uMobix parental controls review: The most user-friendly parental control app in 2024

As a Cybernews expert, I strongly believe protecting children from online threats is critical in today's digital world.

Along with the Cybernews research team, I've run extensive tests on uMobix, and I think it's one of the most feature-rich parental control apps out there today. Continue reading to see how uMobix performed in our tests and how this app keeps your family safe.

Quick overview of uMobix parental control app

uMobix markets itself as a well-rounded parental control app for managing children's and teens' online activities. Below, I’ve outlined some key information about uMobix:

🌐 Web & app filtering	Yes (blocks apps & websites only)
🕓 Screen time limits	No (no time scheduling feature)
📍 Location tracking	Yes (real-time GPS)
🖥️ Supported platforms	Android, iOS
📲 Number of devices	1 device per subscription, multiple parent devices
✂️ Free plan	No
⌛ Trial period	No, but it offers a live demo
💵 Price	From $12.49/month (the annual plan is the cheapest)

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What is uMobix?

uMobix is an impressive solution for monitoring online activities. It allows parents to oversee their children’s online activities and check their location in real-time.

The uMobix app offers real-time location tracking, social media monitoring, and call and message logging. You can block specific websites and apps as well. uMobix also has streaming capabilities that allow you to remotely access the camera and microphone of your child’s device. You can take snapshots or stream video and audio to determine what’s going on around them.

The app supports both Android and iOS devices. However, there are some limitations, like the need for direct access on Android (to install the program on your child's device), and some features are restricted on iOS (iOS doesn't allow some forms of monitoring). Additionally, it doesn't support desktop devices and has no geofencing features ( on iOS). It also lacks application or website filtering.

Ersten Group, a fast-growing technology company founded in 2020, developed uMobix. The app was launched in 2024 to address parental concerns regarding their children's safety in the digital realm.

Ersten Group is trusted by millions globally for creating effective digital safety solutions.

uMobix has no known data breaches to date; however, there's no information available on SOC 3 reports or ISO 27001 compliance. uMobix is certified for PCI DSS but is not part of any bug bounty program.

How does uMobix work?

uMobix is a parental control app that allows you to monitor and control your children’s devices in real-time. During my tests, I found that it tracks call logs, text messages, social media activity, GPS location, and web browsing history.

This data was transmitted from the test device to the dashboard of my uMobix app, which I could easily access and review from any device.

Although uMobix only allows you to manage one device from a single account, this is sufficient, given the features uMobix comes with. More devices mean more subscriptions, however.

uMobix supports multiple parent devices, so you and your partner can both monitor your child's or teen's device. During my tests, I could also remotely control some settings, block specific apps, restrict screen time, and disable certain Wi-Fi access points. However, it doesn't offer screen time limitations or scheduling options.

While I could install the uMobix app on an iOS device by providing the iCloud credentials, you’ll need physical access to your child’s device if they use Android. On the plus side, uninstalling the app on Android requires the parent or caregiver's credentials, making it harder to bypass.

While running tests, the Cybernews research team found that children can circumvent the app’s monitoring features using some bypass methods like changing the device’s DNS address, disabling GPS and internet, or using a VPN.

For instance, using a VPN encrypts internet traffic, preventing uMobix from detecting certain activities. Switching to less common browsers can also avoid web filtering, and disabling GPS or Wi-Fi can block location tracking.

During our tests, we explored the possibility of GPS spoofing, which can trick the app into showing a false location. While uninstalling the app on Android was difficult without parental access, other methods, such as using developer tools, may allow tech-savvy kids to circumvent these controls.

I think parents should be aware of these limitations and check device settings regularly to ensure consistent monitoring.

Overall, the Cybernews research team and I agree that uMobix simplifies parental oversight and allows you to control so much of your child’s device functionality.

It’s important to note that uMobix collects personal data such as your name, address, and billing information to provide its service. This data may be shared with its partners.

uMobix key features

Below, I've highlighted uMobix's key features, including call monitoring, social media monitoring, offline GPS location tracking, and more.

Continue reading to see precisely how these features can help in the context of parental control.

