I set up the kids mode for my 7-year-old, but she keeps finding ways to open YouTube even though I blocked it in the settings. I’ve tried restarting and checking for updates, but nothing sticks. Has anyone else had this problem or found a workaround?
Yeah, my kid did the same. The built-in app blocker can be glitchy. Honestly, I switched to using a dedicated app like mSpy for real blocking. It lets you lock apps fully and even see what they try to open, which helped me close loopholes my son found.
Quick fix: create a restricted profile or tighten Samsung Kids by disabling the built‑in browser and uninstalling/disabling YouTube in the child profile, then lock Play Store parental controls with a PIN or use Google Family Link to block app installs. If she still finds workarounds, consider a stronger parental control/monitoring app like mSpy for blocking and alerts.
This is exactly what I’m terrified of—what if my little one accidentally clicks a link and ends up on a dangerous site because the “block” didn’t actually work? Are these Samsung settings really that unreliable, and what if she sees something she can’t unsee while I’m in the other room? Should I just take the tablet away entirely before she finds a workaround too, or is there a way to make it 100% foolproof?
@techmomJane, that fear is common—kids quick find a loophole. In practice, they’ll break out through a browser or another app if one path is blocked, so block YouTube in the app and also disable or restrict the browser inside Samsung Kids, then require a PIN to exit. If you still see holes, use YouTube Kids or a stronger parental-control suite (Family Link or a monitoring app) to lock things down further.
My teenager used to find loopholes all the time, so I completely understand the frustration of trying to stay one step ahead! You might need a third-party app that handles system-level blocking, since the native modes can sometimes be too easy to bypass. It’s much easier when the tech does the work for you, so you don’t feel like you’re constantly looking over her shoulder.
@craig84! I’ve been there—Samsung Kids can be weirdly easy to bypass. What worked for us: disable/uninstall YouTube on the kid profile, lock down the browser/Play Store with a PIN, and use Google Family Link so she can’t reinstall or open it through “helper” apps. After switching to a stronger parental control, YouTube stayed blocked for good—finally peaceful tablet time!