rewards with a time bonus | No | Yes (Premium) |
| Media literacy for children | No | 15 topics (Premium) |
| Cost | Free | Free basics, Premium from €4.99 per month |
Kydly uses Apple's Screen Time interfaces. You choose together on the child's iPhone which apps are affected, because Apple only allows app selection there. Kydly's help messages do not replace an emergency call.
Our honest recommendation
Start with Apple's Screen Time if you only want to limit time. If you notice that rules are constantly being negotiated, that your child needs more of a say, or that you want to see location, requests and rules together, try Kydly. The basic features for one parent and the first child are free.
Frequently asked questions
Does Kydly replace Apple's Screen Time?
No. Kydly builds on Apple's Screen Time interfaces. The rules take effect on the child's device through the mechanisms Apple provides.
Can I use Apple's Screen Time and Kydly at the same time?
Yes. Make sure the rules don't contradict each other. The easiest approach is to manage time rules in one place.
Do I need Family Sharing for Kydly?
Yes. For Screen Time management, each child with their own Apple Account must be part of your Apple Family Sharing group.
Get to know Kydly
Try Kydly first with sample data in the demo, or download the app. The basic features for one parent and the first child are free.
Sources and further information
This guide is published by the provider of the Kydly app. It does not replace individual legal, medical or educational advice. Information about Kydly describes the app as of the date stated; the Privacy Policy, the Terms of Use and the terms Apple displays before purchase are binding. Legal documents (privacy policy, terms of use, legal notice) are available in German and English.