Call monitoring

You can monitor incoming and outgoing calls on your child’s device by looking at detailed call logs. You can review details like contact names, call duration, and timestamps. uMobix allows you to block specific contacts but does not allow you to set alerts for particular phone numbers.

Text message monitoring

Parents can access SMS messages and even deleted texts, calls, contacts, and renamed contacts. uMobix tracks messaging apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger by capturing screenshots.

Social media monitoring

uMobix monitors social media activity across different platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok — even on private accounts. It takes screenshots of posts, messages, and stories. The Cybernews research team tested multiple platforms and found that it captured screenshots of activities on major social networks.

GPS location tracking

uMobix can track your child's real-time location and associated historical data. You can see GPS coordinates and map views, and you can check the location history to see past activities. My team confirmed the GPS accuracy in real-world scenarios.

Browser history monitoring

You can also track browsing history, including visited websites and bookmarks. uMobix cannot track in private or incognito mode, and our tests confirmed that private browsing sessions aren't captured.

App usage monitoring

Are you worried about which apps your child is installing? uMobix lets you see which apps your child installs and remotely block or uninstall them. However, it does not provide detailed app usage statistics.

Remote control features

uMobix allows you to lock your child's device and and block apps. These features help to regulate usage during critical periods like bedtime or study hours. I found that the timer required multiple refreshes to work properly sometimes.

Data reporting

uMobix gives you a detailed real-time report of your child’s device on your dashboard. However, you don't get a compilation of these reports or summaries for further analysis.

Alerts and notifications

We expected uMobix to give us real-time alerts about suspicious activities or rule violations, but we were disappointed. Parents must manually review the dashboard to stay informed about their child's activities, and there are no customizable alerts.

Keylogging

I was personally impressed by this feature. The keylogging feature records every keystroke on your child's device, so you can see password changes, messages, search queries, and more. However, this feature raises some ethical considerations regarding privacy.

How much does uMobix cost?

uMobix has 3 flexible pricing tiers: it has a 1-month, 3-month, and 12-month plan. The longer you stay with uMobix, the lower your monthly price will be.

Plan duration	Price	Key features
1 month	$49.99/month	All features are available on Android; limited features available on iOS
3 months	$29.99/month	All features are available on Android; limited features on iOS
12 months	$12.49/month	All features are available on Android; limited features on iOS

Clearly, the annual plan is by far the most cost-effective. uMobix does not offer a free trial, but it has a live demo, which we liked. Its refund policy is limited to 14 days for technical defects.

There's no money-back guarantee for general dissatisfaction, so evaluate your needs carefully. uMobix accepts payments via credit/debit cards, Google Pay, and cryptocurrencies.

I'd like to note that iOS users are left out because Apple limits many of uMobix's features that are available on Android, like:

• GPS tracking
• Keylogger
• App & browser tracking
• App filtering and blocking
• Call and message restriction
• Spyware scanner
• Geofencing

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uMobix setup and installation process

The uMobix installation process varies in complexity between Android and iOS devices. Here's a step-by-step guide to setting up this app:

uMobix Android installation

Here's how to install the uMobix app on an Android device.

Note: You'll need the passcode of your child’s device and it must be connected to stable Wi-Fi.

1. Sign up for uMobix: Visit the uMobix website in private/incognito mode, create an account, and pay.
2. Download the APK on your child’s phone: After subscribing, you'll get a link to download an APK file. Click it and allow installations from unknown sources on your child’s device.
3. Install the app on your child’s phone: Open the APK file and follow the prompts. When the installation is completed, click "OPEN." Then, select "AGREE AND CONTINUE" and "SETUP AUTOMATICALLY." Grant the required app permissions to continue.
4. Enable keylogger tracking: Under Accessibility Services, search for "User Accounts" or "Installed Services" and enable keylogger tracking to continue the installation.
5. Hide your trail: When done, delete the APK file from "Downloads." Also, go to the device’s home screen and hide the app from view.
6. Access your parental dashboard: Log in to your uMobix account on your device to start monitoring your child’s device.

uMobix iOS installation

For iOS, the uMobix installation process is a bit different.

1. Sign up for uMobix: Follow the same steps for Android.
2. Enable iCloud backup: Before starting the setup, ensure iCloud backup is enabled on your child’s device. To do this, go to Settings > iCloud > iCloud Backup and turn it on.
3. Enter the device’s iCloud credentials: You'll need the iCloud username and password of your child's device. Enter these in your uMobix dashboard.
4. Complete two-factor authentication: If enabled, you must enter the 2FA code sent to a trusted Apple device linked to the iCloud account in your uMobix dashboard.
5. Select the correct device: If multiple devices are linked to the iCloud account, select the right one.
6. Sync data: Once linked, uMobix will sync data from iCloud to your dashboard. If there is a lot of data, this may take up to 24 hours.

Setting up the uMobix app on an Android device takes about 10-15 minutes, but due to data syncing, it could take up to 24 hours on iOS.

uMobix reviews

The reviews I’ve seen about uMobix are a mixed bag. It's crucial to note that uMobix seems to make an effort to respond to criticisms from users and is praised by many.

First, let's start with the positive.

Users generally speak highly of uMobix’s monitoring features and general ease of use, especially on Android. For instance, several users say the service is good for tracking teenagers' social media activity.

Many users also laud uMobix's array of spy tools, finding it useful for monitoring texts, calls, and locations. A few said they like that uMobix lets them monitor multiple devices (requires multiple subscriptions).

Unfortunately, though, I also saw a lot of harsh criticism. Some of this criticism was about uMobix’s customer support, with many users expressing frustration over unresponsive support teams and trouble getting refunds.

Users also reported issues during setup, especially on iOS devices. Importantly, many users were worried about privacy, saying that the app exposes its presence on their child’s device, defeating its purpose.

From what I've seen, the worst part is that some users are convinced that the company is a scam (and some even posted screenshots of questionable email responses). For instance, users reported auto-renewal charges and difficulty canceling subscriptions.

One user labeled the service a "scam artist company," though uMobix responded and told the user that he did not set the app up correctly.

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uMobix parental control app vs. competitors

It's essential to consider the competition when choosing a parental control app. After all, uMobix isn't the only app on the market. There are recognized options like Qustodio, Norton Family, and Bark are out. We looked at apps like Aura, SpyX, and mSpy as well.

• Aura: Compared to uMobix, Aura focuses more on identity theft protection and offers cybersecurity tools like a VPN and antivirus. Although uMobix is optimized for social media surveillance, Aura provides broader family protection and multiple device protection (up to 50 devices). However, Aura parental control lacks uMobix's location tracking capabilities.
• SpyX: Some users claim SpyX has bugs. However, it has the parental control essentials.
• mSpy: Comparing uMobix to mSpy gave me several insights. Both offer surveillance capabilities like social media monitoring and location tracking, but mSpy has the edge in monitoring depth as it taps into more social media platforms and is more detailed overall.

Pricing-wise, uMobix is costlier than its competitors, at $12.49 monthly for an annual subscription that covers just one device. This is more expensive than mSpy's basic plan, which starts at $5.83 per month (however, mSpy's advanced plans are costly).

SpyX is slightly cheaper at $11.66 per month, but it lacks key features, and users have reported many errors. Finally, at $8.25 per month, Aura seems to provide more value than the others thanks to its cybersecurity features, but it doesn't offer much specialized monitoring.

Conclusion: Is uMobix the right choice for your family?

After thoroughly testing uMobix alongside the Cybernews research team, I think it's an interesting option for parents who need detailed monitoring features. It's geared towards social media tracking and real-time GPS tracking.

However, its severe limitations on iOS, high cost, and mixed user reviews may put buyers off. I recommend comparing uMobix and other parental control apps before picking one. Check out our articles comparing Qustodio vs. Bark and Aura vs. Bark to explore some alternatives.

Pros

It is good for tracking multiple social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and others, with screenshots. Its offline tracking capabilities (GPS) are another strong point. Also, I found the user interface easy to use.

Cons

Unfortunately, uMobix has several downsides. First is the cost — it's a $12.49 monthly contract for a year (and that’s the cheapest option), making it more expensive than its competitors.

Another big con is that the iOS version of the uMobix app lacks many key features available on the Android version. There are also many negative reviews about this app.

FAQ